What Basic Income Support would be
Basic Income Support, or BIS, is the working name for a possible permanent income grant for unemployed adults, aimed at people aged 18 to 59 who fall outside existing grants. It would sit where the SRD grant sits today, but on a permanent footing. The department says it wants to link recipients to work, training and enterprise opportunities, so that the grant isn't the end of the road.
The government has said little about the design. No monthly amount has been announced, and no eligibility rules beyond the age range have been published.
Where it stands
The record, in order:
- November 2024 The department took a draft BIS policy to Cabinet, according to GroundUp. Cabinet didn't approve it. It asked the department to strengthen it, with proof of affordability and stronger links to work and to leaving the grant. The department told Parliament in June 2025 that the policy "was not rejected but needed tightening."
- June 2025 to February 2026 A consultation report, a policy colloquium and a revised costing model followed, GroundUp reported.
- January 2026 Treasury said the SRD grant would be replaced by Basic Income Support, with "no fixed timelines" for finalising it, and said the department would re-table a draft policy in the 2026/27 financial year.
- March 2026 Media reported the Minister as saying the department and the Presidency had reviewed the draft and were finalising consultation with Treasury.
- March 2027 The department's target date for putting a revised policy to Cabinet, according to GroundUp's February 2026 report.
The department said in June 2026 that it was still aiming to submit the policy to Cabinet for final approval by the end of March 2027, GroundUp reported.
Has Cabinet approved it?
No. The latest reported target for a revised submission is March 2027, and the department has asked for the SRD grant to be extended so that support doesn't break in the meantime. The extension to 31 March 2027 is confirmed, and on 21 October 2026 the Finance Minister announced a further year, GroundUp reported. A new grant would also need funding in the Budget, and amendments to the Social Assistance Act would be required before implementation could begin, GroundUp reported in June 2026.
The SRD guide after March 2027 sets out what is confirmed about the grant in the meantime, including the President's March 2026 announcement that the SRD will be redesigned.
What this means for you
Nothing to do. You can't apply for Basic Income Support, and anyone offering a place on it, for a fee or for your details, is a scammer. SASSA says it never asks for your PIN or for personal details on social media or unofficial websites.
If you need income support now, the SRD grant is the one available. The news page will carry confirmed announcements.
Frequently asked questions
What is Basic Income Support (BIS) in South Africa?
A proposed permanent income grant for unemployed working-age adults, meant to replace the SRD grant in time. It is a draft policy, not an existing grant.
Has BIS been approved by Cabinet?
No. The draft went to Cabinet in November 2024 and was sent back to be strengthened. The department's target for a revised submission is March 2027.
Update log
- 7 October 2026: wording simplified. No facts changed.
- 26 September 2026: first version.