SASSA Means Test Detailed Guide

SASSA Means Test – Detailed Guide [2024]

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You must understand SASSA’s means test requirements before applying for a social grant. Grants are only available to those who pass a means test. The SASSA Means Test is one to measure potential candidates’ income and assets to determine whether they qualify for SASSA grants. You must not receive additional financial support from sources such as UIF payments for social grants or the R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant if your income exceeds the threshold.

The means test for each grant type has different criteria for evaluating financial eligibility. The amount of a grant paid to an older person, a disabled person, or a war veteran is determined by a sliding scale, which means that if you have a high income, your grant amount will be smaller. You will also find out how much SASSA pays you in this article. Before applying for the SASSA social grant, read the content carefully to understand the means test criteria.

Eligibility Criteria: Means Test

SASSA means testing allows you to access much-needed financial support. You must meet specific criteria to qualify for the SASSA social grants or SASSA SRD R350 grant. You should know these things.

  • Assessment of Income: The means test is heavily influenced by your income. The grant is available if your financial situation meets the criteria. Assistance may not be available if your income exceeds the threshold.
  • Evaluation of Assets: You are also assessed based on your assets in addition to your income. A person’s total assets are taken into account by the government when determining their eligibility. During the application process, you must provide accurate information about your assets.

SASSA Grant Means Test Requirements

The SASSA Means Test applies to all applications for social grants, including Child Support Grants, Foster Child Grants, Care Dependency Grants, and Grants-in-Aid. Based on the type of SASSA grant, the SASSA income threshold varies. The maximum income thresholds for each grant type are as follows:

SASSA Means Tests Threshold of income and assets

Income Threshold Means Test for All SASSA Social Grants

  • For Older Persons & Disability:
  • An individual should not earn more than R8 070 per month/R96 840 per year.
  • The combined income of a married couple should not exceed R16 140 per month/R193 680 per year.
  • Grant-in-Aid, and War Veterans Grant:
  • An individual should not earn more than R8 070 per month/R96 840 per year.
  • The combined income of a married couple should not exceed R16 140 per month/ R193 680 per year.
  • Care Dependency Grant:
  • A single person’s income should not exceed R20 800 per month/R249 600 per year for a single parent or primary guardian.
  • Applicants who are parents or primary guardian of the child and their spouses should not have combined incomes exceeding R499 200 per year/R41 600 per month.
  • Child Support Grant:
  • A single person who is the primary guardian of the child should not earn more than R5 000 a month/R60 000 a year.
  • An applicant who is married (child’s primary guardian) and their spouse should not have a combined income exceeding R10 000 per month/R120 000 per year.
  • SRD (Social Relief of Distress) Grant:
  • There must be no more than R624 in incoming funds in an individual’s bank account for that particular month.
  • Foster Child Grant:
  • The Foster Child Grant does not require a means test. Foster parents are required to provide a court order indicating foster care status.

Assets Threshold Means Test for All SASSA Social Grants

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

  • Old Age, Disability, Grant-in-Aid, and War Veterans Grant:
  • Assets worth more than R1 372 800 should not be owned by a single individual.
  • The combined assets of a married couple should not exceed R2 745 600.

Note: Children’s Support, Care Dependency, Foster Child Grants, and SRD Grants are all need-based grants without assets testing.

How much does a SASSA grant normally pays?

The SASSA grant per month payout amounts are listed below, as of 1 October 2023. Please note that these values are subject to change (usually on 1 April and 1 October each year):

  • Old Age grant (below 75 years old): R2 090
  • Old Age grant (above 75 years old): R2 110
  • Covid-19 SRD Grant: R350
  • War Veterans grant: R2 110
  • Disability grant: R2 090
  • Grant Aid: R510
  • Covid-19 SRD Grant: R350
  • Care Dependency grant: R2 090
  • Foster Child grant: R1 130
  • Child Support grant: R510 or R760 per month with a top-up of R250
  • Extended Child Support grant for caregivers of orphaned children: R760

Read More About: Check out SASSA latest Payment dates

How are expenses deducted when calculating income?

You can deduct the following amounts from your income for the means test:

  • Pension contributions/retirement annuities
  • Taxes you owe
  • Medical aid payments
  • UIF payments

Does the SASSA Means Test apply to all social grants?

Yes, it applies to all social grants that identify needy people who are in real need of these grants. 

On what basis SASSA Means test held?

SASSA means test is taken into account by two factors i.e. Income and Assets threshold.

Is SASSA Means test necessary for SRD R350 grant?

Yes, SASSA Means Test is necessary for the SRD R350 grant depending on the income of applicants.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the SASSA means test aims to identify those in need of immediate assistance due to financial hardship. To validate your financial eligibility, a means test assesses your assets and income. The means test for each type of social grant has different criteria that must be met to qualify for a SASSA grant. If you have any questions about applying for the SASSA grant or its eligibility criteria, you can directly contact SASSA.

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