UBI Grant Revalidation : South Africa’s Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant beneficiaries are facing a new requirement ahead of the nationwide rollout of the Universal Basic Income (UBI) Grant in 2025. As part of the updated eligibility process, ID verification and document revalidation will be mandatory for all current and new recipients. This move by SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) aims to eliminate fraud, improve delivery accuracy, and ensure only deserving citizens receive monthly UBI support starting May 15, 2025.
The new verification procedure will affect millions of SRD grant holders, who are now required to submit updated documents and complete biometric ID checks. Here’s a complete guide to what’s changing, what documents are needed, how to comply, and what happens if you don’t.
Why ID Verification is Now Mandatory for the UBI Grant
In preparation for the permanent rollout of the UBI grant in South Africa, SASSA is tightening control to ensure data integrity and fairness. Previously, the SRD grant system faced issues such as duplication, outdated identity records, and fraud. With the UBI grant promising long-term monthly support, these problems can no longer be overlooked.
Key reasons for mandatory verification:
- To confirm the identity of grant recipients
- To remove fraudulent or duplicate applications
- To transition from the SRD system to the UBI system smoothly
- To update beneficiaries’ banking and address information
To comply with National Treasury’s grant disbursement audit requirements
What Documents SRD Recipients Need to Revalidate for the UBI Grant
To be eligible for the UBI Grant from May 15, 2025, recipients must submit updated and valid documents to SASSA either online or in person. Failure to do so will result in grant suspension or delays.
Required Documents:
- Valid South African ID card or Green ID book
- Recent proof of residence (not older than 3 months)
- Bank account confirmation letter (with correct account details)
- Cellphone number registered in recipient’s name
- Proof of income or unemployment status
- SASSA application reference number
- Biometric verification (face or fingerprint scan at SASSA offices or online)
Updated Timeline & Deadlines for Document Revalidation
Below is the official timeline released by SASSA for SRD recipients transitioning to the UBI Grant:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Public notification of revalidation | May 1, 2025 |
| Start of ID & document verification | May 15, 2025 |
| Deadline to submit documents online | June 30, 2025 |
| Final biometric check-in | July 10, 2025 |
| UBI Grant first payment date | July 25, 2025 |
| Appeal deadline for rejected applicants | August 15, 2025 |
| Monthly review and audits begin | From August 2025 |
Failure to revalidate before the June 30, 2025 deadline could result in suspension of UBI payments.
How to Submit Your Documents to SASSA – Step-by-Step
There are two ways to update your documents for the UBI grant – online and in-person.
Online Submission Process:
- Visit the official SASSA services website
- Click on the UBI Grant Update tab
- Log in using your SRD application ID and OTP sent to your phone
- Upload scanned copies of your documents in the required format
- Submit your application and receive confirmation via SMS
In-Person Submission:
- Visit your nearest SASSA regional office with original documents
- Complete the UBI revalidation form at the helpdesk
- Provide biometric data if required (facial or fingerprint)
- Receive a stamped confirmation slip for records
Important: SASSA officials will never ask for your banking PIN or passwords. Stay alert for fraud.
Key SASSA Office Contact Points by Province
| Province | Regional SASSA Office | Contact Number | Email Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | Johannesburg SASSA Office | 0800 60 10 11 | [email protected] |
| Western Cape | Cape Town Office | 021 469 0235 | [email protected] |
| KwaZulu-Natal | Durban Regional Office | 031 334 6600 | [email protected] |
| Eastern Cape | East London SASSA Branch | 043 707 6300 | [email protected] |
| Limpopo | Polokwane Office | 015 291 7500 | [email protected] |
| Free State | Bloemfontein Office | 051 409 0600 | [email protected] |
| Mpumalanga | Nelspruit Branch | 013 754 9428 | [email protected] |
| Northern Cape | Kimberley Office | 053 802 4900 | [email protected] |
| North West | Mahikeng Regional Office | 018 384 1000 | [email protected] |
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What Happens If You Don’t Revalidate Your Documents
SASSA has made it clear: no revalidation means no UBI grant payout. Here’s what could happen if you miss the process:
- Your existing SRD grant will stop after June 2025
- You will not be enrolled into the new UBI monthly payment system
- You’ll be marked as “inactive” in the SASSA registry
- You may need to reapply from scratch with new forms and wait for months
This is why immediate action is critical for every current SRD recipient.
Who Needs to Do Biometric ID Verification?
All UBI applicants who:
- Were flagged during previous SRD fraud audits
- Have inconsistent identity or banking data
- Are new applicants with no prior SASSA ID history
- Were temporarily approved for SRD under emergency rule
Others may be required to verify at random, as part of routine audits.
Common Issues to Avoid During Verification
- Uploading blurred or cropped documents
- Using someone else’s bank account
- Failing to match the name on ID with bank account
- Ignoring the SMS or email reminders from SASSA
- Missing the revalidation deadline
FAQs – UBI Grant Revalidation
Q1. Is revalidation required if I already get the SRD grant?
Yes, even existing SRD recipients must revalidate and undergo ID verification.
Q2. Can I still receive the grant if I miss the May 15 start date?
Yes, but you must complete the process before June 30 to avoid suspension.
Q3. What happens after my documents are approved?
You’ll be automatically enrolled into the UBI program and start receiving monthly payments from July 25.
Q4. What if my documents are rejected?
You can appeal the decision before August 15, with updated documents or a signed affidavit.
Q5. Do I need a new application for the UBI grant?
No, if you already have an SRD ID. Just update your documents and complete the ID check.
Q6. Where do I go if my documents don’t upload online?
Visit your nearest SASSA office with all original documents for manual processing.
The shift from the temporary SRD grant to the permanent UBI Grant marks a major transformation in South Africa’s social support system. While the revalidation and ID verification process may seem tedious, it is essential to ensure accurate, fair, and fraud-free distribution of funds. Recipients are strongly encouraged to act quickly, gather all required documents, and submit them before the June 30 deadline.
For additional help, contact SASSA’s national call centre at 0800 60 10 11 or visit www.sassa.gov.za.
What are the updated ID verification requirements for the UBI Grant 2025?
Recipients must revalidate documents, starting May 15.
When does the ID verification process for UBI Grant 2025 begin?
Starting on May 15.
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