MySASSA

SASSA Means Test Calculator - Check If You Qualify

Not sure if you qualify for a SASSA grant? Use our free means test calculator below to get an instant estimate based on your age, income, and personal circumstances. This tool checks your eligibility for all major SASSA grants including the SRD R370 Grant, Child Support Grant, Older Persons Grant, and more.

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Please note: This is an independent calculator and not an official SASSA tool. Results are estimates only. Your actual eligibility will be determined by SASSA through their official assessment process. This tool does not store or transmit any of your personal information.

SASSA Means Test Calculator

Answer a few questions to see which grants you may qualify for

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Personal Details

What is your marital status?

Are you a South African citizen or permanent resident?

How the SASSA Means Test Works

The means test is SASSA's method of determining whether an applicant genuinely needs financial assistance. It evaluates both your income and your assets to decide if you fall within the qualifying thresholds for a particular grant. The test applies to most SASSA grants, with the exception of the Foster Child Grant which has no means test requirement.

Income Test

SASSA checks all sources of income including wages, pension, rental income, investments, and maintenance payments. For married applicants, your spouse's income is also considered. Income thresholds differ per grant type - for example, the SRD grant requires income below R624/month, while the Child Support Grant allows up to R5,600/month for single caregivers.

Asset Test

For grants like the Older Persons Grant and Disability Grant, SASSA also evaluates your assets - including property, vehicles, savings, and investments. For the Older Persons Grant, a single person's assets must be below R1,372,800. This calculator focuses on income - the full asset assessment is done by SASSA at the office.

Income Thresholds by Grant Type

GrantSingleMarried (Combined)
SRD R370R624/monthN/A (individual income)
Child SupportR5,600/monthR11,200/month
Older PersonsR96,840/yearR193,680/year
DisabilityR96,840/yearR193,680/year
Care DependencyR96,840/yearR193,680/year
Foster ChildNo means test required

What to Do If You Qualify

If the calculator indicates you may qualify for one or more grants, here are your next steps:

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SRD R370 Grant - Apply Online

The SRD grant is the only SASSA grant you can apply for online. Visit srd.sassa.gov.za or read our step-by-step application guide.

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Other Grants - Visit a SASSA Office

For the Child Support Grant, Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant, Foster Child Grant, Care Dependency Grant, and Grant-in-Aid, you must apply in person at your nearest SASSA office. Find your closest office using our SASSA contact page.

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Gather Your Documents

You will need your South African ID, proof of residence, proof of income (or a sworn statement if unemployed), and bank statements. For specific grants, additional documents may be required - such as a medical report for the Disability Grant or a court order for the Foster Child Grant.

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If Your Application Is Declined

If SASSA declines your application, you have the right to appeal the decision within 90 days. Check our guide on what to do if your SASSA status is declined.

Browse All SASSA Grants

Want to learn more about each grant before using the calculator? Visit our detailed grant guides:

SRD R370 Grant - R370/monthChild Support Grant - R580/monthOlder Persons Grant - R2,400/monthDisability Grant - R2,400/monthFoster Child Grant - R1,295/monthCare Dependency Grant - R2,400/monthWar Veterans Grant - R2,420/monthGrant-in-Aid - R580/month
View all grants →

Frequently Asked Questions About the SASSA Means Test

What is the SASSA means test?
The SASSA means test is an assessment used to determine whether you qualify for certain social grants based on your income and assets. SASSA checks your financial situation to ensure grants go to people who genuinely need financial assistance. Different grants have different income thresholds - for example, the SRD R370 grant requires income below R624 per month, while the Older Persons Grant allows higher income levels.
Is this calculator the same as the official SASSA means test?
No. This calculator is an independent tool provided by MySASSA to give you a general indication of which grants you might qualify for. The official means test is conducted by SASSA when you apply for a grant and includes a more thorough assessment of your income, assets, and personal circumstances. Always visit a SASSA office or call 0800 60 10 11 for an official assessment.
What income does SASSA consider in the means test?
SASSA considers all sources of income including employment income, pension income, rental income, investment returns, maintenance payments, and income from informal trading or self-employment. For married applicants, SASSA also considers the income of your spouse. SASSA verifies income using databases from SARS, UIF, NSFAS, and other government systems.
Does the means test also check my assets?
Yes, for certain grants such as the Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant, and Care Dependency Grant, SASSA also checks your assets. Assets include property, vehicles, investments, savings accounts, and other items of value. For example, for the Older Persons Grant a single person's assets must be below R1,372,800 and a married couple's combined assets below R2,745,600. This calculator focuses on income thresholds only - the full asset test is done by SASSA.
How often does SASSA review my eligibility after I am approved?
SASSA conducts regular reviews of grant recipients to check ongoing eligibility. For the SRD R370 grant, automated checks are run monthly against government databases. For other grants, periodic reviews may be conducted every 12 to 24 months. If your financial situation changes significantly - for example, if you find employment or receive an inheritance - you are required to inform SASSA, and your grant may be adjusted or cancelled.

Need More Help?

If you are unsure about your results or need personalised assistance, contact SASSA directly. Their toll-free helpline is available during business hours.

Contact SASSAUse Calculator Again

SASSA toll-free helpline: 0800 60 10 11