SASSA Means Test Explained Simply (2026)
The "means test" is one of the most important but confusing aspects of applying for SASSA grants. Many South Africans don't understand what it means, how it works, or why their application was declined based on income. This guide explains the SASSA means test in simple, easy-to-understand terms for 2026, helping you understand income thresholds, what counts as income, and how to determine if you qualify.
What is a Means Test?
Simple Definition
A means test is a way for SASSA to determine if you're financially eligible for a social grant. "Means" refers to your financial resources—essentially, how much money you have or earn. The test checks whether your income and assets are below a certain threshold (limit).
Why Does SASSA Use a Means Test?
Purpose:
- Ensure grants go to those who truly need them
- Prevent people with sufficient income from receiving grants
- Make fair decisions about eligibility
- Manage limited government resources
- Support those most in need
In Simple Terms:
If you earn too much money, you don't qualify for the grant. If you earn very little or nothing, you likely qualify.
How the Means Test Works
Basic Concept
The Test Checks:
- Your Income: How much money you earn per month
- Income Sources: Where your money comes from
- Total Amount: All income added together
- Threshold Comparison: Is your total income below the limit?
Simple Example:
-
Threshold: R624 per month
-
Your Income: R500 per month
-
Result: You qualify (R500 is less than R624)
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Your Income: R800 per month
-
Result: You don't qualify (R800 is more than R624)
Income Thresholds for 2026
R350 SRD Grant Threshold
Monthly Income Limit:
- R624 or less: You qualify
- More than R624: You don't qualify
Important Notes:
- This is your TOTAL monthly income from ALL sources
- Not just employment income
- Includes all types of income
- Calculated as average if income varies
Other Grant Thresholds
Different grants have different thresholds:
- Child Support Grant: Different threshold (check specific requirements)
- Old Age Grant: Different threshold for pensioners
- Disability Grant: Different threshold
- Foster Care Grant: Different threshold
Note: This guide focuses on R350 SRD grant threshold of R624/month.
What Counts as Income?
Types of Income Included
1. Employment Income
- Salary from job
- Wages from work
- Part-time work earnings
- Casual work payments
- Any money earned from employment
2. Self-Employment Income
- Money from your own business
- Freelance work payments
- Consulting fees
- Any income from self-employment
3. Government Benefits
- UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund) payments
- Other SASSA grants
- Government assistance programs
- Any government financial support
4. Support Payments
- Spousal maintenance received
- Child support received
- Financial support from family
- Regular gifts or assistance
5. Rental Income
- Money from renting property
- Room rental income
- Property rental earnings
- Net rental income (after expenses)
6. Investment Income
- Interest from savings
- Dividends from investments
- Returns on investments
- Any investment earnings
7. Other Regular Income
- Regular payments from any source
- Consistent financial assistance
- Any other recurring income
What Doesn't Count as Income?
Excluded from Means Test:
- One-Time Payments: Single payments, not regular income
- Gifts: Occasional gifts from family or friends
- Loans: Money you borrow (must be repaid)
- Food Parcels: Non-cash assistance like food
- Vouchers: Non-cash vouchers or coupons
- Emergency Assistance: Temporary emergency help
- In-Kind Support: Non-monetary support
Important: Only regular, recurring income counts toward the means test.
How Income is Calculated
Monthly Calculation
If Income is Regular:
- Use your monthly income amount
- Example: R500 per month = R500
If Income Varies:
- Calculate average over 3-6 months
- Add all income for the period
- Divide by number of months
- Example: R600 + R500 + R700 = R1,800 ÷ 3 = R600 average
If Income is Irregular:
- SASSA may use recent months
- Or calculate based on patterns
- May request bank statements
- Verifies through various methods
Total Income Calculation
Step 1: List All Income Sources
- Employment: R300
- UIF: R0 (not receiving)
- Support: R200
- Other: R0
- Total: R500
Step 2: Compare to Threshold
- Your Total: R500
- Threshold: R624
- Result: R500 < R624 = QUALIFY
How SASSA Verifies Income
Verification Methods
1. Bank Statement Analysis
- SASSA reviews your bank statements
- Checks deposits and transactions
- Identifies income sources
- Calculates monthly income
2. Database Cross-Referencing
- Checks UIF database
- Verifies with SARS (tax records)
- Cross-references employment databases
- Checks other government systems
3. Third-Party Verification
- May contact employers
- Verify with banks
- Check with other institutions
- Confirm income sources
4. Self-Declaration
- You declare your income
- Provide supporting documents
- SASSA verifies your declaration
- May request additional proof
Common Means Test Scenarios
Scenario 1: Unemployed, No Income
Situation:
- No job, no income
- No other income sources
- Monthly income: R0
Means Test Result:
- Income: R0
- Threshold: R624
- R0 < R624 = QUALIFY
Scenario 2: Part-Time Work
Situation:
- Part-time job earning R400/month
- No other income
- Total: R400/month
Means Test Result:
- Income: R400
- Threshold: R624
- R400 < R624 = QUALIFY
Scenario 3: Income Above Threshold
Situation:
- Job earning R800/month
- No other income
- Total: R800/month
Means Test Result:
- Income: R800
- Threshold: R624
- R800 > R624 = DON'T QUALIFY
Scenario 4: Multiple Income Sources
Situation:
- Part-time work: R300/month
- Family support: R200/month
- Total: R500/month
Means Test Result:
- Income: R500
- Threshold: R624
- R500 < R624 = QUALIFY
Scenario 5: UIF Payments
Situation:
- Receiving UIF: R1,200/month
- No other income
- Total: R1,200/month
Means Test Result:
- Income: R1,200
- Threshold: R624
- R1,200 > R624 = DON'T QUALIFY
Note: You cannot receive SRD grant while receiving UIF.
