How does SASSA check your income?

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) administers various social grants designed to support vulnerable individuals and families.

To ensure these grants reach those who need them most, SASSA conducts a means test to assess an applicant’s financial situation.

What is the Means Test?

The means test is an important component of SASSA’s eligibility criteria for most social grants (excluding the foster child grant).

It evaluates your income and assets to determine if your financial resources fall below a specific threshold.

This ensures that grants are allocated to those who genuinely lack the means to meet their basic needs.

How Does SASSA Verify Income?

SASSA primarily relies on electronic verification to assess your income.

This is an outline of their methods:

1. Bank Account Verification: SASSA has access to data from various South African banks. They electronically verify your bank statements to analyze income deposits from salaries, pensions, UIF payments, or other sources. This gives them a clear picture of your regular income streams.
2. Income Thresholds: SASSA establishes income thresholds for each grant program. If your total monthly income from all sources exceeds this threshold, you might not qualify for the grant. The specific threshold varies depending on the grant type and may change periodically. It’s important for you to stay updated on the latest income thresholds for your desired grant.

What Does SASSA Look for in Bank Statements?

When examining your bank statements, SASSA focuses on the following aspects:

1. Frequency and Amount of Deposits: SASSA analyzes your bank statements for recurring deposits that indicate income. They assess the frequency (monthly, bi-weekly, etc.) and amount of these deposits to estimate your regular income.
2. Source of Deposits: SASSA attempts to identify the source of your income deposits. This helps them differentiate between salary payments, government grants (like unemployment benefits), or one-time deposits like gifts or loan repayments.
3. Total Monthly Income: By analyzing all income deposits, SASSA calculates your total monthly income. This figure is then compared to the income threshold for your specific grant program.

What Happens if SASSA Identifies an “Alternative Income Source”?

If SASSA detects income deposits in your bank statement that exceed the eligibility threshold, you might receive a notification stating “Alternative Income Source Identified.”

This doesn’t necessarily mean your application is rejected. This is what you can do:

1. Review Your Bank Statements: Carefully examine your statements to identify any unusual deposits that might have triggered the alert. These could be one-time deposits like gifts, loan repayments, or a sale of personal belongings.
2. Provide Supporting Evidence: If you have explanations for the flagged deposits, gather supporting documentation like receipts, sale agreements, or loan repayment confirmations.
3. Appeal the Decision: You have the right to appeal SASSA’s decision if you believe your application was rejected due to an error. Gather your supporting documents and submit a formal appeal through the SASSA website or by visiting a SASSA office.

Does SASSA check my payslips?

No, SASSA primarily relies on electronic bank statement verification.

However, they might request payslips if there’s a discrepancy in the information you provided or if your bank statements are unavailable.

Can I get a grant if I’m employed?

Employment doesn’t automatically disqualify you from receiving a SASSA grant. However, your eligibility depends on your income level.

If your total monthly income falls below the threshold for your desired grant, you might still be eligible.

What if I don’t have a bank account?

If you don’t have a bank account, you can still apply for certain SASSA grants.

SASSA might use other payment methods like cash payouts at specific locations.

It’s best to contact your nearest SASSA office to inquire about available options for applicants without bank accounts.

How can I check my SASSA application status?

You can check your SASSA application status online through the SASSA website or by calling the SASSA National Call Centre at 0860 60 60 43.

How long does it take to get a response on my SASSA application?

Processing times for SASSA applications can vary depending on the specific grant program and the volume of applications received.

Generally, you can expect a response within a few weeks.