SASSA Means Test

SASSA Means Test Explained: Asset & Income Threshold

To get help from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), you have to understand something called the Means Test. This test decides if you can get financial help from SASSA or not. In this guide, we explain what the Means Test is and why it’s important. We talk about how SASSA looks at your income and belongings to decide if you qualify for help. We’ll make it easier to understand how the Means Test works and what money and belongings you can have to get support from SASSA.

The following is a list of the maximum income and asset thresholds to be implemented on April 1, 2023. Please note that these values are subject to change every year, whether it is on April 1 or October 1. 

SASSA Grant Income Threshold

In accordance with what we discussed previously, SASSA 350 income thresholds vary by type of grant. For each type of grant, the following income thresholds apply:

Old Age, Disability, Grant-in-Aid, and War Veterans Grant:

  • It is recommended that a single person earns no more than R8 070 per month (R96 840 per year).
  • There should not be more than R193 680 (R16 140) in monthly income for a married couple.

Child Support Grant

  • Individuals (primary caregivers of a child) should have an income of no more than R5 000 (R60 000) per month.
  • Applicants (and their spouses) cannot earn more than R120000 per year (or R10000 a month) together.

Care Dependency Grant

  • One person’s income should not exceed R20 800 per month (R249 600 per year) for a parent or primary caregiver.
  • Couples (parents or primary caregivers) of a child should not have a combined income exceeding R49900 per month (R499200 annually).

Foster Child Grant

  • The Foster Child Grant does not require a means test.

SRD (Social Relief of Distress) Grant

  • It is not allowed for your monthly income to exceed R624 per month.

SASSA Asset Threshold

For each grant type, the maximum asset threshold is as follows:

Old Age, Disability, Grant-in-Aid, and War Veterans Grant:

  • Over R1 372 800 is the maximum value of assets that can be owned by one person.
  • It is recommended that a married couple’s combined assets do not exceed R2 745 600.

SRD Grants are need-based grants that do not require a means test for assets for Child Support, Care Dependency, Foster Child Grants, or Foster Child Grants.

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What is considered an income in the SASSA Means Test?

Based on SASSA’s definition of income, the following items are considered to be income:

  • Grants from private pensions
  • Making money from any business or farming activity
  • Getting financial assistance from friends or family
  • Your house can earn you money if you rent out a portion of it
  • Payments from an ex-spouse for your child’s maintenance
  • Making money from your job
  • Owning a property and renting it out
  • A claim for compensation may come from other sources, such as the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), the Road Accident Fund (RAF), or the Compensation Fund for Occupational Injuries and Diseases (COIDA).

What are considered assets?

According to SASSA’s means test, the following assets are considered assets:

  • Your bank account is full of money. A spouse’s bank account contains money if they are married.
  • You and/or your spouse’s property value, except for the house and/or land in which you reside. (Land and properties with outstanding bonds are considered worthless).
  • In addition to shares and any other investments owned by you or your spouse, we will count the value of all investments owned by you or your spouse.
  • The means test will not consider your annuity if you have not yet retired from a retirement fund.
  • The means test will include your annuity if you are retired from a retirement fund.
  • Bonds and loans that are outstanding.

How are your revenues calculated? Which costs are deducted?

SASSA allows you to deduct the following expenses from your salary when calculating means test results:

  • Payments made through UIF
  • Costs associated with medical aid
  • Taxes you pay on your income
  • Pension funds or retirement annuities are contributions made to a retirement plan.

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    FAQs

    Why is the SASSA means test required?

    In SASSA means tests, needy individuals are identified who need immediate assistance with their financial difficulties.

    What is the main factor the means test takes into account?

    In order to determine whether applicants meet the SASSA’s eligibility criteria, assets and income are the main factors. There may be grants available to you if you have an income or assets below a certain threshold. Different types of grants have different threshold criteria.

    Why is the SASSA Means Test Important to Get an SRD R350 Grant?

    The SASSA means test ensures that the grant is only given to people who are most in need of it when applying for the SRD R350 grant.

    Conclusion

    Accordingly, SASSA’s means test is designed to identify needy individuals facing financial difficulties and in need of immediate support. The means test evaluates your assets and income in order to determine whether you are financially eligible.

    Social grants have different means tests that must be passed to qualify for SASSA grants. Each type of grant has its own means test. In case you have any questions about applying for the SASSA grant or its eligibility criteria, you can directly contact SASSA.

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