The South African Social Security Agency, SASSA, has placed a premium on households with an advertised income level of R8,070 per month as threshold for social grants, effective August 15, 2025. The measure seeks to ensure that aid goes to those in genuine need; however, this measure has caused concern among over 19 million beneficiaries. This article thus delineates the new rule, the grants it affects, and some steps to take in order to remain eligible.
Meaning of the R8,070 Threshold
It means that the new policy by SASSA suspends the grants of anybody whose monthly income exceeds R8,070 (R97,284 per annum), in case he/she is alone, or R16,140 if he/she is married. Monthly income comprises all sources, such as salaries, rentals, investment income, or family support. Pursuant to the Social Assistance Act, the measure seeks to fight the ever-increasing fraud and to allow for an equitable distribution against a backdrop of a R280 billion budget for 2025/26. Since 55.5% of South Africans are below the poverty line, the enhanced system by SASSA cross-checks data from SARS, UIF, and banks to ensure compliance.
Affected Grant Categories
The income limit is applicable to all major SASSA grants, including the following categories:
- Old Age Grant: R2,180–R2,200, for persons aged 60+.
- Disability Grant: R2,180, for persons having certified disabilities.
- Child Support Grant: R560, for the primary caregiver.
- Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant: R370, for adult persons unemployed and with an income below R595 monthly.
- Foster Child and Care Dependency Grants: R1,250-and-R2,180. Approximately 210,000 beneficiaries, having been flagged via credit bureau checks, are facing review with respect to their eligibility, and may be suspended by 15 August should any of the review outcomes reveal a deliberate withholding of income from the grant within the new limits.
Verification and Compliance Process
SASSA manages its requirements through its modern income verification systems, comprising:
- Monthly checks into their bank transactions.
- SARS declarations of income.
- UIF received terminations of employment.
Where income is verified in excess of R8,070, the beneficiary is sent an SMS or email warning with a 30-day appeal period for a hearing to be held at the nearest SASSA office on 30 days’ notice where the beneficiary must present bank statements or payslips, or affidavits that prove temporary spikes in income. Should a beneficiary fail to follow through, his/her grant will be terminated indefinitely. Beneficiaries still in possession of the old-style green bar-coded IDs must immediately upgrade to smart ID cards so as to ensure that this is not yet another avenue for grant fraud.
Grant Retention Procedure
Steps to Avoid Suspension:
- Income Assessment: Calculation of total household income, including income from informal sources.
- Update Details: Submit updated bank statements, ID, and proof of residence either online at sassa.gov.za or at a SASSA office by 10 August.
- Appeal Process: If suspended, provide evidence of eligibility within 30 days either via the SRD portal or in person.
- Check Status: Visit srd.sassa.gov.za; WhatsApp (082 046 8553) or use USSD (1347737#) to check on payment status. For assistance, call SASSA’s toll-free number 0800 60 10 11, especially for elderly or differently able beneficiaries requiring appointing procurators.
Issue Addressing and Moving Forward
The R8,070 limit has caused heartaches over possible unfair suspensions, especially of pensioners who depend on small side incomes. Critics say this limit is very low compared to the rising cost of living (6.1% food inflation). SASSA stated the policy is aimed at fraudsters, not bona fide recipients, and is busy developing self-service platforms for easier compliance. Beneficiaries should be vigilant and get their records updated, and keep to official channels to avoid any interruption.
Also Read: 12 August SASSA Payment: Check Eligibility For The Double Grant Now