How to Apply for SASSA Disability Grant in 2025
The Disability Grant is a social grant provided by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to assist individuals with physical or mental disabilities that render them unfit to work for a period longer than six months. This guide outlines the eligibility criteria, application process, payment details, and what to do if your application is not approved, ensuring you can access this essential financial support in 2025.
Table of Contents
- Do You Qualify for the Disability Grant?
- How Much Will You Get?
- How Will You Be Paid?
- When May the Grant Be Suspended?
- When Will the Grant Lapse?
- How to Apply for the Grant
- What If Your Application Is Not Approved?
- How Long Does It Take?
- How Much Does It Cost?
- FAQs for SASSA Disability Grant
- Contact SASSA
Do You Qualify for the Disability Grant?
To qualify for the Disability Grant, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee living in South Africa at the time of application.
- Be between 18 and 59 years old.
- Not be cared for in a state institution.
- Have a 13-digit, bar-coded South African ID.
- Not earn more than R86,280 per year if single or R172,560 if married.
- Not have assets worth more than R1,227,600 if single or R2,455,200 if married.
- Undergo a medical examination by a state-appointed doctor to assess the degree of your disability.
- Provide previous medical records and reports during the application and assessment.
Note: The medical report is valid for three months from the date of assessment. If you are under 18 and need permanent care due to your disability, your primary caregiver can apply for a Care Dependency Grant. If you don’t have an ID, you must complete an affidavit and provide proof of applying for an ID from the Department of Home Affairs within three months, or your grant may be suspended.
How Much Will You Get?
The maximum amount is R2,310 per month. You may receive a permanent disability grant (for disabilities lasting more than 12 months) or a temporary disability grant (for disabilities lasting 6–12 months).
How Will You Be Paid?
SASSA will pay the grant through one of the following methods:
- Cash at a specific pay point on a particular day.
- Electronic deposit into your bank or Postbank account (note: the bank may charge a fee for this service).
- An institution not funded by the state (e.g., a home for people with disabilities).
Note: If you are unable to collect the money yourself, you can appoint a procurator at a SASSA office or give someone power of attorney to collect the grant on your behalf.
When May the Grant Be Suspended?
The grant may be suspended for the following reasons:
- A change in your circumstances.
- The outcome of a review.
- Failure to cooperate during a review.
- Committing fraud or misrepresenting yourself.
- A mistake made during the approval of the grant.
When Will the Grant Lapse?
The grant will lapse if:
- You pass away.
- You are admitted to a state institution.
- You do not claim the grant for three consecutive months.
- You are absent from South Africa.
Note: If you are admitted to an institution with a contract with the state for your care, the grant is reduced to 25% of the maximum amount starting from the fourth month of admission. The full grant is reinstated immediately upon discharge.
How to Apply for the Grant
To apply for the Disability Grant, follow these steps:
- Visit the nearest SASSA office and complete the application form in the presence of a SASSA officer.
- Bring the following documents:
- Your 13-digit bar-coded South African ID. If you don’t have an ID:
- Complete an affidavit on a standard SASSA format in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths (not a SASSA official).
- Provide a sworn statement by a reputable person (e.g., councillor, traditional leader, social worker, minister of religion, or school principal) who can verify your name and age.
- Submit proof that you have applied for an ID at the Department of Home Affairs.
- Submit a temporary ID issued by the Department of Home Affairs (if applicable).
- A medical report and functional assessment report confirming your disability (obtained from a state-appointed doctor).
- Previous medical records and reports for the application and assessment.
- Proof of marital status (if applicable).
- Proof of residence.
- Proof of income or dividends (if any).
- Proof of assets, including the municipal value of your property.
- Proof of private pension (if any).
- Bank statements for the past three months.
- If you are a refugee, your status permit and 13-digit refugee ID.
- Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) document (‘blue book’) or discharge certificate from your previous employer (if applicable).
- If your spouse died within the last five years, a copy of the will and the first and final liquidation and distribution accounts.
- Your 13-digit bar-coded South African ID. If you don’t have an ID:
- Undergo a medical examination by a state-appointed doctor, who will forward the medical report to SASSA (valid for three months).
- Receive a receipt as proof of your application.
Note: If you are too old or sick to visit the office, a family member or friend can apply on your behalf with a letter from you and/or a doctor’s note explaining why you cannot attend. If you don’t obtain an ID within three months, your grant may be suspended.
What If Your Application Is Not Approved?
If your application is not approved, SASSA will inform you in writing with the reasons for the decision. If you disagree, you can appeal to the Minister of Social Development at the national Department of Social Development within 90 days of receiving the notification.
How Long Does It Take?
It may take up to three months to process your application. If approved, payments will start from the date you applied.
How Much Does It Cost?
The application process is free.
FAQs for SASSA Disability Grant
A permanent disability grant is for disabilities lasting more than 12 months, while a temporary disability grant is for disabilities lasting between 6 and 12 months. A permanent grant does not mean lifelong payments but indicates a duration longer than 12 months.
If you don’t have an ID, you must complete an affidavit on a standard SASSA format, provide a sworn statement from a reputable person, and submit proof of applying for an ID at the Department of Home Affairs. If you don’t obtain an ID within three months, your grant may be suspended.
The medical report from the state-appointed doctor is valid for three months from the date of assessment.
If admitted to an institution with a contract with the state for your care, your grant is reduced to 25% of the maximum amount starting from the fourth month of admission. The full grant is reinstated upon discharge.
Contact SASSA
For further assistance, you can contact SASSA through the following channels:
- Toll-free number: 0800 60 10 11
- Email: [email protected]
