The SASSA means test: income and asset thresholds for every grant
On this page (5 sections)
The SASSA means test checks whether your income and assets fall below the thresholds for the grant you're applying for. Adults' grants (Older Persons, Disability, War Veterans) test both income and assets; the Child Support Grant tests income only; the Foster Child Grant has no means test at all; and the SRD grant uses a completely different monthly test.
Thresholds by grant
| Grant | Income limit (single) | Income limit (married) | Asset limit (single / married) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Older Persons | R107,880*/year | R215,760*/year | R1,524,600* / R3,049,200* |
| Disability | R107,880*/year | R215,760*/year | R1,524,600* / R3,049,200* |
| War Veterans | R107,880*/year | R215,760*/year | R1,524,600* / R3,049,200* |
| Child Support | Set by formula: 10× the monthly grant, annualised | Double the single limit | No asset test |
| Care Dependency | Higher child-grant threshold applies | Double the single limit | No asset test |
| Foster Child | No means test | No means test | No means test |
| SRD | Different system: R624/month, tested monthly | Individual, not household | No asset test |
For married applicants, the test uses half of the couple's combined income and assets against the married thresholds — so a working spouse doesn't automatically disqualify you, but their income does enter the calculation (their grant does not).
What counts as income and assets
| Item | Income test | Asset test |
|---|---|---|
| Salary, wages, business profit | Counted | — |
| Private pension or annuity | Counted | — |
| Rental income | Counted | Property value counted (unless it's your home) |
| The house you live in | — | Excluded |
| Other property, investments, savings | Interest counted | Counted |
| Spouse's social grant | Excluded | — |
| Vehicles, furniture, personal effects | — | Generally not assessed |
If you're near the threshold
The means test is not all-or-nothing for the Older Persons, Disability and War Veterans grants — income near the limit can reduce the grant on a sliding scale rather than deny it outright. Never self-reject: apply and let SASSA calculate. If declined on means you believe are wrong, you can appeal.
Frequently asked questions
Why do the thresholds have asterisks?
Because reputable sources currently conflict on the 2026 figures, we mark them until traced to the Government Gazette. The structure of the test is stable; the exact rand values are being verified — see how we verify.
Is the SRD means test the same as this?
No — SRD tests R624/month of bank inflows, monthly, individually, with no asset test. Full SRD means test guide.
Do child grants I receive count as my income?
No — grants received on behalf of children are the children's, not income in your own means test.
Verified information
- Responsible body
- South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)
- Official source
- sassa.gov.za
- Status
- Confirmed, some figures pending
- Date verified
- Confidence
- High confidence
Process and eligibility rules confirmed against official sources. Amounts marked * are widely reported 2026 figures still being traced to the Government Gazette.
SA Benefits is independent and not affiliated with SASSA or government. Editorial guidance on this page is clearly separated from official information — see how we verify.
What's changed on this page (1)
First published and checked against official sources. Future changes to figures, deadlines or processes will be listed here rather than silently edited.
Site-wide corrections are logged publicly in the corrections register.
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