What is the SASSA Means Test?

Have you ever wondered how the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) decides who qualifies for financial help? The SASSA Means Test plays a key role in this decision-making process. It helps ensure that the right people, those who truly need help, receive social grants. But what exactly is this test, and how does it work?

In this article, we will break down the SASSA Means Test, explaining how it functions, the factors considered, and the specific financial thresholds for different social grants. Whether you’re applying for the Child Support Grant, Disability Grant, or the Older Persons Grant, it’s important to understand the means test to ensure you meet the requirements.

What is the Purpose of the SASSA Means Test?

The SASSA Means Test helps determine if an applicant qualifies for a social grant by assessing their financial status. This includes evaluating income, assets, and other key factors. It ensures that only people with financial need receive assistance. By setting a threshold, the test limits grant eligibility to those who truly need the support.

When you apply for a SASSA grant, your income and assets are analyzed. If your financial resources exceed the set limit, you may not qualify. However, different thresholds depend on the type of grant you are applying for. These thresholds change regularly to reflect inflation and other economic factors.

How Does the Means Test Work?

The SASSA Means Test checks your income and assets to see if you are eligible for support. Let’s take a closer look at the specific criteria:

Income: The amount of money you earn from employment, pensions, or other sources such as investments or rental properties.
Assets: This includes things like savings, property, vehicles, and investments. The more assets you have, the less likely you are to qualify for a grant.
Household Size: If you are married, the income and assets of your spouse are also considered. For unmarried applicants, only your income and assets are assessed.

The means test also varies depending on the type of SASSA grant you are applying for. For example, the criteria for the Child Support Grant are different from those for the Disability Grant.

Income and Asset Thresholds for Different Grants

Each type of grant has its own income and asset limits. Here’s an overview of the maximum income thresholds for various grants as of April 1, 2023:

Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant, War Veterans Grant, and Grant-in-Aid:
- A single person should not earn more than R8,070 per month (or R96,840 per year).
- For married couples, the combined income should not exceed R16,140 per month (or R193,680 per year).
Child Support Grant:
- A single person (primary caregiver) should not earn more than R5,000 per month (or R60,000 per year).
- Married applicants must have a combined income of no more than R10,000 per month (or R120,000 per year).
Care Dependency Grant:
- A single person (parent or carer) should earn no more than R20,800 per month (or R249,600 per year).
- For married applicants, the combined income should not exceed R41,600 per month (or R499,200 per year).
Foster Child Grant:
- No means test is required for the Foster Child Grant.
SRD (Social Relief of Distress) Grant:
- The income must not exceed R624 per month.

Asset Limits for Different SASSA Grants

In addition to income, SASSA also considers your assets when evaluating eligibility for some grants. Here’s an overview of the maximum asset limits:

Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant, War Veterans Grant, and Grant-in-Aid:
- A single person’s assets should not exceed R1 372 800.
- For married couples, the combined assets should not exceed R2 745 600.

Other Grants:
- For the Child Support Grant, Care Dependency Grant, and SRD Grant, no asset test is required.

What Counts as Income in the Means Test?

SASSA takes a broad view of what constitutes income. This includes:

Money from businesses or self-employment.
Private pension or social assistance payments.
Earnings from renting out property or rooms.
Maintenance payments are made by an ex-spouse.
Income from employment, including salaries and wages.
Compensation from sources like UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund) or the Road Accident Fund.

What Counts as Assets?

SASSA also looks at your assets. Here’s what is considered:

Money in your bank accounts.
Property or land (except the home you live in) owned by you or your spouse.
Investments such as shares, savings, or retirement funds.
For retired individuals, annuities are considered assets.

Debts like mortgages or personal loans are not counted as assets, but they can impact your overall financial situation.

How Does SASSA Calculate Your Income?

When calculating your income for the means test, certain expenses can be deducted, including:

UIF contributions.
Medical aid premiums.
Income tax payments.
Contributions to retirement plans like pension funds or annuities.

These deductions help provide a more accurate picture of your financial needs.

How Much Do SASSA Grants Pay?

The amount you receive from a SASSA grant depends on the type of grant and your eligibility. Here are the amounts as of October 1, 2023:

Older Persons Grant:
- Under 75 years: R2 090 per month.
- 75 years and older: R2 110 per month.
Disability Grant: R2 090 per month.
War Veterans Grant: R2,110 per month.
Foster Child Grant: R1,130 per month.
Care Dependency Grant: R2,090 per month.
Child Support Grant: R 510 per month (with a top-up to R750).
Grant-in-Aid: R510 per month.
SRD Grant: R350 per month.

These grants are paid monthly to approved recipients.

Purpose of the Means Test	Assess an individual’s income and assets to ensure that only those in financial need qualify for social grants
Income Thresholds	Older Persons, Disability, War Veterans, and Grant-in-Aid:
	– Single person: R8,070 per month
	– Married couple: R16 140 per month
	Child Support Grant: R5,000 per month
	Care Dependency Grant: R20 800 per month
	SRD Grant: R624 per month
Counts as Income	– Money from employment, pensions, rental income, financial support from family/friends, compensation
Counts as Assets	– Savings, property (excluding the home you live in), investments, retirement funds

Conclusion

The SASSA Means Test is an important tool for ensuring that social grants reach those who need them the most. By assessing both income and assets, SASSA ensures that grants are distributed fairly and effectively. Understanding the means test criteria is crucial for anyone applying for a grant to ensure they meet the necessary thresholds. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, you can always contact SASSA for guidance and support.

The SASSA Means Test helps maintain fairness and efficiency in the distribution of grants, providing support to those facing financial hardships. By knowing the thresholds and understanding what counts as income or assets, you can navigate the application process with confidence.

FAQs

Why is the SASSA Means Test required?

The SASSA Means Test ensures that grants are given only to those who truly need financial assistance. It helps identify individuals or families with limited financial resources.

What is the main factor in the means test?

The primary factors considered in the means test are income and assets. If your financial situation falls below the set threshold, you may qualify for a grant.

Why is the means test important for the SRD R350 grant?

The means test is crucial for the SRD R350 grant because it ensures the grant is directed towards those facing urgent financial distress. It ensures that only eligible individuals benefit from the programme.