Will UBI-Universal Basic Income Replace SRD Grant in 2024?After the South African Government to Announce new Grant Universal Basic Income which will Come to Replace the Current grant sassa.
Answer: yes UBI Will come to replace sassa Grant
What is Universal Basic Income (UBI)?
As a newly elected government party, the African National Congress (ANC) has more than enough resources to assist all citizens financially, which is why they have come up with a Universal Basic Income (UBI) grant.
This new grant will, unlike the current SRD R370, target all and sundry all over South Africa irrespective of their eligibility criteria amongst many others.
SRD VS UBI Breakdown
In South Africa, the social welfare system is expected to be completely revolutionized considering the projected introduction of Universal Basic Income in the year 2024-2025. Hence, let us explore the major differences that are there between the present Social Relief of Distress grant scheme and the UBI system that is about to be ushered in.
The SRD targets unemployed individuals between the ages of 18 and 60 to meet the specific means-tested criteria, indicating financial hardship. The UBI is designed for mature citizens aged 18 and 59, regardless of their income or employment status. Aims for broader coverage.
Dost Forsh is dependent on the applicant providing financial security in the form of guidelines and the applicant has to reapply at convenient intervals so as to be eligible. The UBI on the other hand is not controlled, has no conditions and promotes personal empowerment.
Dost provides limited support for a short duration in the form of monetary aid to those who are incapable of doing without it. UBI on the other hand is a social policy that addresses social ills such as reduction of poverty, stimulating the economy as well as empowering people and minimizing disparities among them.
In the same way, each of the two programs has its own drawbacks. The main constraint of the SRD concern is related to its narrow coverage, ease of depletion and the likelihood of administrative burden. In case of UBI, it is related to doubts about the effectiveness of the schemes in the dynamic economic environment, risk of idleness and protection of an efficient system.
Key Benefits of Universal Basic Income (UBI)
Here are seven critical advantages of the Universal Basic Income (UBI) grant:
Financial Security: UBI offers an assured income stream, ensuring individuals have sufficient funds to support their basic living requirements.
Low Ratio of Poverty: Through the provision of this non-conditional grant, UBI is designed to ensure that individuals do not fall below a certain poverty line thus combating inequality within the society.
Economic Stability: Citizens would have more of their household income to spend on goods and services causing a growth in consumption which will in turn grow the economy and bring development.
Better Mental Health: Money Problems, as experts say, are the main cause of mental issues. UBI provides the much-needed help, which relieves stress thereby improving health conditions.
Promotes Small Businesses: A guaranteed paycheck provides the cushion many people need to take time off from work to start a small business or even go back to school without the risk of becoming broke.
Decreasing Administrative Costs: UBI works because it gets rid of the complexity of the current structures of the welfare system where there are several programs and introduces only one payment for every adult.
Social Inclusion: UBI works towards the elimination of the negative connotations of welfare by even socializing the recipients of the benefits thus improving their dignity.
Eligibility for Universal Basic Income
UBI is provided to residents of South Africa on a regular time period. However, no complex eligibility norm is required for UBI approval. The permanent residents of South Africa who are between 18 and 59 years old are eligible for monthly payments.
The UBI was introduced to ensure everyone could get enough financial aid for survival. It is intended to be available for all of the permanent residents of SA. It ensures that no one falls through the cracks.
How to Claim Universal Basic Income
UBI is intended to simplify the complexity of the social welfare system. To ensure the registration of all eligible individuals, there is an application process. The claimants can register themselves through digital platforms.
To claim the UBI, applicants must submit certain significant documents, such as residential proof, documents of identification, and bank details. The payment will be made directly into the bank account, so claimants must provide accurate details.
The individuals who can not access the online platforms can claim the application in person. The claimants can contact the SASSA personally and can claim the grant. Moreover, there is an anticipation of outreach programs for remote communities and families living in marginalized areas to make them aware of UBI access.
