Find out What Is the Maximum Income to Qualify for the SASSA Grant in South Africa. Learn about means testing, eligibility rules.
What Is the Maximum Income to Qualify for the SASSA Grant?
Millions of South Africans rely on SASSA grants as their main or only source of income. But to receive a grant, you need to qualify based on specific rules.
One of the most important rules is the “means test.”
The means test is how SASSA checks whether your income and assets are low enough to qualify for a grant.
This leads to the key question many people ask:
“What is the maximum income I can earn and still qualify for a SASSA grant?”
This article provides a complete breakdown of income thresholds for all major SASSA grants, explains how the means test works, and shares tips to understand your eligibility.
What Is a Means Test in SASSA Grants?
A means test is simply a way for SASSA to measure if someone is financially needy enough to qualify for assistance.
It checks:
- Your monthly or yearly income.
- The value of your assets (like property, savings, or investments).
If your income or assets are above the maximum limit, you do not qualify for the grant.
The goal is to ensure that grants go to the people who need them most.
Why Does SASSA Use a Means Test?
South Africa has limited government resources. Grants are designed to:
- Support people who cannot provide for themselves.
- Reduce poverty and hunger.
- Assist children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Without a means test, even wealthier individuals could claim grants. That would take away resources from the truly needy.
Maximum Income to Qualify for SASSA Grants
The income thresholds are different for each type of grant. Let’s go through them one by one (based on the most recent updates available for 2025).
1. Child Support Grant (CSG)
- Single caregiver: Must not earn more than R60,000 per year (about R5,000 per month).
- Married caregivers (combined income): Must not earn more than R120,000 per year (about R10,000 per month).
This ensures the grant supports children in low-income households.
2. Older Persons Grant (Old Age Pension)
- Single person: Must not earn more than R96,840 per year (about R8,070 per month).
- Married couple (combined): Must not earn more than R193,680 per year (about R16,140 per month).
Assets limit:
- Single person: Not more than R1,372,800.
- Married couple: Not more than R2,745,600.
3. Disability Grant
The income and asset limits are the same as for the Older Persons Grant:
- Single person: R96,840 per year (R8,070 per month).
- Married couple: R193,680 per year (R16,140 per month).
- Assets not above R1,372,800 (single) or R2,745,600 (married).
4. Foster Child Grant
- The foster child grant is not means-tested.
- If a child is placed in foster care through a court order, the foster parent qualifies regardless of income.
5. Care Dependency Grant
- Single person: Maximum income R249,600 per year (R20,800 per month).
- Married couple (combined): Maximum income R499,200 per year (R41,600 per month).
6. War Veterans Grant
- Single person: Maximum income R96,840 per year (R8,070 per month).
- Married couple (combined): Maximum income R193,680 per year (R16,140 per month).
- Assets not above R1,372,800 (single) or R2,745,600 (married).
7. Grant-in-Aid
This is an additional grant given to people already receiving:
- Old Age Grant, Disability Grant, or War Veterans Grant.
It is not separately means-tested — eligibility is linked to already qualifying for one of the above grants.
8. Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant – R370
- Must earn less than R624 per month (from all sources combined).
- No large assets or significant financial support.
This is the strictest income limit because the SRD is a special poverty-relief grant.
How Does SASSA Check Your Income?
When applying, you must provide documents:
- ID book/card.
- Proof of income (such as payslips, UIF, or affidavits if unemployed).
- Bank statements.
- For married applicants, proof of spouse’s income.
SASSA cross-checks with:
- Home Affairs records.
- Banking institutions.
- South African Revenue Service (SARS).
What Counts as “Income”?
SASSA defines income broadly, including:
- Wages or salary.
- Pensions from other sources.
- Rental income.
- Business profits (if self-employed).
- Financial support from relatives.
- UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund) payments.
What Counts as “Assets”?
Assets include:
- Property (other than the house you live in).
- Investments (shares, savings, etc.).
- Vehicles (if used for business, SASSA may evaluate differently).
- Valuable possessions.
Why Income Limits Differ by Grant
The income thresholds are higher for some grants (like Care Dependency) because caring for a child with a disability is very expensive.
For the SRD, the threshold is very low because it’s meant for those with absolutely no means of survival.
Real-Life Examples
Example 1: Child Support Grant
Thandi earns R4,500 per month as a domestic worker. She applies for the Child Support Grant for her daughter.
She qualifies, because her income is below R5,000 per month.
Example 2: Older Persons Grant
Mr. Mokoena is 65 years old. He receives a small pension of R6,000 per month.
He qualifies, because his income is below R8,070 per month.
Example 3: SRD Grant
Sipho is unemployed but does small piece jobs earning R700 per month.
He does not qualify, because his income is above R624.
Common Misunderstandings
- “If I get child maintenance from the father, I won’t qualify.”
False. Maintenance counts as income, but as long as your total income is under the limit, you still qualify. - “If I own a house, I can’t get a grant.”
Not true. The house you live in is not counted as an asset. - “If I didn’t qualify before, I’ll never qualify.”
Wrong. If your income drops or circumstances change, you can reapply.
Why Knowing the Maximum Income Matters
- Avoids wasted applications — if you earn above the limit, you can plan accordingly.
- Helps with budgeting — some families balance part-time income with grants.
- Prevents fraud — ensures only the needy apply.
Voices from the Community
- Nomsa, 33: “I thought because I earned R6,000, I couldn’t apply for the Child Support Grant. But I found out the limit is R5,000 per month, so I just missed it. It taught me to always check the official numbers.”
- Gogo Anna, 72: “When I turned 60, I worried my small pension would stop me from getting the Old Age Grant. Luckily, it was below the income limit. The grant helps me buy food and electricity every month.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do I need to show bank statements to SASSA?
Yes, usually the last 3 months of statements.
Q2: If I earn more than the limit one month, will I lose my grant?
Not always. SASSA looks at your overall financial situation. But consistent income above the limit disqualifies you.
Q3: Can both parents apply for Child Support Grant?
No. Only the primary caregiver may apply.
Q4: What if my spouse earns more than the limit, but I don’t?
SASSA checks combined household income if you are married.
Q5: Will income thresholds change?
Yes. Government reviews thresholds regularly, usually after budget announcements.
Conclusion – What Is the Maximum Income to Qualify for the SASSA Grant?
To sum up:
- Each SASSA grant has its own income and asset limits.
- For example, the Child Support Grant requires income below R60,000 per year (single) or R120,000 (married).
- The Old Age Grant and Disability Grant require income below R96,840 per year (single) or R193,680 (married).
- The SRD Grant has the strictest limit: below R624 per month.
Understanding these rules helps you know whether you qualify, how to apply, and what to expect.
Always check official SASSA announcements for the latest figures, since thresholds can change with new budgets.
For millions of South Africans, knowing the maximum income to qualify is the first step toward securing vital financial support.