SASSA Means Test Asset and Income Threshold

SASSA Means Test is a financial assessment designed to direct social grants to the people who need them most. It follows preset government thresholds to determine eligibility based on the applicant’s financial situation.

SASSA Means Test

Through the Means Test, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) evaluates your combined income and assets together with those of your spouse against the set threshold limits.

For each grant type, there are specified limits for the Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant, Child Support Grant, Care Dependency Grant, and Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant.

Income Threshold Assessment

With the Means Test for income assessment, SASSA considers income from various sources, including salaries, business profits, pensions, rental income, UIF payments, and financial support from relatives. You can check the table below for total income limits for your specific grant.

Note: The income you earn must be below the set threshold for the specific SASSA grant to qualify.

Asset Threshold Assessment

To calculate the value of your assets, the SASSA Means Test considers land, investments, unit trusts, vehicles, savings, and business assets. Your total assets should remain below the threshold set for your specific grant, as defined in the table below.

Note: SASSA excludes your primary home from the income and asset assessment.

Old Age Grant Means Test

South Africans aged 60 and older qualify for a monthly Old Age Grant if income and assets fall within SASSA’s means test limits.

Single applicants have an income limit of R8,990 per month and R107,880 per year, with a total assets limit of R1,524,600.

Married applicants have a combined income limit of R17,980 per month and R215,760 per year, with total assets limited to R3,049,200.

Important: SASSA Pensioners living in government-funded old-age homes receive a slightly reduced grant, as meals and care are already provided.

Child Support Grant Means Test

To support children in low-income households, SASSA Child Support Grant is available to parents or legal guardians whose income falls within SASSA’s limits.

Single applicants have an income limit of R5,600 per month and R67,200 per year. Married applicants have a combined household income limit of R11,200 per month and R134,400 per year.

Important: There is no asset test for the Child Support Grant. Only the income of the parent or legal guardian is assessed, keeping the process simple and supportive for families.

Care Dependency Grant Means Test

SASSA does not evaluate assets for the Care Dependency Grant, keeping the qualification process simple and focused only on income.

A single applicant’s income limit is R23,100 per month and R277,200 per year. For married couples, a combined income limit is R46,200 per month and R554,400 per year.

Disability Grant Means Test

Qualification for the SASSA Disability Grant depends on both income and assets.

Single applicants must have a monthly income limit of R8,990 and an annual income limit of R107,880. The total assets limit per year is R1,524,600.

Married applicants have a combined monthly income limit of R17,980 and an annual income limit of R215,760. The couple’s total assets limit is set for R3,049,200.

Note: Grant-in-Aid approval follows your main social grant Means Test criteria.

War Veterans Grant Means Test

Eligibility for the War Veterans Grant depends on income and assets to remain within defined monthly and annual limits.

For single applicants, there is a monthly income limit of R8,990 per month and R107,880 per year. The total assets limit is R1,524,600.

Married applicants follow the combined income limit of R17,980 per month and R215,760 per year. The total assets limit is R3,049,200.

Foster Child Grant Means Test

SASSA Foster Child Grant is not means-tested, and eligibility is based entirely on the official court order and the child’s foster care status.

Note: Confirming the reason for a declined SASSA grant is important before an appeal or reconsideration process.

Means Test for SRD Grant

Monthly income is the only factor evaluated under the means test for the Social Relief of Distress Grant.

To qualify for the SRD R370 grant, your monthly income must be below the R624 threshold.

Important Reminder

You can monitor your SASSA balance regularly to ensure it stays within the allowed limits. If your income exceeds the threshold, simply withdraw funds from your SASSA card or bank account to keep your balance within the permitted range.

SASSA Status Check