Disability Grant South Africa – Who Qualifies, Amount, and How to Apply
The Disability Grant is a form of financial assistance provided by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to adults who are unable to work due to a physical or mental disability. This guide explains who qualifies, how much you will get, how to apply, and what documents are required.
About the Disability Grant
If you have a physical or mental disability that makes you unfit to work for longer than six months, you can apply for a Disability Grant.
There are two types:
- Permanent Disability Grant – if your disability will continue for more than 12 months.
- Temporary Disability Grant – if your disability lasts between 6 and 12 months.
⚠️ A permanent grant does not mean lifelong payment — it just means your condition requires support for longer than 12 months.
Who Qualifies for the SASSA Disability Grant?
To qualify, you must:
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee living in South Africa.
- Be between 18 and 59 years old.
- Not be cared for in a state institution.
- Have a 13-digit bar-coded ID.
- Pass a means test:
- Income must not exceed R86 280 (single) or R172 560 (married) per year.
- Assets must not exceed R1 227 600 (single) or R2 455 200 (married).
- Undergo a medical examination by a state-appointed doctor.
The doctor will complete a medical report, valid for three months, and send it to SASSA.
👉 If you are under 18 and need permanent care due to disability, you should apply for a Care Dependency Grant instead.
Disability Grant Amount – How Much Will You Get?
The maximum Disability Grant amount is R2 310 per month (2025 rate).
How Will You Be Paid?
Your grant can be paid through:
- Cash at a designated pay point.
- Electronic deposit into your bank or Postbank account (bank charges may apply).
- Through an institution not funded by the state (e.g., home for people with disabilities).
When May the Disability Grant Be Suspended?
Your grant may be suspended if:
- Your circumstances change.
- A review outcome requires it.
- You fail to co-operate during a review.
- Fraud or misrepresentation is discovered.
- There was an error when your grant was approved.
When Will the Disability Grant Lapse?
Your grant will stop if you:
- Pass away.
- Are admitted to a state institution.
- Do not claim for three consecutive months.
- Leave South Africa.
⚠️ If you are admitted to an institution contracted by the state, your grant is reduced to 25% of the maximum amount from the fourth month. It is fully restored once you are discharged.
How to Apply for the SASSA Disability Grant
- Visit your nearest SASSA office.
- Complete the application form in the presence of a SASSA officer.
- Submit the following documents:
- Your 13-digit ID (or affidavit + proof of ID application if you don’t have one).
- Medical and functional assessment report confirming disability.
- Proof of marital status (if applicable).
- Proof of residence.
- Proof of income, assets, and dividends (if any).
- Bank statements (last 3 months).
- Proof of private pension (if applicable).
- Refugee status permit and 13-digit refugee ID (if applicable).
- UIF blue book or discharge certificate from last employer (if applicable).
- Copy of spouse’s will and liquidation account (if spouse died in the last 5 years).
👉 Once submitted, you’ll receive a receipt as proof of application. Keep it safe.
What if Your Application Is Not Approved?
- You’ll receive written notification explaining why.
- If you disagree, you can appeal in writing to the Minister of Social Development within 90 days.
How Long Does It Take?
- Processing can take up to 3 months.
- If approved, payments start from the date you applied.
How Much Does It Cost?
The service is free.
Forms to Complete
Application forms are not available online. Collect them at your nearest SASSA office.
Who to Contact
South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)
- 📞 Toll-free: 0800 60 10 11
- 📧 Email: GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How much is the SASSA Disability Grant in 2025?
The maximum monthly amount is R2 310.
2. Who qualifies for the Disability Grant?
Adults aged 18–59 who are South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees, who meet the medical and financial requirements.
3. How long does the application process take?
Up to 3 months, but payment starts from the date of application once approved.
4. What happens if I’m in a state-funded institution?
Your grant is reduced to 25% of the full amount from the fourth month. It is restored when you are discharged.
✅ That’s everything you need to know about the Disability Grant in South Africa — including who qualifies, how much you get, and how to apply.