Monthly Grant Amount: R2,400

Disability Grant

The Disability Grant provides financial assistance to South Africans with physical or mental disabilities that prevent them from working.

How to Apply Check Status

Last reviewed:

Grant Amount

R2,400

Per month

Age Range

18-60

Years old

Duration

6-12

Months (renewable)

Application

In Person

At SASSA office

What is the Disability Grant?

The Disability Grant is a monthly payment from SASSA for South African citizens, permanent residents, and refugees between the ages of 18 and 59 who have a physical or mental disability that prevents them from supporting themselves through work. It is designed to provide income security to people whose medical condition makes employment impossible or unsafe.

Whether you receive a grant, and for how long, depends on a medical assessment carried out by a SASSA-appointed doctor rather than on your own description of your condition. Based on that assessment, SASSA issues one of two types of Disability Grant:

  • Temporary Disability Grant: Granted for 6-12 months for conditions that may improve
  • Permanent Disability Grant: For conditions that are unlikely to improve
Who Qualifies for the Disability Grant?

You Qualify If:

  • South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
  • Between 18 and 60 years old
  • Have a disability that prevents you from working
  • Pass the means test
  • Medical assessment confirms disability

You Don't Qualify If:

  • Receiving another social grant
  • Living in a state-funded institution
  • Medical assessment shows you can work
  • Over 60 years old (apply for Old Age Pension)
Medical Assessment Process

To qualify for the Disability Grant, you must undergo a medical assessment by a SASSA-appointed doctor or a government hospital/clinic.

  1. 1

    Apply at SASSA

    Visit your nearest SASSA office with your documents

  2. 2

    Medical Referral

    SASSA will refer you to a medical practitioner for assessment

  3. 3

    Medical Examination

    The doctor will assess your condition and complete the medical form

  4. 4

    Decision

    SASSA will review the medical report and make a decision

Required Documents

  • South African ID

    Original ID document (not a copy)

  • Medical Records

    Any medical reports, hospital records, or doctor's letters

  • Proof of Residence

    Utility bill or affidavit

  • Proof of Income

    Bank statements or affidavit of no income

Apply at Your Nearest SASSA Office

Disability Grant applications must be made in person at a SASSA office.

Find SASSA Office
Important Information

Renewal: Temporary Disability Grants must be renewed before they expire. SASSA will notify you.

At 60: When you turn 60, you will be automatically converted to the Old Age Pension.

Contact SASSA

Toll-Free:

0800 60 10 11

Email:

GrantsEnquiries@sassa.gov.za

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the SASSA Disability Grant per month?
The Disability Grant pays R2,400 per month, the same amount as the Old Age Pension. The figure is reviewed by government each year in the national budget.
What is the difference between a temporary and permanent Disability Grant?
A temporary Disability Grant is awarded for 6 to 12 months when your condition is expected to improve, and must be renewed when it expires. A permanent Disability Grant is for conditions that are unlikely to improve, and is reviewed less often. The type you receive is decided by the SASSA medical assessment, not by you.
Do I need a medical assessment for the Disability Grant?
Yes. A medical assessment by a SASSA-appointed doctor is compulsory. The doctor examines your condition and completes a medical report that confirms whether your disability prevents you from working. SASSA uses this report to approve or decline your application.
What happens to my Disability Grant when I turn 60?
When you reach the age of 60, your Disability Grant is automatically converted to the Older Persons Grant (Old Age Pension). The payment amount stays the same, so there is no interruption to your income and you do not need to reapply.
What is the means test for the Disability Grant?
A single applicant must earn less than R99,840 per year and have assets below R1,372,800. A married couple must earn less than R199,680 combined per year with combined assets below R2,745,600. This is the same means test used for the Old Age Pension.

Conclusion

The Disability Grant provides R2,400 per month to South Africans aged 18 to 59 whose disability prevents them from working. The single most important step is the SASSA medical assessment, because it determines both whether you qualify and whether your grant is temporary or permanent — so bring every medical report, hospital record and doctor's letter you have when you apply.

If your grant is temporary, remember to renew it before it expires so your payments are not interrupted, and note that it will convert automatically to the Old Age Pension when you turn 60. As with all SASSA grants, the application is free of charge and must be made in person at a SASSA office.

Official Sources & References

The information on this page is based on and verified against the following official South African government sources:

This is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by SASSA or the South African government. Grant amounts, dates and eligibility rules can change — always confirm the latest details on the official SASSA website before acting.