SASSA Means Test Calculator [2024]

Are you unsure if you qualify for a SASSA grant in 2024? The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) uses a SASSA Means test to assess whether someone needs financial help. This test determines eligibility based on your income and assets.

But don’t worry it’s simpler than it sounds! With the SASSA Means Test Calculator, you can easily check if you qualify for a grant. In this article, we’ll break down how to use the calculator, what the means test is, and what you need to know for 2024.

SASSA Means Test Calculator [2024]

Quick note: If you’re new to our website, you can check your SASSA status easily in just two simple steps.

How to Use the SASSA Means Test Calculator?

Using the SASSA Means Test Calculator is simple and can save you time when determining if you qualify for a grant. Here’s how to use it:

1. Select the Grant Type – First, choose the type of grant you’re applying for. The available options include the Old Age Grant, Disability Grant, Child Support Grant, and more.
2. Input Your Income (Single) – If you’re single, enter your monthly income. This includes wages, pensions, or any other source of income you receive regularly.
3. Input Your Income (Married) – If you’re married, the calculator will ask for your combined household income. This is the total income between you and your spouse.
4. Click on ‘Check Eligibility’ – After entering your details, click the button to see if you meet the income and asset thresholds.

And that’s it! The calculator will tell you whether you qualify based on your financial situation.

What is the SASSA Means Test?

The SASSA means test is a financial evaluation used to determine if someone is eligible for social grants. It looks at several factors to assess your need for assistance, such as:

• Income – This includes your salary, pension, investment earnings, business income, etc.
• Assets – This refers to the value of your property, bank accounts, investments, and insurance policies.
• Other Financial Factors – SASSA also considers things like outstanding debts and the number of dependents you support.

To qualify, your financial situation must be below the income and asset limits set for each specific grant. If you exceed these limits, you won’t be eligible for the grant. For married applicants, both partners’ finances are assessed together.

Income and Asset Limits for 2024

Each year, SASSA updates the income and asset thresholds that determine grant eligibility. These changes occur on April 1st and October 1st, so it’s essential to stay updated. Below are the limits for 2024:

Income Thresholds:

• Old Age, Disability, and War Veterans Grants:
  • Single: R8,070 per month (R96,840 per year)
  • Married: R16,140 per month (R193,680 per year)
• Child Support Grant:
  • Single Caregivers: R5,000 per month (R60,000 per year)
  • Married Caregivers: R10,000 per month (R120,000 per year)

Asset Thresholds:

• Old Age & Disability Grants:
  • Single: R1,372,800
  • Married: R2,745,600

Note: The Foster Child Grant does not require a means test, and the Child Support Grant only checks income.

What Counts as Income for the Means Test?

SASSA considers many types of earnings as “income” when determining if you qualify for a grant. This includes:

• Salaries and wages
• Pension payments
• Business or farm profits
• Rental income from properties
• Child maintenance payments
• Financial support from family or friends
• Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) payouts
• Compensation payouts from the Road Accident Fund (RAF) or Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA)

There are also deductions that can lower your assessed income, such as medical aid contributions, tax payments, and pension fund contributions.

What Counts as an Asset in the Means Test?

SASSA also evaluates your assets, which include:

• Bank Account Balances – Including joint accounts with a spouse.
• Property or Land – Any real estate besides your primary home.
• Investments – Shares, unit trusts, and other financial investments.
• Retirement Annuities – If you’re retired, SASSA considers the value of your annuities.
• Debts – Outstanding loans and other debts are also taken into account.

Keep in mind, the value of your primary home is often exempt from asset calculations if you’re applying for an Old Age Grant or Disability Grant.

Current SASSA Grant Amounts for 2024

As of October 2024, here are the current grant amounts:

Grant Type	Amount (Oct 2024)
Old-Age Grant (60-74 years)	R2,190
Old-Age Grant (75+ years)	R2,210
Disability Grant	R2,190
Care Dependency Grant	R2,190
War Veterans Grant	R2,210
Child Support Grant	R530
Foster Care Grant	R1,180
Social Relief of Distress (SRD)	R370

These amounts may increase in April 2025 when the next adjustment is made.

Conclusion

The SASSA means test is an important tool to assess who needs financial assistance in South Africa. By calculating your income and assets, SASSA can determine if you’re eligible for grants like the Old Age Grant or Disability Grant. Using the SASSA Means Test Calculator simplifies this process, allowing you to check your eligibility quickly and easily. Remember, the thresholds are updated twice a year, so it’s essential to stay informed.

Important:

SASSA updates the income and asset limits twice a year, in April and October, to adjust for inflation and policy changes. To increase your chances of grant approval, make sure your income stays below the set limits. Even going over by just one Rand could lead to your application being denied. Keep an eye on the latest limits to avoid any issues with your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the SASSA Means Test?

A: It’s a financial assessment that checks your income and assets to determine if you qualify for a SASSA grant.

Q: Who needs to take the means test?

A: Most grant applicants, except for those applying for the Foster Child Grant.

Q: What counts as income?

A: Salaries, pensions, rental income, business profits, and more are counted as income.

Q: How often do the thresholds change?

A: The income and asset limits are updated every April and October.