SASSA Means Test Explained – Asset & Income Threshold [2024]

Navigating the SASSA means test is crucial for anyone applying for social grants in South Africa. This financial assessment evaluates your income, assets, and other factors to determine your eligibility for various grants, including those for older persons, individuals with disabilities, and war veterans. Each grant has specific financial criteria designed to meet the needs of different groups.

Introduction to the SASSA Means Test

The SASSA means test is a financial checkpoint used to assess an applicant’s financial status, ensuring that social grants are awarded to those who truly need them. For married couples, the test evaluates combined assets and income, providing a complete view of their financial situation. For unmarried individuals, it focuses solely on personal assets and income for a fair assessment.

The income and asset thresholds set by SASSA are reviewed annually, typically on April 1 or October 1, to reflect economic changes. Staying updated on these revisions is essential as they impact your eligibility for various grants. This guide covers the latest thresholds effective from April 1, 2023, to help you navigate the SASSA means test confidently.

Income and Asset Thresholds for SASSA Grants

Each SASSA grant has specific income and asset thresholds that applicants must meet to qualify. These thresholds are designed to ensure that financial aid is provided to those who need it most.

Income Thresholds

For Older Persons, Disability, and War Veterans Grants:

• Single: Income must be below R97,320 annually.
• Married: Combined income must be below R194,640 annually.

For Child Support Grant:

• Single caregiver: Income must be below R61,200 annually.
• Married caregivers: Combined income must be below R122,400 annually.

For Care Dependency Grant (for children with severe disabilities):

• Single caregiver: Income must be below R258,000 annually.
• Married caregivers: Combined income must be below R501,600 annually.

For Foster Child Grant:

• No income threshold applies.

For Emergency or Immediate Needs (Social Relief of Distress):

• Monthly income must be below R624.

These income limits are reviewed annually to ensure they remain fair and relevant.

Asset Thresholds

SASSA also considers your assets when determining your eligibility for certain grants.

For Older Persons, Disability, and War Veterans Grants:

• Single: Assets should be worth no more than R1,379,400.
• Married: Combined assets should be worth no more than R2,758,800.

For Child-Related Grants (Child Support, Care Dependency, and Foster Child):

• No asset threshold applies.

For Emergency Help (Social Relief of Distress):

• Assets are not considered.

These thresholds help SASSA ensure that financial assistance is directed to those who genuinely need it.

Income in the SASSA Means Test

When assessing eligibility for grants, SASSA considers various sources of income. Here’s what counts as income:

• Pension: Regular payments from a private pension plan.
• Business or Farm Profits: Income from running a business or farm.
• Financial Support: Regular money received from family or friends.
• Rental Income: Money from renting out property.
• Child Maintenance: Payments from an ex-spouse for child support.
• Salary or Wages: Earnings from employment.
• Leasing Properties: Income from leasing houses or business spaces.
• Compensation Funds: Money from the Unemployment Insurance Fund, Road Accident Fund, or work-related injury compensation (COIDA).

Understanding what constitutes income is crucial for accurately assessing your financial status.

Assets in the SASSA Means Test

SASSA evaluates your assets to determine your financial need for certain grants. Here’s what counts as assets:

• Bank Accounts: Money saved in bank accounts (both personal and, if married, combined with your spouse’s accounts).
• Property or Land: Ownership of any property or land other than your primary residence.
• Investments: Stocks, bonds, or other investments.
• Retirement Funds: Money in retirement funds, is counted only once you retire.
• Debts: Bonds or loans are also considered.
• Primary Residence: The house you live in is not included in the asset check.

Knowing what assets are considered can help you better understand your financial standing.

Conclusion

The SASSA means test is a crucial mechanism ensuring that social grants are distributed fairly and effectively in South Africa. By setting clear income and asset thresholds, it accurately assesses each applicant’s financial need, ensuring that assistance reaches those who genuinely require it. Staying informed about these thresholds and understanding how they apply to your situation is vital for successfully navigating the application process. Whether for elderly care, disability support, or child welfare, the SASSA means test upholds the principle of equitable aid, reflecting a commitment to supporting the country’s most vulnerable citizens.