The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) uses a means test to decide who receives a social grant. This financial assessment checks your income and assets, as well as those of your spouse, against set thresholds.
If your financial situation falls below the limit, SASSA approves your application. If it exceeds the limit, SASSA rejects it.
SASSA means test assesses both you and your spouse if you are married. The agency adds your combined income and assets together to determine whether you qualify. This means even a high-earning partner can disqualify an applicant who earns nothing personally.
2026 SASSA grant values and income limits at a glance
SASSA updated grant values on 1 April. Here are the key figures:
| Grant Type | Value (pm) | Income Limit Single | Income Limit Married | Assets Single |
| Older Person’s Grant | R2 400 | R9 350 | R18 700 | R1 584 000 |
| Disability Grant | R2 400 | R9 350 | R18 700 | R1 584 000 |
| Child Support Grant | R580 | R5 800 | R11 600 | N/A |
| Care Dependency Grant | R2 400 | R24 000 | R48 000 | N/A |
| COVID-19 SRD | R370 | Income ≤ R624 | — | — |
Which grants do the means test not apply to?
SASSA applies the means test to all social grants except the Foster Child Grant. If you care for a foster child, SASSA does not assess your income or assets to award that specific grant.
SASSA rejects your application if your income and assets exceed the limit for your grant type. The means test exists to direct government support only to people who genuinely need it. You can reapply if your financial situation changes significantly.
