SASSA Means Test Calculator [2024]

Are you wondering if you qualify for a SASSA grant in 2024? The SASSA Means Test Calculator is a helpful tool designed to check if you meet the income and asset limits for financial assistance.

It’s simple to use, and by inputting just a few details, you’ll know right away whether you’re eligible for support.

Here’s a closer look at how the calculator works, what the income and asset limits are, and other essential details to help you determine if you qualify for a grant this year.

How to Use the SASSA Means Test Calculator

The SASSA Means Test Calculator is user-friendly and allows you to assess your eligibility in just a few steps. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Choose Your Grant Type: Begin by selecting the type of grant you wish to apply for. Options include Old Age Grant, Disability Grant, Child Support Grant, and others.
2. Enter Your Income: If you’re single, input your annual income. For married applicants, enter the combined income of you and your spouse.
3. Click Check Eligibility: Once you’ve entered your information, press the “Check Eligibility” button. The calculator will analyze the data and quickly inform you if you fall within the eligibility criteria.

Using the calculator is efficient, saving you time and providing immediate feedback on whether you meet the SASSA eligibility requirements.

What is the SASSA Means Test?

The SASSA Means Test assesses your financial status to ensure that grants are awarded to those in genuine need.

It takes a detailed look at your income, assets, and other financial factors, such as debts and dependents. The aim is to allocate financial assistance to people who truly need it.

The key factors considered include:

• Income: Any money you earn, including salaries, pensions, business profits, and other sources, is counted.
• Assets: SASSA evaluates the value of assets like property (excluding your main residence), investments, and bank accounts.
• Debts: Outstanding loans may also be reviewed.

For married applicants, the financial information of both partners is considered, as SASSA takes a holistic view of household income and assets.

Income and Asset Limits for 2024

Each year, SASSA updates its income and asset thresholds to determine who qualifies for a grant. Here are the limits for 2024:

Old Age, Disability, and War Veterans Grants:

• Single Applicants: Income of up to R8,070 per month
• Married Applicants: Combined household income of up to R16,140 per month

Child Support Grant:

• Single Caregivers: Income up to R5,000 per month
• Married Caregivers: Combined income up to R10,000 per month

Note: The Foster Child Grant does not require a means test, and the Child Support Grant only considers the income of the primary caregiver.

What Counts as Income and Assets?

When assessing eligibility for a SASSA grant, it’s essential to understand what types of income and assets are evaluated. Here’s a list to guide you:

Income Sources:

• Salaries and wages
• Pension payments
• Business income
• Rental income
• Child maintenance
• Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) payouts

Assets Considered:

• Bank account balances
• Property values (excluding primary residence)
• Investments
• Retirement annuities

For those applying for the Old Age Grant or Disability Grant, SASSA does not count the main home in the asset evaluation, providing some relief for homeowners.

Current SASSA Grant Amounts for 2024

Below are the current SASSA grant amounts for different categories as of October 2024:

Grant Type	Monthly 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 are subject to change, and adjustments may be announced in April 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Q: What is the SASSA Means Test?

A: The SASSA Means Test is a financial evaluation process that assesses your income and assets to determine if you qualify for a grant.

Q: Who needs to take the means test?

A: Most applicants need to complete the means test, except those applying for the Foster Child Grant.

Q: What counts as income?

A: Income includes salaries, pensions, rental income, business profits, and any financial support from family.

Q: How often are the income and asset limits updated?

A: SASSA updates these limits twice a year—in April and October.

Conclusion

The SASSA Means Test Calculator is an invaluable tool to quickly determine if you’re eligible for financial support in 2024. By simply entering your income and assets, you receive an instant result on your eligibility status.

It’s important to keep in mind that SASSA adjusts income and asset limits biannually to reflect economic changes.

Staying informed about these updates can help you maintain eligibility and avoid missing out on the financial assistance you need.

Remember, exceeding the income and asset limits, even by a small margin, can result in application denial. Stay updated on SASSA’s income thresholds and review your financial information regularly.