Since November 2025, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has introduced significant updates to its grant framework. These changes include new income and asset limits, enhanced verification procedures, and a shift toward online reviews and applications. The reforms aim to modernize administration and ensure that only eligible citizens continue to receive benefits.
Revised Income and Asset Thresholds
The new income and asset limits apply for both current and previous non-overdue periods across all major grants.
- Older Persons, Disability, and War Veterans Grants:
- Single person income threshold: R107,880 per year
- Married couple income threshold: R215,760 per year
- Single person asset threshold: R1,524,600
- Married couple asset threshold: R3,049,200
- Child Support Grant:
- Single parent income limit: R67,200 per year
- Married couple income limit: R134,400 per year
- Care Dependency Grant:
- Single parent income limit: R277,200 per year
- Married couple income limit: R277,200 per year
- Social Relief of Distress (SRD): Monthly means test set at R624.
New Web-Based Review and Application System
- Online Processing: Most reviews, renewals, and applications now take place on the SASSA Self-Service Portal.
- Face-to-Face Options: Still available but less common, as SASSA plans to reduce office-based processing. Remote areas will be covered by mobile verification teams.
- Automated Quarterly Verification: Financial details will be cross-checked with SARS, Home Affairs, UIF, and banking systems.
- Biometric and Digital Authentication: New and flagged applicants must undergo biometric verification and submit digital forms.
- Appeals and Renewals: The appeals process now includes an internal review before escalating to the tribunal, potentially causing short payment delays.
Stricter Compliance and Reporting
- Beneficiaries must promptly report any change in income or assets to SASSA.
- Failure to respond to review notices may result in grant suspension or delayed payments.
- Ongoing beneficiaries will face quarterly status checks to verify any changes in financial or asset value.
Summary Table – SASSA November 2025 Grant Updates
| Grant Type | Income Threshold | Asset Threshold | Main Process Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Older Persons Grant | R107,880 (single) | R1,524,600 (single) | Online review, quarterly checks |
| Disability & War Veterans Grant | R107,880 (single) | R1,524,600 (single) | Biometric and enhanced verification |
| Child Support Grant | R67,200 (single) | Not applicable | Online renewal/application |
| Care Dependency Grant | R277,200 (single) | Not applicable | Online renewal/application |
FAQs – SASSA Reforms November 2025
Q: Who needs to use the new online system?
A: Most beneficiaries must now use the online platform. Only applicants in remote or vulnerable situations will receive assistance through mobile or local SASSA teams.
Q: What happens if I fail a quarterly review?
A: Payments may be delayed or suspended. You must promptly update your income or asset details to restore eligibility.
Q: What has changed in the income and asset limits?
A: Both income and asset thresholds have been updated to reflect inflation and current living standards. Beneficiaries should recheck their eligibility based on these new values.
The SASSA reforms effective November 2025 mark a shift toward digital management and stricter verification of grants. While the higher income and asset thresholds may benefit some recipients, compliance and accurate reporting are now more crucial than ever to maintain uninterrupted payments.