Tips for Passing the Means Test
1. Accurate Income Declaration
Do:
- Declare all income honestly
- Include all income sources
- Provide accurate amounts
- Update if income changes
Don't:
- Hide income (this is fraud)
- Underreport income
- Provide false information
- Mislead SASSA
2. Understand What Counts
Remember:
- All regular income counts
- One-time payments don't count
- Gifts usually don't count
- Loans don't count
- Only recurring income matters
3. Calculate Correctly
Steps:
- List all income sources
- Add them together
- Compare to R624 threshold
- Determine if you qualify
- Apply only if you qualify
4. Provide Supporting Documents
If Requested:
- Bank statements (last 3 months)
- Employment termination letter
- Proof of unemployment
- Affidavit of income situation
- Any other requested documents
What If You're Above the Threshold?
Options
Option 1: Wait for Income to Decrease
- If income is temporary
- Wait until income drops below R624
- Then apply for grant
- Reapply when eligible
Option 2: Appeal if Decline Was Wrong
- If you believe calculation was incorrect
- Appeal the decision
- Provide proof of actual income
- Show income is below threshold
Option 3: Consider Other Assistance
- Explore other grant options
- Check if other grants have higher thresholds
- Look into other assistance programs
- Seek community support
Option 4: Accept the Decision
- If income is genuinely above threshold
- Accept that you don't currently qualify
- Reapply if circumstances change
- Focus on other support options
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current income threshold for R350 grant?
The income threshold for the R350 SRD grant in 2026 is R624 per month. You must earn R624 or less to qualify.
Does the threshold change?
The threshold may be adjusted annually based on inflation and government policy. Check SASSA announcements for any changes.
What if my income varies month to month?
If your income varies, SASSA calculates your average monthly income over 3-6 months. If your average is R624 or less, you may qualify.
Do one-time payments count toward the means test?
No, one-time payments (like gifts, loans, or emergency assistance) don't count. Only regular, recurring monthly income counts.
What if I'm receiving UIF?
If you're actively receiving UIF payments, you typically cannot receive the SRD grant. However, once UIF ends, you can apply for SRD grant if you meet other criteria.
Can I have savings and still qualify?
Yes, the means test focuses on monthly income, not savings. Having savings doesn't automatically disqualify you, as long as your monthly income is R624 or less.
What if my spouse earns income?
For the SRD grant, your own income is assessed. However, if you receive regular financial support from your spouse, that support may count as income.
How does SASSA know my income?
SASSA verifies income through:
- Bank statement analysis
- UIF database checks
- SARS (tax) records
- Employment database cross-referencing
- Your self-declaration
What if I disagree with the income calculation?
If you believe SASSA calculated your income incorrectly, you can appeal the decision and provide proof that your actual income is below the threshold.
Can I qualify if I earn exactly R624?
The threshold is R624 or less, so if you earn exactly R624 per month, you should qualify. However, if you earn more than R624 (even R625), you won't qualify.
Conclusion
The SASSA means test is simply a way to check if your monthly income is low enough to qualify for grants. For the R350 SRD grant, you need to earn R624 or less per month from all sources combined. Understanding what counts as income, how it's calculated, and how to accurately report it helps ensure your application is processed correctly. Remember, honesty is essential—providing false information is fraud and can result in permanent disqualification.
For more information about eligibility requirements, application processes, or appealing a decline, explore our other comprehensive SASSA guides.
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