HOW to earn money without losing your SASSA grant

Do you want to learn how to earn money without losing your South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant? Good news, there are now two organisations – with refreshingly different approaches – tackling this exact issue for the elderly.

Firstly, there’s TAFTA – a Durban-based elder care organisation – partnered with the Global Institute for Experienced Entrepreneurship. Here participants attend 12 structured workshops at TAFTA’s Langeler Towers. The course covers entrepreneurial thinking, how to pitch an idea, and how to learn and improve from any failed attempts …

EARN MONEY WITHOUT LOSING YOUR SASSA GRANT

Then there’s the South African Institute for Entrepreneurship (SAIE). In their manifesto they say they’re not about handouts. Their goal is to shift people from the passivity of grants towards actively seeking out opportunities. One such example of their success is the City of Cape Town Urban Backyard Garden Project. This is the programme that trained Nicky Jafta, the Kraaifontein pensioner who now runs a thriving micro-farm.

TAFTA CEO Femada Shamam frames it as more than an income play on SASSA. “Learning business skills in the elder generation is a proactive approach to meeting their financial needs. It’s also helps ease loneliness and exclusion, with the added bonus of potential job creation in the surrounding community,” said Shamam. In time, the plan is to roll out sponsored startup funding for very promising ideas.

2026 SASSA MEANS AND ASSET TESTS

Critical to earn money without losing your SASSA grant is sticking within the agency’s means and asset test. In 2026, a single applicant can earn up R112 200 a year, or R9 350 a month, without the agency raising a red flag. Likewise, your total assets must stay below R1 584 000. With the right training and opportunity, that’s real room for side income before SASSA looks twice.

Neither organisation is promising a get-rich-quick scheme. TAFTA offers structured mentorship. And SAIE is selling a mindset shift backed by hands-on, practical skills training. Both are aimed at the same quiet fear most elderly pensioners carry with them. Trying to earn a little more without losing what they already have. While still remaining relevant and connected within their community.

Click here to find out more about TAFTA and you can navigate to the SAIE’s Facebook page by clicking the link.  

But what do you think? Do you earn money without losing your SASSA grant? Do you have any tips/contacts to share with our audience? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below …