How Much Must You Earn to Qualify for SASSA Grant
Qualification for a SASSA grant depends on specific eligibility criteria. Assets and income thresholds vary by grant type and are adjusted each year. We have explained the income requirements for all social grants, including the SRD R370, so you understand exactly how much must you earn to qualify at the same time.
How Much Must You Earn to Qualify for SASSA Grant
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) determines your eligibility through the Means Test, which calculates both your income and assets. This process applies when you submit a new application, during monthly income checks, and as part of the annual SASSA review.
SASSA pays social grants on a sliding scale. If you earn some income but remain below the maximum threshold, you will still receive your approved grant payment for that month. However, if your income exceeds the threshold, your grant payment will be declined for that period.
Each grant type has its own income requirements. Once your SASSA grant application is approved, you must keep your income below the specified limit to remain eligible for ongoing monthly payments.
You can check the updated income thresholds for SASSA grants below, effective from 1 April 2026.
Social Relief of Distress (SRD) R370 Grant
Individuals aged 18 and above must earn less than R624 per month or be unemployed to qualify for the SASSA SRD R370 grant.
SASSA checks your financial activity monthly. If your income goes above the limit for that month, your payment will be declined for that period, but resume once your income falls below the threshold again.
Old Age Grant (Older Persons Pension)
To be eligible, people aged 60 years and older must earn less than R9,350 per month and R112,200 per year if single, to qualify for the SASSA Old Age Grant.
For married couples, the combined income must be below R18,700 per month and R224,400 per year.
SASSA considers both your income and your spouse’s income or pension together when assessing your eligibility, even if only one of you applies for the Older Persons Grant.
Child Support Grant
Parents and guardians of a child under 18 must earn less than R5,800 per month and R69,600 per year if single to qualify for the SASSA Child Support Grant.
For a married couple, the combined income must not exceed the R11,600 per month and R139,200 per year limit.
Care Dependency Grant
Caregivers of children must earn less than R24,000 per month and R288,000 per year if single to qualify for the SASSA Care Dependency Grant.
For married couples, the combined income must not exceed R48,000 per month and R576,000 per year.
SASSA Care Dependency Grant helps families caring for children with severe physical or mental disabilities who require permanent care.
War Veterans Grant
Military personnel who apply for the War Veterans Grant must meet the same income criteria as the SASSA Old Age Grant mentioned above. If you meet those criteria, you will receive the War Veterans Grant benefits.
Disability Grant
People with disabilities aged 18 and older can qualify for the SASSA Disability Grant. The income criteria for the Disability Grant follow the same requirements as the Old Age Grant mentioned above.
Foster Child Grant
SASSA does not apply the means test for the Foster Child Grant, which means your income does not affect eligibility. Your court order will approve your Foster Child Grant and determine its eligibility period.
How SASSA Calculates Your Earnings
To determine your eligibility based on the income threshold, SASSA calculates your total earnings on a monthly and yearly basis.
The calculated income includes your salary or wages, pension or retirement funds, income from rental properties, business or self-employment income, child maintenance payments (if applicable), investment returns, interest, dividends, and your spouse’s income (if married).
Once all income sources are added up, SASSA subtracts allowable deductions to determine your net income, which is then compared to the set threshold to decide whether you qualify for a social grant.
What Happens If You Earn More Than the SASSA Income Limit
If your earnings exceed the SASSA income limit, your grant payment for that month will be declined. However, if your income drops below the threshold again, your grant will be reinstated and paid in the following month. SASSA automatically checks your income every month to make sure you still qualify. To stay eligible, your calculated income must remain below the set threshold.
Note: Maintain your SASSA balance within the required limits and stay eligible for the specific grant. Exceeding the account balance over the specified threshold makes you ineligible.
