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SASSA Child Support Grant
For single applicants or caregivers, the maximum monthly income to qualify for the SASSA Child Support Grant is R4,000.
For married couples, the combined income of both spouses should not exceed R8,000 per month to be eligible.
Permanent Child Support Grant recipients should not have more than the maximum annual income of R60,000, this includes bank balance and assets.
SASSA Foster Child Grant
The Foster Child Grant recipients don’t require assessments for income or assets. It’s available to caregivers who have been appointed by a South African Court to care for foster children.
To apply, all you need are your court order documents and your ID. This grant offers monthly financial assistance to help you support the foster children in your care.
If you or anyone is wanting to qualify for the SASSA grant, you will need to first pass the SASSA Means test. This test was created to measure potential candidates’ income and assets and see if they qualify for the SASSA grant. Should the potential candidate’s income and assets be higher than the threshold set by the South African Government, they will unfortunately not qualify for the grant.
Some important things to note are:
- For unmarried applicants, the means test is dependent on the only candidate’s income and assets.
- For unmarried applicants, the means test is dependent on the candidate’s and their spouses income and assets.
- It does not make a difference if the candidate is married in the community of property or out of the community of property.
- Grants for Older Persons (pensioners), Disabled Candidates, and War Veterans are paid on a sliding scale. This means that the more private income you receive, the smaller your government grant will be.
What is the Asset and Income threshold?
Below is a list of the Asset and Income threshold, as of 1 October 2023. It is important to note that these values are subject to change (usually on 1 April and 1 October each year):
Asset Threshold:
Older Persons, Disability, and War Veteran’s grant:
- A single person should not have assets totalling more than R1 379 400.
- A married person’s joint assets with their spouse should not total more than R2 758 800 (it is important to note that the value of the house the candidate lives in is not taken into account, irrespective of who owns it).
Income Threshold (per annum):
Older Persons, Disability, and War Veteran’s grant:
- A single person should not earn more than R97 320 per year (i.e. R8 110 per month).
- A married person’s joint income with their spouse should not be more than R194 640 per year (i.e. R16 220 per month).
Child Support grant:
- A single person should not earn more than R61 200 per year (i.e. R5 100 per month).
- A married person’s joint income with their spouse should not be more than R122 400 per year (i.e. R10 200 per month).
Care Dependency grant:
- Parent/ PCG single should not earn more than R250 800 per year (i.e. R20 900 per month).
- A Parent/ PCG married joint income with their spouse should not be more than R501 600 per year (i.e. R41 800 per month).
It is important to note that the Foster Child grant, does NOT require a means test.
** Apply for SASSA Grants here **
What is considered an income?
Income is money that you receive that aids you in making a living. It does not necessarily only come from working a job, but also:
- Renting out a room in your home for an amount
- Leasing out a property you own
- Financial support from relatives
- Getting money from a private pension fund
- Maintenance received from an ex-spouse for your child
- Farming/ any other business profits
- Compensation from things such as RAF, UIF or COIDA
Should one spouse already receive a grant, that grant must be counted as income when you apply for your SASSA compensation.
Spouses may claim separate grants. If one of the spouses already receives a grant, then that grant amount must NOT be counted as income when the other applies for the SASSA grant.
What are considered assets?
Assets may be:
- The value of the house/ land that you and/ or your spouse own (should the property have a bond registered over it, it will be registered as having a nil value)
- Bonds/ loans on other outstanding debt
- Any cash in your bank account
- Any cash in any account with a bank or building society
It is important to note that if you own a home but live in it, it will NOT be counted as an asset.
Related Resources
Student Loans in South Africa: How to Apply and What to Expect
For many young South Africans, accessing higher education is a dream that often comes with a financial challenge. Fortunately, several student loan optionsstrong> are available in South Africa to help fund university, college, or TVET studies. Whether you’re looking for a government loan like NSFAS or a private student loan from a bank, understanding the process is essential for success.
What Are Student Loans?
Student loans are a form of financial aid provided to eligible students to help cover tuition fees, books, accommodation, and other study-related expenses. In South Africa, these loans can come from government institutions like NSFAS or private banks such as Nedbank, Standard Bank, FNB, and Absa. Most loans offer repayment flexibility and low-interest options until you graduate.
Types of Student Loans in South Africa
- NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme): A government-funded loan/grant program for students from low-income households. Covers tuition, housing, transport, and meals.
- Bank Student Loans: Offered by most major banks. These are credit-based and require a guardian or parent as a co-signer.
- Private Loan Providers: Companies like Fundi offer educational loans covering various costs such as school fees, gadgets, and textbooks.
Requirements to Qualify for a Student Loan
Each provider has its own criteria, but most South African student loans require the following:
- Proof of South African citizenship or permanent residency
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a recognised tertiary institution
- Parent or guardian with a stable income to co-sign (for private loans)
- Completed application form with supporting documents (ID, proof of income, academic records)
How to Apply for a Student Loan
To apply for a student loan in South Africa, follow these steps:
- Identify your loan provider: Choose between NSFAS, a bank, or a private lender.
- Gather necessary documents: ID copies, academic transcripts, acceptance letters, and income statements.
- Complete the application form online or at a branch.
- Await approval: Some banks offer instant decisions, while NSFAS can take a few weeks.
- Receive disbursement: Funds are typically paid directly to the institution or your account, depending on the lender.
Loan Amounts and Repayment
The loan amount you can receive depends on your chosen lender and financial need:
- NSFAS: Covers full tuition, residence, books, and a personal allowance. The loan becomes a bursary if you pass all your courses.
- Banks: Can provide up to R120,000 or more annually, depending on tuition costs and credit history.
Repayment usually starts after graduation or once you start earning an income. Bank loans may require interest-only payments during your studies. NSFAS repayment only begins when you earn above a specific income threshold.
FAQs on Student Loans in South Africa
1. Can I apply for a student loan without a parent or guardian?
For government loans like NSFAS, yes. But most banks require a financially responsible co-signer, especially for students without an income.
2. Is NSFAS a loan or a bursary?
NSFAS starts as a loan, but it converts to a bursary if you meet academic performance requirements. This means you may not have to pay it back.
3. What is the interest rate on student loans?
Private banks offer competitive rates between 5% and 12%, depending on the applicant's credit profile. NSFAS charges a much lower interest rate, usually linked to inflation.
4. What happens if I fail my courses?
If you’re funded by NSFAS and fail, your loan won’t convert into a bursary, and you’ll need to repay the full amount. Banks may continue charging interest, and your co-signer may be held liable.
5. Can I use a student loan to pay for accommodation and laptops?
Yes. Both NSFAS and many bank student loans cover costs beyond tuition, including housing, meals, textbooks, and electronic devices like laptops or tablets.
Final Thoughts
Student loans in South Africa offer a much-needed financial lifeline to thousands of students every year. Whether you're applying through **NSFAS** or a private bank, ensure you understand the **terms, interest rates, and repayment conditions** before signing any agreement. Make informed decisions today to secure your academic and financial future tomorrow.