SASSA Means Test: Income & Asset Limits Explained 2024
Ever wondered how the government in South Africa decides who qualifies for financial support? The answer lies in the SASSA Means Test, a system that determines who needs assistance the most. Whether it’s the SRD R350 grant or other financial aid, this test helps ensure that help goes to those who truly need it. It works by evaluating the income and assets of applicants, ensuring that government resources are allocated fairly.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the SASSA Means Test, including the income and asset limits for different grants, what counts as income or assets, and the current payment amounts for 2024. Let’s take a closer look!
What Is the SASSA Means Test?
The SASSA Means Test is a system used by the South African government to determine if an individual or family qualifies for various social grants. The primary goal is to assess the financial situation of applicants, including their monthly income and the value of their assets. This helps to identify whether someone genuinely needs government assistance or if they are capable of supporting themselves.
If you’re applying for any type of SASSA grant, such as the SRD R350 grant, Disability Grant, or Older Persons Grant, you’ll need to pass this means test. This test plays a crucial role in deciding whether you are eligible to receive financial help.
How Does the SASSA Means Test Work?
The SASSA Means Test evaluates two main things:
- Income – How much money you and your family earn.
- Assets – The value of property, savings, and other valuable items you own.
SASSA sets income and asset thresholds for each grant. To qualify for a grant, your income and assets must fall below these thresholds. These limits are reviewed and updated regularly, typically every six months.
Income Thresholds for SASSA Grants (Effective from October 2023)
Each type of grant has a specific income threshold that you need to meet. If your income exceeds this amount, you may not be eligible for the grant. The income threshold is based on whether you are single or married. Below are the updated income limits for SASSA grants:
| Grant Name | Income Limit for Single Applicants | Income Limit for Married Applicants |
| SRD R350 | R624 per month | Same |
| Child Support | R61,200 per year | R122,400 per year |
| Care Dependency | R250,800 per year | R501,600 per year |
| Disability | R97,320 per year | R194,640 per year |
| War Veterans | R97,320 per year | R194,640 per year |
| Older Persons | R97,320 per year | R194,640 per year |
| Grant-in-Aid | R97,320 per year | R194,640 per year |
Asset Limits for SASSA Grants
For certain grants, SASSA also considers the value of your assets, including property and savings. The asset threshold applies to grants like Disability Grant, Older Persons Grant, Grant-in-Aid, and War Veterans Grant.
| Grant Name | Asset Limit for Single Applicants | Asset Limit for Married Applicants |
| War Veterans | R1,379,400 | R2,758,800 |
| Disability | R1,379,400 | R2,758,800 |
| Older Persons | R1,379,400 | R2,758,800 |
| Grant-in-Aid | R1,379,400 | R2,758,800 |
What Counts as “Assets” in the Means Test?
Assets are anything of value that you own, and they are crucial when applying for some SASSA grants. Here are some examples of what SASSA considers assets:
- Property or Land: If you or your spouse own property, its value will be counted, unless there’s a bond registered against it, in which case it may be recorded at zero value.
- Savings and Bank Accounts: Money in your bank accounts or investments is considered part of your assets.
- Other Loans or Debts: Loans or bonds on other assets are also taken into account.
For some grants, like the SRD R350, the asset test does not apply. Still, for others, like the Disability Grant or Older Persons Grant, assets play an essential role in determining eligibility.
What Counts as “Income” in the SASSA Means Test?
Income is the money that you, your spouse, or your family receive regularly. SASSA considers different types of income when assessing your eligibility:
- Salaries and Wages: Income from a job or self-employment.
- Pensions: Government or private pensions you may be receiving.
- Rent or Investments: Income from rental properties or investment dividends.
- Grants and Other Financial Aid: Other grants you may be receiving are also counted.
- Compensation or Insurance Payments: Payments from the UIF, Road Accident Fund, or Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Fund (COIDA) also count as income.
SASSA looks at your total household income to determine if you qualify for financial aid.
What Are the Current SASSA Grant Payment Amounts in 2023?
Once you pass the SASSA Means Test, the amount you receive from your grant depends on the type of grant you’re eligible for. Here are the payment amounts for 2023:
| Grant Type | Monthly Payment (2023) |
| Old Age Grant (under 75 years old) | R2,080 |
| Old Age Grant (over 75 years old) | R2,100 |
| Disability Grant | R2,080 |
| COVID-19 SRD Grant | R350 |
| Care Dependency Grant | R2,080 |
| Child Support Grant | R500 + R250 Top-Up |
| Grant-in-Aid | R500 |
| Foster Child Grant | R1,120 |
Final Thoughts
The SASSA Means Test is designed to ensure that only those who need financial assistance receive it. SASSA can fairly distribute grants to support South African citizens by evaluating income and assets. Whether you’re applying for the SRD R350 grant, Disability Grant, or any other type of financial aid, understanding how the means test works is crucial. Always keep your financial details updated and provide accurate information when applying for a grant.
This system plays a vital role in ensuring that South Africa’s social grants benefit those who need them most.
