What is the SASSA Means Test?
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) offers grants to support vulnerable citizens, but qualifying requires passing the SASSA Means Test. This test evaluates your income and assets to ensure aid reaches those in genuine financial need. Whether you’re applying for the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant, Child Support Grant, or Older Person’s Grant, understanding the means test is essential.
What is the SASSA Means Test? (Quick Answer)
The SASSA Means Test checks your income and assets to determine eligibility for grants like the SRD (R370), Child Support (R530), or Older Person’s Grant (R2,190). For example, single applicants for the Child Support Grant must earn less than R5,300/month, and asset limits for the Older Person’s Grant are R1,450,000 for a single person.
Overview of the SASSA Means Test
The SASSA Means Test is a financial assessment that verifies whether applicants qualify for grants based on their income and assets. It considers:
- Income: Earnings from jobs, pensions, rentals, or other sources.
- Assets: Valuables like property, savings, or investments.
If your income or assets exceed the thresholds for a specific grant, you may not qualify. The test ensures fairness by directing aid to those who need it most, such as the unemployed, elderly, or caregivers.
Why is the SASSA Means Test Important?
The means test plays a critical role in SASSA’s grant allocation process. It:
- Promotes Equity: Ensures grants go to low-income individuals.
- Prevents Misuse: Stops aid from reaching those with sufficient resources.
- Targets Vulnerable Groups: Supports the unemployed, disabled, elderly, and caregivers.
For example, the SRD Grant (R370 in 2025, updated from R350 per your April 22, 2025, conversation) requires applicants to have minimal income and assets, making the means test a key eligibility factor.
Income Thresholds for SASSA Grants in 2025
Each SASSA grant has specific income limits, which vary by marital status and grant type. Below are the updated 2025 thresholds, adjusted for inflation based on government announcements:
Old Age, Disability, Grant-in-Aid, and War Veterans Grants
- Single Person: R8,700/month or R104,400/year
- Married Couple: R17,400/month or R208,800/year
Child Support Grant
- Single Caregiver: R5,300/month or R63,600/year
- Married Caregiver: R10,600/month or R127,200/year
Care Dependency Grant
- Single Caregiver: R22,000/month or R264,000/year
- Married Caregiver: R44,000/month or R528,000/year
Income Threshold Table
| Social Grant | Income Threshold (Per Month) | Income Threshold (Per Year) |
| Child Support Grant | R5,300 (Single) / R10,600 (Married) | R63,600 (Single) / R127,200 (Married) |
| Care Dependency Grant | R22,000 (Single) / R44,000 (Married) | R264,000 (Single) / R528,000 (Married) |
| Old Age/Disability/War Veterans | R8,700 (Single) / R17,400 (Married) | R104,400 (Single) / R208,800 (Married) |
Note: These figures reflect 2025 adjustments. Verify with SASSA’s official website for the latest details.
Asset Thresholds for SASSA Grants
Assets are a key component of the means test. Below are the 2025 asset limits:
Old Age, Disability, Grant-in-Aid, and War Veterans Grants
- Single Person: R1,450,000
- Married Couple: R2,900,000
https://srd.sassa.gov.za/ for the latest details.
Asset Thresholds for SASSA Grants
Assets are a key component of the means test. Below are the 2025 asset limits:
Old Age, Disability, Grant-in-Aid, and War Veterans Grants
- Single Person: R1,450,000
- Married Couple: R2,900,000
Other Grants (Child Support, Care Dependency, Foster Child, SRD)
These grants typically prioritize income over assets, but significant assets may still impact eligibility. For instance, the SRD Grant requires minimal savings or investments to qualify, ensuring aid targets those with limited resources.
What Counts as Income and Assets?
To pass the means test, you must accurately report your income and assets. Here’s what SASSA considers:
Income Sources
- Salaries or wages from employment
- Pension or annuity payments
- Rental income from properties
- Financial support from family or friends
- Compensation from UIF, RAF, or COIDA
- Profits from business or farming
Assets
- Bank account balances
- Real estate (excluding primary residence in some cases)
- Investments, shares, or bonds
- High-value possessions like vehicles
Deductions in Income Calculation
SASSA allows deductions to calculate net income, including:
- UIF contributions
- Medical aid payments
- Income tax
- Retirement fund contributions
These deductions ensure a fairer assessment of your financial situation, reflecting actual disposable income.
SASSA Grant Payment Amounts for 2025
SASSA grant amounts are adjusted annually to account for inflation. Below are the 2025 payment amounts, with the SRD Grant updated to R370 per your April 22, 2025, conversation:
| Grant Type | Monthly Payment | Eligibility Criteria |
| Older Person’s Grant | R2,190 (R2,210 for 75+) | Citizens 60+, meeting means test |
| Disability Grant | R2,190 | Citizens 18–59 with certified disability, meeting means test |
| War Veterans Grant | R2,210 | War veterans, meeting means test |
| Care Dependency Grant | R2,190 | Caregivers of children under 18 with severe disabilities, meeting means test |
| Foster Child Grant | R1,180 | Foster parents with court order, no asset means test |
| Child Support Grant | R530 | Caregivers of children under 18, meeting means test |
| Child Support Grant (Top-Up) | R780 (R530 + R250) | Additional support for qualifying children |
| Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant | R370 | Unemployed citizens 18–60, meeting means test |
Note: Amounts may change based on government policies. Check SASSA’s official website for updates.
How to Apply and Pass the Means Test
To apply for a SASSA grant and pass the means test, follow these steps:
- Collect Documents: Gather proof of income (e.g., payslips, bank statements), ID, and asset details.
- Submit Application: Apply in person at a SASSA office or online for the SRD Grant via SASSA’s SRD portal.
- Complete Means Test: Provide accurate financial information for assessment.
- Wait for Approval: SASSA will verify your details and notify you of the outcome.
Accurate reporting is crucial, as discrepancies can lead to rejection. For SRD applicants, ensure your income is below the R624/month threshold (updated for 2025 per your April 23, 2025, conversation).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the SASSA Means Test required?
It identifies individuals in genuine financial need, ensuring fair distribution of grants.
What is the main factor in the means test?
Income and assets are the primary factors, with thresholds varying by grant type.
Why is the means test important for the SRD R370 Grant?
The SRD Grant targets unemployed individuals with minimal income (below R624/month) and assets, so the means test confirms eligibility.
How can I contact SASSA?
Call the toll-free number 0800 60 10 11 or visit www.sassa.gov.za for assistance.
Conclusion
The SASSA Means Test is essential for accessing grants like the SRD (R370), Child Support (R530), or Older Person’s Grant (R2,190) in 2025. By evaluating your income and assets, SASSA ensures aid reaches those in need. Stay informed about updated thresholds, report financial details accurately, and contact SASSA for support. Visit www.sassa.gov.za for the latest information or to apply.
I’m a South African social development writer and grant education advocate with over 5 years of hands-on experience helping citizens understand and access SASSA services. I specializes in breaking down complex government processes into easy-to-read guides that empower low-income families, unemployed youth, and senior citizens.
As a community outreach volunteer and former SASSA liaison assistant, I have personally helped over 3,000 individuals apply for and manage their SRD grants, Child Support Grants, and Disability Grants.
