SASSA issued another order in the year 2025 that was an amendment to the regulations, thereby affecting many grant beneficiaries. The judgement held that from 2025 onwards, certain social grants will not be paid to anyone whose average monthly income exceeds R8,070. The idea behind this law was for the Government to make sure that those needing support actually do get financial assistance.
Why Was It Implemented?
Social welfare has been plunged into crisis by soaring living costs and tightening budgets. According to the Department of Social Development, if income thresholds are not tightened, then the grant is misappropriated and diverted away from needy households.
The new income threshold uses the means test system in deciding whether a person or household is adequately endowed with income or assets to support themselves without the need of state assistance. Using the income criteria of R8,070, SASSA intends to promote equity and sustainability in grant payments.
Which Grant Has Been Affected by This Rule?
Note that not all SASSA grants are influenced by this income rule, and the change appears to focus mainly on income tests as they pertain to grants, namely:
- Old Age Grant
- Disability Grant
- Care Dependency Grant
- War Veterans Grant
Beneficiaries need to show that their income remains below the prescribed income limit.The Child Support Grant and the Foster Child Grant have a different income rule, whereas the SRD R370 Grant (Social Relief of Distress) will continue along its own line of requirements.
Income Threshold Explained
Basically, if any single applicant has an income in excess of R8,070 every month, he or she is disqualified from the grants. The income threshold for anyone married is R16,140 every month so that any two people should earn side by side with dual income and be not entitled to double benefits. The kind of income to be calculated into this threshold is, inter alia:
- Salaries and wages
- Business and rent incomes
- Private and occupational pensions
- Any other regular monetary support.
Income Must SASSA be Monitored?
There will be a periodical review conducted by SASSA, with cross-checks to be made against bank and SARS data if necessary. During these reviews, beneficiaries will be questioned with regard to whether any income has changed. Failure to notify SASSA of such income changes will result, among others, amounting to:
- Suspension of grant with immediate effect;
- Repayment of money received during period of ineligibility; and
- Potential prosecution for fraud.
What Should The Beneficiaries Do?
Grant beneficiaries must:
- Inform SASSA of any changes occurring with respect to income and/or financial situation; and
- Submitting all relevant documents during evaluation;
- Seek advice at SASSA offices whenever in doubt about their eligibility.
Typically, beneficiaries deprived of grants under the new threshold can apply to other means such as UI benefits or community relief programs.
Also read : Unemployed Citizens Relief Fund 2025 – Who Qualifies and How to Apply