What is the SASSA Means Test: Assets, Income, & Thresholds?

SASSA provides numerous grants to South African citizens who need financial assistance. But before SASSA approves the grant, they conduct a means test to check if the applicant fits the eligibility criteria for the particular grant. They check it to ensure that the applicant needs financial assistance. Specific limits are set for each grant they check in the means test.

In this guide, I will walk you through the means test limits of all SASSA grants. I will also give you insights on what SASSA considers income and assets and what it considers exceptions. Keep reading until the end of the article to get the most information. Let’s get started.

What is the Sassa Means Test?

The SASSA Means Test is a unique check that helps find out the income and asset division of the applicant before they become eligible for the SASSA grant. SASSA needs to do so to ensure that only those who deserve it the most receive the financial aid.

How is the Means Test Conducted?

The test checks 2 main things, i.e., your income and assets. For the income check, they see how much money you make, like from pensions, jobs, or help from friends. They want to see if your financial situation fits the rules for getting financial help.

For the assets check, they look at what you own, like money in the bank or if you own a house. Married people look at everything together, but for unmarried people, it’s just about their own money and things.

How does it Influence the Candidate’s Eligibility Criteria?

The SASSA Means Test looks at your money and assets division to see if you need support. If your situation meets the criteria for grant eligibility, you can get help from SASSA. The means test ensures the support goes to people who need it. 

If SASSA already helps you, they keep checking to ensure you still need help. If things change, like you get more money, it’s essential to tell SASSA. This helps them make sure the money goes to people who need it.

Overview of Income Thresholds for SASSA Grants

When getting financial help from SASSA, there are limits on how much money you can earn. These limits are called the “income thresholds.” They help check if you meet the financial eligibility requirements for different SASSA grants.

An income threshold is like a line that separates who can get SASSA grants and who cannot. It’s the maximum amount you can earn to qualify for financial help. SASSA wants to ensure that only those who need assistance get it. So, they set these income thresholds to ensure the grants go to those suffering financially.

SASSA offers various grants, each with its own income threshold. Let’s take a look at some of them:

1. Income Thresholds for Old Age, Disability, Grant-in-Aid, and War Veterans Grants

If you are using SASSA grants like Old Age, Disability, Grant-in-Aid, or War Veterans, there are specific limits you need to be aware of. These limits help SASSA decide if you qualify for financial help. Let’s break it down:

Grant Type	Income Threshold for Individual	Income Threshold for Married Couple
Old Age	R86,280 per annum	R172,560 per annum
Disability	R86,280 per annum	R172,560 per annum
Grant-in-Aid	Must be receiving a disability grant or old age pension	Not applicable
War Veterans	R86,280 per annum	R172,560 per annum

If you’re applying independently, here’s what you need to understand:

• You should earn under R8,070 per month.
• Your overall annual earnings should be at most R96,840.

If you’re applying with your spouse, the income limits are slightly different:

• The total profits for you and your spouse should not exceed R16,140 monthly.
• Your combined annual income must be at least R193,680.

2. Income Thresholds for Child Support Grant

Understanding the earnings thresholds is essential if you are a primary caregiver applying for the Child Support Grant from SASSA. These limits help determine eligibility for financial assistance to improve youngsters’ well-being. Here’s what you need to know:

If you are the only caregiver for the child, your profits must meet the following standards:

• Your monthly earnings should be under R5,000.
• The total annual income should be under R60,000.

Suppose you are applying for the Child Support Grant as a married couple. In that case, the combined income limits are as follows:

• The general profits for you and your spouse must be under R10,000 monthly.
• Your total annual income has to be under R120,000.

3. Income Thresholds for Care Dependency Grant

If you care for a child with special needs and seek financial help from SASSA through the Care Dependency Grant, you must know about income limits. These limits help decide if you qualify for the grant. Let’s break it down:

If you are the main person caring for a child with unique needs, here’s what you need to know about your profits:

• Your monthly income needs to be under R20,800.
• The annual income should be at most R249,600.

If you and your spouse are applying together, the combined income limits are:

• The monthly overall income of both of you must be under R41,600.
• Your combined yearly income needs to be under R499,200.

4. Foster Child Grant

Good news for foster parents! You don’t need to go through a means test for the Foster Child Grant. This means you can receive financial support without worrying about income or asset limits.

5. SRD (Social Relief of Distress) Grant

If you’re facing financial difficulties and considering the SRD Grant, there is only one limit:

Your monthly income must be at least R624.

Asset Threshold for Old Age, Disability, Grant-in-Aid, and War Veterans Grant

Previously, we discussed the income threshold for the means test. Now, talk about the asset threshold limit you need to know before applying. These limits determine the maximum value of assets you can own while still eligible for financial assistance.

