The SRD means test: how the R624 monthly check works
On this page (5 sections)
The SRD means test checks whether more than R624 entered your bank account in the assessed month. SASSA runs it every month against every applicant by querying participating banks with your ID number. Below R624, you pass; above it, that month is declined — and only that month.
What counts and what doesn't
| Money | Counted? |
|---|---|
| Wages, piece work, informal earnings | Yes |
| Regular support from family or partner | Yes, if paid into your account |
| Rental or business income | Yes |
| The SRD payment itself | No — excluded |
| Child Support Grant received for a child | No — it is the child's money |
| Once-off gifts, loans, money held for others | Counted by the automated scan — but appealable with proof |
Why honest people fail the test
The bank check sees amounts, not purposes. A cousin sending R700 for a funeral contribution, a friend repaying a loan, or a stokvel payout all look like income to the scan. If that happened in your declined month, you have good grounds: see declined for alternative income and appeal with your bank statement and an affidavit.
Practical rules while you rely on SRD
- Keep other people's money out of your account in any month you need the grant.
- If family support you, support in kind (groceries) is safer than bank transfers above the threshold.
- Keep bank statements — they are your evidence if a month is wrongly declined.
Frequently asked questions
Is the threshold R624 or R625?
Official SASSA communication uses R624 — income must be *below* R625, which some sites round differently. Either way: R624 or less passes, R625 or more fails. We verify this figure against the Gazette as part of our verification process.
Does SASSA see my spending?
The check concerns inflows against the threshold. Regardless — what you spend the grant on is not tested.
I have no bank account. How am I tested?
Your declared means are assessed against the other databases (UIF, payroll, NSFAS). You can receive payment without a bank account via other methods.
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.
Was this page helpful?
Your answer stays in your browser — we don't collect anything. It helps us decide what to fix and write next.