SASSA old age grant less than R2 400? Why, and how to appeal

If your SASSA old age grant is less than R2 400 a month, it's usually because of the means test. SASSA pays a smaller grant when your own income is above a certain level, even if you still qualify (SASSA, Social Assistance Act regulations). And SASSA can change the amount after a review of your circumstances (Regulation 31).

The question came up again this week after older grant recipients told The South African their payments had been cut without explanation (The South African).

How much is the full older person's grant?

Source: SASSA means test leaflet.

How does the means test cut the grant?

The regulations set a formula: the yearly grant is 1.6 times the full yearly grant, minus 0.4 times your yearly income. It can never be more than the full grant, and no grant under R100 a month is paid (Social Assistance Act regulations). Your income here includes income from your assets, after allowed deductions (Social Assistance Act regulations).

In practice, for a single person aged 60 to 74, that works out like this. This is Reported's calculation using the formula and the R2 400 grant, so your actual amount depends on how SASSA assesses your income.

Source: Reported's calculation from the regulations and SASSA. So roughly, every R1 you earn above about R3 600 a month takes 40c off your grant.

What are the income and asset limits?

Source: SASSA means test leaflet. If you're married, SASSA looks at your spouse's income and assets too (SASSA).

Why would my grant drop years after I was approved?

SASSA reviews grants, and the regulations allow it to vary the amount of a grant after a review (Regulation 31). SASSA has been sending review notices this year, and it warned that grants can be suspended for people who ignore them (IOL).

How can I check my grant status and amount?

Use only SASSA's official channels:

Never give your PIN or card to anyone who calls or messages you offering to "fix" your grant.

How do I appeal if I think SASSA got it wrong?

You can appeal to the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals within 90 days of SASSA's decision (appeal regulations). SASSA's 2026 booklet says you can ask a SASSA official to help you lodge it, or email it to [email protected] (SASSA grant booklet).

The appeal form asks for a copy of your ID, a copy of SASSA's decision and, where relevant, proof of income and assets (appeal regulations). If you miss the 90 days, SASSA must help you complete a second form to ask for a late appeal to be considered (appeal regulations).