SASSA Means Test 2025 – Income and Asset Threshold

SASSA Means Test requirements apply to all social grant programmes and those applying for the SRD R370 grant. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) requires each new applicant and existing beneficiary to pass the means test criteria to qualify for monthly grant payments.

SASSA Means Test 2025

The SASSA Means Test calculates the applicant’s income and assets, including the combined income of their spouse. It even verifies whether the individual is registered with other government support programmes such as UIF, SARS, or NSFAS. This evaluation ensures that grant funding is distributed only to those who genuinely require financial assistance.

Assets and Income Threshold for SASSA Grant Beneficiaries

Each SASSA grant has its own set of qualification criteria. However, eligibility for monthly payments for all grant types is determined through the means test.

If your income stays below the asset and income threshold limits, you will pass the means test and be eligible to receive SASSA payments. But if you fail the means test because you earn more than the set amount, your application will be declined even if you meet the other requirements.

SASSA Pension Means Test for the Old Age Grant

• Single person: Must not earn more than R8,070 per month (or R96,840 per year). Your total assets must not exceed R1,372,800.
• Married couple: Combined income must be less than R16,140 per month (or R193,680 per year). Combined assets must not be valued above R2,745,600.

The Older Persons Grant and War Veterans Grant share the same income and asset requirements. These grants are designed to support individuals who can no longer work and require daily assistance due to old age or illness. As such, income and asset limits play a critical role in determining eligibility.

SASSA Means Test for Disability Grant

• Single person: Monthly income must not exceed R20,800 (or R249,600 per year). Your assets must be valued below R1,372,800.
• Married couple: Combined income must be less than R41,600 per month (or R499,200 per year). Total asset value must be under R2,745,600.

The Disability Grant and Care Dependency Grant share the same income and asset requirements. Both are designed to support individuals with severe disabilities who require full-time care at home. The Disability Grant applies to adults over 18, while the Care Dependency Grant supports children with disabilities under the care of a parent or primary caregiver until they turn 18.

SASSA Means Test for Child Support Grant

• Single parent or guardian: Must earn no more than R5,000 per month (or R60,000 per year). Personal assets should not exceed R1,372,800.
• Married guardians or both parents (combined household income): Must earn less than R10,000 per month (or R120,000 per year). Combined assets should be under R2,745,600.

The Child Support Grant is intended to help parents and legal guardians cover a child’s basic needs, such as food, clothing, and education. Income and asset checks are applied to ensure the support reaches orphaned children and others who need it most.

Means Test for the Foster Child Grant

The SASSA means test does not apply to beneficiaries of the Foster Child Grant. The only requirement is a valid South African court order confirming the foster care arrangement. However, a formal SASSA application online or through a local office is still necessary to process your request for monthly payments.

SASSA Grant-in-Aid

The Grant-in-Aid is an additional grant provided to recipients of the Old Age, War Veterans, Disability, and Care Dependency grants. It is intended for beneficiaries who require full-time care due to severe health conditions or the need for a caregiver, and it helps cover those additional support costs.

Means Test for SRD Grant (Social Relief of Distress)

To qualify for the SASSA SRD grant, your monthly income must not exceed R624, as reflected in your bank account or verified financial records. Any amount above this limit will result in your grant application being declined.

Important Note: SASSA checks your bank and SASSA card balance every month. If your balance exceeds the means test threshold, your monthly grant will be declined and no payment will be made.

SASSA Status Check