Main Question: How to apply for basic income grant in South Africa? Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu says that South Africa’s special R350 Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant should help open the way to the introduction of a basic income grant in the country.
According to Black Sash: Income support for those aged 18 to 59 with no or little income is a critical step towards government’s implementation of a universal basic income grant to ensure that all who live in South Africa have an adequate standard of living.
What is the distinction between Basic Income Grant and Universal Basic Income Grant?
The Basic Income Grant (BIG) is a form of social assistance. Unlike other common social grants (disability grant, elderly grant or child grant), this particular grant is intended to provide an income source to people who cannot access employment or make meaningful income. Think of it as a way to assist people struggling to find jobs because of structural unemployment, in the same way that an elderly person cannot work because of old age. In both instances something creates a structural barrier for this group of people to earn an income.
The target group for this Basic Income Grant are able-bodied people aged between 18 and 59 years, who otherwise cannot access employment for whatever valid reason.
How much is Basic Income Grant in South Africa?
- Implement permanent social assistance for those aged 18 to 59 valued at the upper-bound poverty line, currently R1,268.00 per month. Caregivers, who receive the Child Support Grant, must qualify for this grant;
- Make the COVID-19 grant increases of R250 per month permanent for all social grants;
- Ensure that the above provisions apply to refugees, permanent residents, asylum seekers and migrant workers with special permits; and
- Work towards a universal basic income.
