SASSA Means Test | Eligibility & Application Guide for Grants
Getting SASSA grants to those who qualify is a careful job. SASSA has set some criteria to make sure the right people get help. If you match these conditions, you can receive assistance. This set of rules is known as “means test.”
In the SASSA means test, people’s assets, and incomes are checked when applying for grants. If someone has more money than SASSA allows, they might not get the grant. Similarly, the means test for each grant differs for married and unmarried people.
So, If you want to apply for a SASSA grant but aren’t sure if you qualify, don’t worry. Keep reading this article, and then apply for the grant.
Eligibility For SASSA Means Test
To get a SASSA grant, you must be a refugee from South Africa or permanently reside there. You also need to meet the specific requirements for the grant you’re applying for, Such as having a condition that limits your abilities or reaching a specific age. Then, the means test will check how much money you make and what things you own to see if you can get help.
SASSA Grant Requirements Means Test
The means test has two parts: an income and asset threshold. If you don’t have too much money or things, you might be able to get a grant. The limits about how much you can have are not the same for every kind of grant.
Income Thresholds For Each SASSA Grant
This includes money from work, pensions, and other sources. The income threshold is not fixed but varies from grant to grant. Moreover, it fluctuates between married and single persons. Let’s discuss how much it is for various beneficiaries.
Child Support Grant
A person caring for a child alone shouldn’t earn over R5,000 each month (or R60,000 yearly). If a married couple is applying, the person taking care of the child and their spouse together shouldn’t earn over R10,000 each month (or R120,000 yearly).
Care Dependency Grant
The Care Dependency Grant has the same income threshold as most other grants. A person who cares for a child alone, like a parent or main caregiver, shouldn’t earn more than R20,800 per month (or R249,600 per year).
If a married couple is applying, the parent or main caregiver and their spouse together shouldn’t earn more than R41,600 per month (or R499,200 per year).
Foster Child Grant
SASSA doesn’t require a means test for the Foster Child Grant. Your Income and assets are not considered when applying for this grant.
SRD (Social Relief of Distress) Grant
The income threshold for the SRD Grant is R624 per month. it means you can’t earn more than R624 monthly to qualify for this grant.
The Highest Amount Of Assets For Each Type Of SASSA Grant
The asset threshold sets the limit on how much stuff you can have while still being able to get a grant. Assets include property, investments, and savings. Let’s discuss its criteria in detail.
Old Age, Disability, Grant-in-Aid, and War Veterans Grant:
For these grants, a single person’s assets should not exceed R1,372,800. If the beneficiary is married, their combined assets with their spouse should not exceed R2,745,600.
What Counts As Money For The SASSA Means Test?
Income consists of money you earn from investments, pensions, your job, and other sources within your family. It may include Child support payments from an ex-partner, Income from your job, rental Income, and assistance from other sources like COIDA, UIF, and RAF. Thus, income is all the money you earn regularly or get as a once-off payment.
What Things Count As Assets For Means Test?
Assets include the valuable resources you own, including property, vehicles, investments, savings, bonds, loans, and any other valuable items. SASSA will consider the value of your assets when determining your means test score. Your spouse’s assets are also included.
Which Costs Are Taken Away When Figuring Out Your Earnings?
Some costs can be subtracted from your earnings to determine whether you meet the requirements for a grant. These include medical expenses, UIF money, rent or bond payments, income taxes, pension funds, and childcare costs. You must provide proof of these expenses when applying for a grant.
How Much Does a SASSA Grant Pay?
The amount you get from a SASSA grant depends on the grant type. Let’s have a look at the table and know all about it.
| Grant Type | Grant Amount (per month) |
|---|---|
| Older Persons Grant (under 75 years) | R2,090 |
| Older Persons Grant (75 years or older) | R2,110 |
| Disability Grant | R2,090 |
| War Veterans Grant | R2,110 |
| Foster Child Grant | R1,130 |
| Care Dependency Grant | R2,090 |
| Child Support Grant | R510 (or R750 with top-up) |
| Grant Aid | R510 |
| SRD Grant | R350 |
It’s important to check the current grant amounts, as they may change over time.
Important Announcement by SASSA Team for R370 Applicants
If you’re applying for the R350/370 SRD Grant, staying updated on any changes or announcements from SASSA is important. They might change how you can apply or what you need, so check before applying. The most money you can have in your bank account to get the R350 grant is now R624. So, if you want the R370 grant, ensure you don’t have more than R624 in your monthly bank account.
Bottom Line
At present, more than 18 million people are receiving aid from SASSA. All have to pass the means test, which is an important part of the social grant system in South Africa.
Understanding how it works and the income and asset limits can help you determine if you qualify for a grant. When applying, remember to provide all the necessary documents and proof of income and assets. If you’re unsure about anything, contact SASSA for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pumi Dlamini, our Chief Operating Officer since 2021, brings over 10 years of experience in communications and government services. Her focus is on providing clear, accessible information about SASSA grants to South Africans. Pumi is dedicated to empowering citizens through knowledge and holds a master’s degree in public administration. She is also involved in non-profit boards supporting education access and enjoys mentoring youth in her free time.