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SASSA Means Test Calculator: The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides social assistance and welfare grants to eligible low-income individuals and families in South Africa. Several types of grants are available, including the Child Support Grant, Older Person’s Grant, Disability Grant, Foster Child Grant and others.

A key component in qualifying for these SASSA grants is passing the SASSA means test calculator, which looks at an applicant’s income and assets to determine eligibility. Each year, SASSA reviews and updates the means test qualifying thresholds and limits.

This guide explains everything you need to know about the 2023 SASSA means test requirements, including the latest thresholds for income, assets and other criteria needed to qualify for social assistance, and unofficial SASSA Means Test Calculator.

An Introduction to SASSA Means Test Calculator

The SASSA means test is a review of an applicant’s financial means to determine if they qualify for social grant support. SASSA uses means testing to ensure grants are targeted to individuals and households living in actual poverty in South Africa.

Some of the factors looked at in the means test may include:

• Income from wages, salaries, profits from business
• Assets such as cash savings, investments, property ownership
• Receiving support from other sources
• Number of dependents

If an applicant’s total means is lower than the threshold, they satisfy the means test requirements and may qualify for SASSA grants subject to meeting all other criteria. Each grant type – Child Support, Old Age, Foster Care etc – has its own established thresholds.

The means test thresholds are revised by SASSA annually based on inflation, cost of living adjustments and other welfare policies. The income and asset limits for qualifying are usually increased slightly year-over-year.

SASSA Grant Types Available

There are several grant types available from SASSA subject to qualifying based on the means test along with other eligibility rules. These include:

• Child Support Grant (CSG) – Provides support for qualifying children under 18 years old
• Older Person’s Grant – For citizens 60 years and older who meet requirements
• Disability Grant – For qualifying persons with disability unable to work
• Foster Child Grant
• Care Dependency Grant
• War Veteran’s Grant

Each grant type has its own policy regarding the means test. For example, the Older Person’s Grant has higher allowable income than the Child Support Grant before disqualification.

2023 SASSA Means Test Thresholds

For 2023, SASSA has updated the income and asset thresholds and limits across grant types. Here are the current means test requirements for applicants to meet for popular grant categories:

Child Support Grant Means Test

• Single Primary Caregiver
  • Maximum Income Threshold: R6 720 per month
  • Maximum Asset Limit: R1 368 000
• Joint Primary Caregivers
  • Maximum Income Threshold: R13 440 per month
  • Maximum Asset Limit: R2 736 000

Older Person’s Grant Means Test

• Single Applicant
  • Maximum Income Threshold: R10 930 per month
  • Maximum Asset Limit: R1 720 800
• Married Applicant
  • Maximum Income Threshold: R21 860 per month
  • Maximum Asset Limit: R3 441 600

The income threshold represents the maximum gross income that a single applicant or married couple can receive per month and still qualify. This includes all wages, profits, and other earnings.

The asset limit refers to the total market value of all assets owned by an applicant such as property, investments, cash savings and others. The property threshold is for the primary residence only.

How Income and Assets are Calculated

When applying the SASSA means test, here is how income and assets are calculated:

Income includes:

• Wages and salaries
• Profits from business, rental properties or investments
• Pensions and annuities
• Support payments from others
• Interest on accounts

Assets include full current market value of:

• Primary residence property
• Additional homes, properties and land
• Bank account balances
• Retirement savings and investments
• Livestock and equipment
• Non-primary vehicles and trailers

Specific exclusions do apply in some cases when counting assets. Overall, SASSA aims to get a complete picture of an applicant’s financial means to make a fair decision.

How to Apply for a SASSA Grant

If you meet the eligibility and means test requirements outlined above, you can apply for SASSA social grants by:

1. Gathering required documents (ID, proof of income/assets etc.)
2. Visiting your nearest SASSA office
3. Completing application form and means test interview
4. Awaiting outcome and decision

Approval timeframes range from 60 days up to several months in some cases before grants are issued. Applicants will receive communication on the status of their means test results and overall application and can also proactively follow up directly with SASSA representatives.

Appeals Process if Application Declined

If your SASSA grant application is declined based on not meeting income, asset, or other eligibility thresholds, you can request an appeal or re-evaluation if you believe there are grounds to overturn the decision.

As part of the appeal, you may need to:

• Request means test recalculation if errors found
• Submit additional documents
• Attend appeal interview meeting

Given long wait times for appeals in some cases, be sure to follow up proactively if possible or seek assistance from a social worker or legal aid resource. Providing clear information can help resolve the appeal faster.

Key Takeaways

• SASSA provides social grants to South Africans but requires passing a means test
• Each grant type has defined income and asset thresholds annually
• Understand how income and assets are calculated
• Gather documents and complete the application process
• If denied, understand options to request an appeal

Review the latest thresholds and policy announcements from SASSA to make sure your application addresses all requirements. Seek assistance if needed to navigate the documentation and approval process.

By meeting all eligibility criteria and SASSA means testing rules, social grants provide support each month to purchase basics like food, clothing, shelter transportation and more. The supplemental income can be a lifeline for low-income families in South Africa facing short-term or long-term challenging circumstances.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not substitute official government policy. Consult directly with SASSA representatives for latest requirements.

Also check: SASSA Eligibility Checker – Check Your Eligibility for Grants 100% Free (online-sassa-status-check.co.za)

Frequently Asked Questions