SASSA Means Test 2026: Income and Asset Limits for Social Grants
Most SASSA social grants require you to pass a means test, which checks whether your income and assets fall below a threshold set by the government. If you earn too much or own too many assets, you may not qualify. This guide explains how the means test works, what counts as income and assets, and the limits for each grant type.
Not all grants require the same means test thresholds. Amounts are reviewed each year, usually in April. Check the current thresholds at www.sassa.gov.za or call 0800 60 10 11.
What Is the SASSA Means Test?
The means test is a financial assessment that SASSA uses to determine whether an applicant qualifies for a social grant based on their income and assets. The test ensures that limited government resources are directed to those who need them most.
SASSA checks your income (what you earn monthly) and your assets (what you own that has value). If either your income or your assets exceed the threshold for the grant you are applying for, your application will be declined.
These thresholds are indicative for 2026 and may change. Always verify current limits at www.sassa.gov.za or at your nearest SASSA office before applying.
Means Test Thresholds for 2026
| Grant Type | Monthly Income Limit (Single) | Monthly Income Limit (Married) | Asset Limit (Single) | Asset Limit (Married) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Older Persons Grant (60-74) | R9,510 | R19,020 | R1,372,800 | R2,745,600 |
| Older Persons Grant (75+) | R9,735 | R19,470 | R1,372,800 | R2,745,600 |
| Disability Grant | R9,510 | R19,020 | R1,372,800 | R2,745,600 |
| Care Dependency Grant | R9,510 (caregiver) | R19,020 | R1,372,800 | R2,745,600 |
| Child Support Grant | R5,400 (single caregiver) | R10,800 | No asset test | No asset test |
| Foster Child Grant | No means test | No means test | No asset test | No asset test |
| War Veterans Grant | R9,735 | R19,470 | R1,372,800 | R2,745,600 |
What Counts as Income for the Means Test?
Income from other SASSA social grants does not count towards the means test income. For example, if you receive a Child Support Grant, that amount does not count as income when you apply for another grant.
- Salary, wages, and self-employment income.
- Rental income from property.
- Interest earned on savings or investments.
- Pension or annuity income (private pensions).
- UIF payments.
- Income from dividends or investments.
- Maintenance payments received from a spouse or former partner.
- Income received from boarders or tenants living with you.
What Counts as Assets for the Means Test?
Your primary residence (the home where you live) and one personal vehicle are generally excluded from the asset test. The vehicle exclusion applies to one standard personal use vehicle.
- Savings in bank accounts.
- Fixed deposits and money market accounts.
- Shares and unit trusts.
- Property (other than the home you live in).
- Vehicles (other than one vehicle used for personal transport).
- Livestock and farming assets above a certain value.
If you receive a SASSA grant and your financial circumstances change (for example, you start earning a salary), you are legally required to inform SASSA. Failure to do so may result in repayment of grants received and criminal prosecution.
How SASSA Verifies Your Means
SASSA cross-checks information with SARS (tax authority), the Department of Home Affairs, banks (via the South African Revenue Service), and other government databases.
SASSA may also conduct home visits or request additional documentation to verify income and assets. Providing false information on a SASSA application is a criminal offence.