The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has reminded social grant beneficiaries that earning more than the allowed income limit set could result in their grants not being approved or even being stopped.
SASSA uses a โmeans testโ to determine whether a person qualifies for a social grant. The financial assessment checks an applicantโs income and assets to ensure that grants are only paid to people who meet the requirements.
According to SASSA, both income and assets are considered during the assessment process. For married applicants, the income and assets of both spouses are taken into account.
If a beneficiaryโs income or assets go above the approved threshold, the application may be declined or the grant may no longer be paid.
A means test is a financial assessment used to determine if an individual or household qualifies for a benefit or grant by checking their income and assets against set thresholds.
If your income and assets are below the set limit, you may qualify for the grant. The goal of the means test is to make sure that only people who qualify receive the grant.
2026 SASSA Income Limits
Older Persons Grant
Maximum grant value: R2 400
Monthly income limit (single): R9 350
Monthly income limit (married): R18 700
Annual income limit (single): R112 200
Annual income limit (married): R224 400
Assets limit (single): R1 584 000
Assets limit (married): R3 168 000
Older Persons Grant (Above 75 Years)
Maximum grant value: R2 420
Monthly income limit (single): R9 350
Monthly income limit (married): R18 700
Annual income limit (single): R112 200
Annual income limit (married): R224 400
Assets limit (single): R1 584 000
Assets limit (married): R3 168 000
War Veterans Grant
Maximum grant value: R2 420
Monthly income limit (single): R9 350
Monthly income limit (married): R18 700
Annual income limit (single): R112 200
Annual income limit (married): R224 400
Assets limit (single): R1 584 000
Assets limit (married): R3 168 000
Disability Grant
Maximum grant value: R2 420
Monthly income limit (single): R9 350
Monthly income limit (married): R18 700
Annual income limit (single): R112 200
Annual income limit (married): R224 400
Assets limit (single): R1 584 000
Assets limit (married): R3 168 000
Care Dependency Grant
Maximum grant value: R2 400
Monthly income limit (single): R24 000
Monthly income limit (married): R48 000
Annual income limit (single): R288 000
Annual income limit (married): R576 000
Child Support Grant
Maximum grant value: R580
Monthly income limit (single): R5 800
Monthly income limit (married): R11 600
Annual income limit (single): R69 600
Annual income limit (married): R139 200
Child Support Grant Top-Up
Maximum grant value: R290
Foster Child Grant
Maximum grant value: R1 290
No means test applies
Grant-In-Aid
Maximum grant value: R580
COVID-19 SRD Grant
Maximum grant value: R370
Applicants must not earn more than R624 per month
SASSA encouraged beneficiaries to report any changes in income, employment, or financial circumstances to avoid possible suspension or cancellation of grants.
The agency said the means test helps ensure that social assistance reaches the most vulnerable South Africans who genuinely qualify for support.
