South Africa may soon replace the R370 SRD Grant with a new Basic Income Support Grant, a change that could affect millions of unemployed people right now.
What the new grant is
The government is designing a Basic Income Support (BIS) Grant. It will be paid monthly, like the current SRD Grant, but it will also act as a Jobseeker Grant. The idea is to give cash help and connect recipients to jobs, training, skills programmes and small‑business support.
Who could qualify
Exact rules have not been published yet. The discussions so far suggest:
- Unemployed South Africans aged 18 to 59
- People who do not qualify for other social grants
- Beneficiaries will be expected to take part in job‑search or training activities
What you could gain
If the grant is approved, you may receive:
- Monthly cash assistance (amount not yet announced)
- Access to government‑run employment listings
- Placement in skills‑development or training programmes
- Help to start a small business or livelihood project
How the current SRD Grant will change
The SRD Grant will continue at R370 per month until 31 March 2027. The National Treasury has set aside extra money to keep it running while the BIS policy is finalised.
This extension gives the government time to:
- Finish the BIS policy document
- Consult with stakeholders
- Secure long‑term funding
- Test the new administration system
How to apply (when the grant opens)
There is no official application form yet. When the government releases details, you will likely need to:
- Gather proof of identity (ID, passport) and residence.
- Show proof of unemployment (e.g., a recent work‑contract termination letter).
- Register on the Department of Employment and Labour’s portal (ESSA) or any other platform the government announces.
- Submit the required documents online or at a SASSA office when instructed.
- Agree to participate in any job‑search or training activities linked to the grant.
Until an official call is made, do not rely on social‑media rumours. Only use government channels for updates.
Tips to improve your chances
- Keep your CV updated and tailored to the jobs you want.
- Register on the ESSA platform now and complete your profile.
- Apply for internships, learnerships or apprenticeships that match your field.
- Join free skills‑development courses offered by SETA bodies or local NGOs.
- Follow SASSA and the Department of Social Development on their official websites for the latest announcements.
What you should do today
While you wait for the BIS Grant, focus on making yourself employable:
- Update your résumé and cover letter.
- Sign up for at least one skills‑development programme.
- Look for learnerships or internships that give you work experience.
- Monitor the SASSA website and official press releases for the grant launch.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the SRD Grant ending now? No. It will continue until March 2027.
- What is the Basic Income Support Grant? A proposed permanent income‑support programme that will also link recipients to employment and training.
- How much will the new grant pay? The amount has not been announced yet.
- Is there an application form already? No. A formal process will be released later.
- Will the grant be permanent? The government intends it to be a long‑term solution, but final decisions are pending.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available government statements as of the publishing date. Details such as eligibility criteria, grant amounts, and implementation timelines may change. Always refer to official SASSA and Treasury communications for the most accurate information.