For single people applying for an Old Age, Disability, Grant-in-Aid, or War Veterans Grant, the restriction for what they own is R1,372,800. This means all their stuff, like houses, financial savings, and investments, shouldn’t be worth more than this.

If a married couple applies for these grants together, the total value of everything they own should not exceed R2,745,600. This includes everything they have—homes, savings, and different properties.

These limits are set to ensure that financial assistance goes to people who need it, especially those going through troubles.

Remember, while you apply, tell the truth about what you own. If you are uncertain, asking SASSA for help is a good idea. 

What is Considered an Income in the SASSA Means Test?

According to SASSA, income means the money you get to help you make a living. They check the amount of money you make monthly and annually and, according to that information, evaluate if you need financial aid. Here are some profits that they consider income:

Income Source	Considered in Means Test	Notes
Salary/Wages	Yes	Regular employment income.
Pension	Yes	Includes private and government pensions.
Investments	Yes	Interest, dividends, and other investment returns.
Rental Income	Yes	Income from leasing property.
Social Grants	No*	*Most social grants are not considered, but specific conditions may apply.
Gifts and Donations	Yes	Regular and substantial gifts may be considered.
Inheritance	Yes	Lump-sum inheritances may affect the means test temporarily.

• Private Pension Grants. The money you get from a private pension fund.
• Business or Farming Income. If you have a business or make money from farming, that counts as income.
• Financial Help from Friends or Relatives. If someone facilitates you out with cash, SASSA sees that as a part of your profits.
• Rental Income from Property. If you rent out part of your private home or own different houses that are a source of income, that is included.
• Job Income. The money you earn from your job is taken into consideration as earnings.
• Maintenance Payments for a Child from an Ex-Spouse. If your ex-spouse gives you cash for your child’s assistance, SASSA counts that as income.
• Other Compensation Sources. The money you get from sources like UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund), RAF (Road Accident Fund), or COIDA (Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Fund) is also considered part of your income.

If you have any more questions about what’s considered income by SASSA, don’t hesitate to contact them for guidance. Remember, these rules are there to make the system fair for everyone.

What are Considered Assets in the SASSA Means Test?

According to SASSA, assets are things you own that have value. It’s essential to let SASSA know about all these assets when you apply for assistance. Providing accurate information helps ensure support goes to those in need. Here’s what they consider assets:

• Money in Your Bank Account. If you have money saved in your bank account or if you’re married, the money in your spouse’s account is seen as an asset.
• Property or Land Value. The value of any properties or land you own, except your home. If there’s a loan on a property, it’s considered to have no value.
• Investments, like Shares. If you have investments, such as shares in companies, SASSA counts these as assets.
• Retirement Benefits. Your retirement annuity is only seen as an asset if you’re retired. However, once you retire, it’s considered part of your assets.
• Outstanding Debt. Any money you owe, like bonds on homes or loans, is considered part of the asset.

What Expenses Are Deducted When Calculating Your Income?

When SASSA calculates your profits, they exclude certain expenses, subtracting them from your general income. These deductions are considered to get a more accurate picture of your financial situation. Here’s what they think are deductible expenses:

• UIF Payments. If you make payments to the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), this amount is deducted while calculating your earnings.
• Medical Aid Expenses. Any cash you spend on medical aid for your health is subtracted from your income.
• Income Tax Payments. You can deduct the amount paid as income tax from your total income, considering it an expense.
• Contributions to a Retirement Plan. If you contribute cash to a retirement plan, like a pension fund or a retirement annuity, this is also deducted while calculating your income.

How much does a SASSA grant pay?

SASSA offers numerous grants that provide different amounts of financial assistance. These grants have different amounts to fit the applicant’s needs. These amounts are subject to change every year. As of October 1, 2023, SASSA grant payments are set at the following amounts:

• Older Persons Grant (under 75 years): R2,090 per month
• Older Persons Grant (equal to or more aged than 75 years): R2,110 per month
• Disability Grant: R2,090 per month
• War Veterans Grant: R2,110 per month
• Foster Child Grant: R1,130 per month
• Care Dependency Grant: R2,090 per month
• Child Support Grant: R510 per month (or R760 with the top-up amount)
• Grant Aid: R510 per month
• SRD Grant: R350 per month

Monthly grant payments are provided exclusively for individuals who meet the eligibility criteria. It’s important to note that these amounts are subject to change, typically on April 1 and October 1 each year.

Related Posts:
SRD Grant Cancel Application
SASSA Card Renewal 2024
SASSA OTP Code

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The SASSA Means Test is a method to determine eligibility for social grants. Whether it’s Old Age, Disability, or Child Support Grants, understanding profits and asset thresholds is essential. The means test ensures that financial aid reaches those truly in need. 

Keep updated on grant amounts and any modifications, especially for the R350 SRD Grant, by checking the SASSA website. For any questions about eligibility or the application method, contact SASSA.