The SASSA means test is the financial assessment used to decide whether you qualify for a social grant. The SASSA means test looks at your income and assets, and compares them to the published thresholds for each grant type. Different grants use different thresholds. Foster Child Grant has no means test. Most other grants do.
SASSA means test thresholds by grant
The income and asset limits below are based on the most recent published SASSA thresholds. Married applicants are assessed on combined income and combined assets.
| Grant | Single income limit (annual) | Married income limit (annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Older Persons Grant | R107 880 | R215 760 |
| Disability Grant | R107 880 | R215 760 |
| War Veterans Grant | R107 880 | R215 760 |
| Care Dependency Grant | R277 200 | R554 400 |
| Child Support Grant | R61 200 | R122 400 |
| Foster Child Grant | No means test | No means test |
SASSA means test asset limits
For the Older Persons, Disability and War Veterans grants, single applicants must not own assets worth more than R1 524 600. Married applicants must not own combined assets worth more than R3 049 200. Your primary home and basic household goods are excluded from the SASSA means test asset calculation.
SRD R370 means test
The SRD R370 grant uses a different and simpler test. You must earn less than R624 per month from any source. SASSA verifies this monthly by checking SARS, UIF, NSFAS and bank records. For details, see our SRD grant means test guide.
What counts as income
SASSA counts salary, wages, private pensions, rental income, annuities, maintenance payments and earnings from self-employment. Existing social grants from SASSA are not counted as income for a new application. The Child Support Grant you already receive does not count toward your means test when you apply for the Older Persons Grant.
Sources
- South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)
- Western Cape Government: SASSA services
- Department of Social Development: 2026/27 grant increases
About this article
Nuusflits is a South African news publication covering current affairs, social grants and consumer information. This article is sourced from official primary sources, including the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), the Department of Social Development, the National Treasury and SAnews. Facts are verified against the published 2026/27 social grant schedule and current SASSA policy. Last updated 21 May 2026.
Part of our SASSA hub: view all SASSA guides, payment dates and status checks.
