In a move that escaped mainstream attention, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has significantly increased the asset and income limits used in its means testing process for 2025. These updated thresholds, effective 1 April 2025, are already influencing eligibility for millions of South Africans applying for social grants.
While many beneficiaries were aware of the grant amount increases in April, the revised means test thresholds went largely unnoticed. That’s because the update was buried in a media release published in July 2025, long after the changes were already in effect. Despite its quiet rollout, this update may offer a second chance to those previously disqualified.
If your application was rejected because you earned “just over the limit” or had modest savings slightly above the cap, these new thresholds might now work in your favor.
SASSA Quietly Raises Asset and Means Test Limits for 2025
| Category | Previous Threshold (Oct 2024) | New Threshold (Apr 2025) | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Limit (Single) – Old Age, Disability, War Veteran | R101,640 per year | R107,880 per year | +6.2% |
| Income Limit (Couple) | R203,280 per year | R215,760 per year | +6.1% |
| Asset Limit (Single) | R1,438,800 | R1,524,600 | +6.0% |
| Asset Limit (Couple) | R2,877,600 | R3,049,200 | +6.0% |
| Child Support Grant Income Limit (Single) | R63,600 per year | R67,200 per year | +5.7% |
| Care Dependency Grant Income Limit (Couple) | R261,600 per year | R277,200 per year | +6.0% |
| Effective Date | 1 April 2025 | ||
| Source | SASSA Official Media Statement – July 2025 |
The recent update to SASSA’s means test thresholds for 2025 may have been quietly implemented, but its impact is far-reaching. By adjusting the income and asset caps by approximately six percent, SASSA has effectively broadened access to vital financial support programs for thousands of deserving South Africans.
Whether you are retired, disabled, or supporting young children, it is worth revisiting your eligibility status — especially if you were previously denied. The key is to stay informed, use only official SASSA communication channels, and act quickly if your circumstances now align with the updated criteria.
These changes represent a 6% average increase in both income and asset limits. While that may not seem large, it’s enough to move thousands of borderline applicants into eligibility.
What Is a Means Test and Why It Matters
A means test is the method used by SASSA to determine whether an individual or household qualifies for specific grants. It assesses two critical financial indicators:
- Income – The total earnings of the applicant, and if married or cohabiting, the combined income of both partners.
- Assets – The value of what an individual or couple owns, such as savings, property (excluding the primary home), shares, or retirement annuities.
The purpose of the means test is to target financial assistance toward those most in need. If your income or assets exceed the set thresholds, SASSA assumes you can sustain yourself and therefore disqualifies your application.
SASSA grants are not universal basic income schemes — they are selective programs designed to fill gaps in financial support for vulnerable individuals including older persons, disabled individuals, caregivers, and children.
Why the Update Was Overlooked
Unlike the widely publicized April 2025 grant increases, the new means test thresholds were only mentioned in a July 7, 2025 press statement, which primarily focused on grant reviews and fraud prevention. The changes were listed deep within the document, without any official announcement or press conference.
Most third-party eligibility tools and unofficial SASSA calculators have not yet updated their systems to reflect these new limits, leading to continued confusion among applicants.
This subtlety in communication may have been intentional, as it allowed the agency to implement changes quietly while it continues to roll out its automated grant review program.
Real-Life Examples: Who Benefits from the New Limits
Let’s examine a few everyday examples to illustrate how the updated income and asset limits affect eligibility.
Example 1: Retired Widow with Modest Savings
- Income: R107,000 per year from a private pension
- Assets: R1,500,000 in a fixed deposit
Outcome: Under the new 2025 income and asset thresholds, she now qualifies for the Old Age Grant. She would have been disqualified last year for exceeding the R1.44 million asset cap.
Example 2: Dual-Earner Parents Seeking Child Support Grant
- Combined Household Income: R134,000 per year
- Assets: R200,000 in savings
Outcome: With the new R134,400 income limit for couples applying for the Child Support Grant, they now qualify, even with modest savings.
Example 3: Couple Applying for Disability Grant
- Combined Income: R210,000 per year
- Assets: R3,000,000 in total retirement annuities
Outcome: This couple falls within the updated asset and income thresholds and should now be eligible for the Disability Grant, provided they meet the medical requirements.
How to Check Your Eligibility Under the 2025 Thresholds
Understanding whether you qualify for a grant can be confusing, especially when rules and limits change. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you assess your own eligibility.
Step 1: Calculate Your Total Annual Income
Include the following:
- Salary or wages
- Pension or retirement annuity payouts
- Rental income
- Interest from savings or investments
- Dividends or business income
Do not include grants you already receive, such as the Child Support Grant or Disability Grant.
Step 2: Add Up Your Assets
Your assets may include:
- Secondary properties (excluding your primary residence)
- Savings accounts and fixed deposits
- Investment accounts and shares
- Retirement annuities
- Vehicles (if not used solely for personal purposes)
Step 3: Compare Against the Thresholds
Refer to the 2025 means test table to see if you fall within the allowable ranges based on whether you’re single or part of a couple.
Step 4: Use Official Application Channels
To avoid fraud or scams, never apply through unofficial websites or social media accounts. Use these channels instead:
- GovChat: www.govchat.app
- WhatsApp “SASSA Official”: Send “Hi” to 082 046 8553
- Visit your nearest SASSA local office
- SASSA Official Website: www.sassa.gov.za
What Hasn’t Changed
While the income and asset thresholds have been revised, there are several aspects of SASSA’s operations and grant policies that remain the same:
- Grant Amounts: These were adjusted in April 2025 (e.g., Old Age Grant increased to R2,310). A small increase is expected again in October 2025, but the means tests are not affected by that.
- Foster Child Grant: Remains court-ordered and is not subject to the income or asset thresholds.
- Social Relief of Distress (SRD R370) Grant: Uses an entirely separate screening method and was not affected by these changes.
- Primary Residence Exclusion: Your main home continues to be excluded from the asset calculation.
Professional Tips for a Successful Application
- Always disclose full information: Omitting assets or underreporting income can result in disqualification, suspension, or criminal investigation.
- Keep bank statements accurate and updated: SASSA reviews your financial activity using third-party integrations.
- Report life changes immediately: Marriage, divorce, inheritance, or even moving into a new property can impact your status.
- File an appeal if denied: Many applications get rejected due to minor errors or outdated thresholds. You have up to 90 days to appeal.
- Check for outdated calculators: Many popular eligibility tools are still using 2024 figures. Always verify with SASSA directly.
FAQs About SASSA Quietly Raises Asset and Means Test Limits for 2025
Is the SRD Grant affected by the 2025 means test changes?
No. The SRD Grant (currently R370/month) is assessed using bank account screening and income verification rather than fixed income or asset thresholds.
If I was rejected earlier this year, should I reapply?
Yes. If your rejection was based on being slightly over the 2024 limits, you might now qualify under the higher 2025 thresholds.
What counts as income for SASSA?
All forms of regular income, including:
- Salaries
- Pensions
- Annuities
- Rental income
- Interest earned from savings
Grants already received are excluded from this calculation.
Is my house considered an asset?
No. Your primary residence is not counted in the asset means test, but a second property or investment home is included.
