Answer to a question from a reader

What is the maximum amount of additional income that I can earn without jeopardising my disability grant?

The short answer

You may not earn more than R172,560 (R14,380 per month) jointly, if you are married.

The whole question

I am a 49-year-old visually impaired man and I currently receive a SASSA disability grant. Although I really appreciate the monthly grant, it is insufficient to live on. I would like your help to determine the maximum additional income that I can earn without jeopardising my grant conditions.

I was informed that the maximum that can be earned (jointly – I am married) is R15,000 but I am unsure and hope that you can confirm the correct amount and maybe also reference the regulation/policy related to this question. For the past few months, I have been trying to get the above information from the SASSA in Kuils River and other offices without any success. 

The long answer

SASSA operates under the Social Assistance Act 13 of 2004.

The 2020/2021 information for income and asset thresholds on the website of the Department of Social Development, which oversees SASSA, is as follows: 

You may not earn more than R86,280 (R7,190 per month) if you are single, and R172,560 (R14,380 per month) jointly, if you are married.

Your assets (like property) may not be worth more than R1,227,600 if you are single, and R2,455,200 if you are married. 

If you have additional questions, you could contact SASSA on their toll-free number: 0800 60 10 11

Or you can email them at: GrantEnquiries@saasa.gov.za

Answered on Nov. 10, 2020, 12:30 p.m.

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Please note. We are not lawyers or financial advisors. We do our best to make the answers accurate, but we cannot accept any legal liability if there are errors.