Disability Grant
The Disability Grant is a monthly SASSA payment for adults whose physical or mental disability makes them unfit to work for longer than six months. This guide explains who qualifies, the difference between a temporary and a permanent grant, the medical assessment you need, how much you get, how to apply, and how the grant is reviewed — in plain language.
Last updated: May 2026 · Source: South African Government (gov.za) · National Treasury Budget
What the Disability Grant Is
The Disability Grant supports working-age adults who cannot earn a living because of a physical or mental disability. It is not paid for short illnesses — your disability must be expected to keep you from working for a continuous period of more than six months. Whether you receive a temporary or a permanent grant depends on how long a state-appointed doctor expects your condition to last, and the grant is meant to replace the income you are unable to earn while you cannot work.
Who Qualifies
To receive the grant you must be between 18 and 59 years old, a South African citizen, permanent resident or recognised refugee, and living in South Africa. You cannot receive it if you are already being cared for in a state institution, and you must have a 13-digit bar-coded ID (if you do not, SASSA will help you apply for one at Home Affairs while your application is processed). You must also pass a medical assessment, described below.
The grant is means-tested, so SASSA looks at your income and assets — and your spouse’s, if you are married — with separate limits for single and married applicants. Because these limits are set in regulations and change over time, confirm the current figures with SASSA or on the official gov.za service page before you apply.
Temporary, Permanent and the Medical Assessment
When you apply, a doctor appointed by the state examines you and assesses the degree of your disability. Bring any previous medical records and reports to both the application and the assessment. The doctor’s report decides which grant you get: a temporary disability grant if your disability is expected to last between six and twelve months, or a permanent disability grant if it is expected to last more than twelve months. “Permanent” does not mean for life — it simply means the grant runs longer than a year, and it can still be reviewed. The medical report is valid for three months from the date of your assessment.
If the person who needs care is under 18, the Disability Grant is not the right route — a parent or caregiver should instead apply for the Care Dependency Grant.
How Much You Get and How You’re Paid
The grant pays a maximum of R2,400 a month. SASSA can pay you by electronic deposit into your bank or Postbank account, in cash at an approved pay point on a set day, or through an institution that is not funded by the state, such as a home for people with disabilities. One reduction to note: if you are admitted to an institution that has a contract with the state to care for you, the grant is reduced to 25% of the maximum from the fourth month after admission, and the full amount is restored from the date you are discharged.
How to Apply and Keeping Your Grant
You apply in person at your nearest SASSA office, where you complete the form with an officer. Bring your 13-digit bar-coded ID, your medical and functional assessment report, proof of residence and marital status, proof of income and assets (including the municipal value of any property), proof of a private pension, and your bank statements for the past three months. Refugees must bring a refugee status permit and 13-digit refugee ID, and if you were employed, bring your UIF “blue book” or discharge certificate. Applying is free, takes up to three months, and if approved you are paid from the date you applied. If you are turned down, you have 90 days to appeal to the Minister of Social Development. See our How to Apply for a SASSA Grant page for the full process.
Your grant can be suspended if your circumstances change, if a review goes against you, if you do not co-operate with a review, if there was fraud, or if it was approved in error. It lapses if you pass away, are admitted to a state institution, are absent from the country, or do not claim it for three consecutive months. A temporary grant simply ends when its period is over — if you still cannot work, you must apply again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Disability Grant?
It pays a maximum of R2,400 a month.
What is the difference between a temporary and a permanent grant?
A temporary grant is for a disability expected to last between six and twelve months. A permanent grant is for one expected to last more than twelve months — though it can still be reviewed.
Do I need a medical assessment?
Yes. A doctor appointed by the state assesses your disability and sends a report to SASSA. The report is valid for three months from the date of assessment.
Can I get this grant if I am under 18?
No. For a child under 18 who needs full-time care because of a disability, a parent or caregiver should apply for the Care Dependency Grant instead.
📋 Verified — Official sources: gov.za (disability grant) · National Treasury Budget (SAnews)
⚠️ This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. KnowMyGovt is not affiliated with SASSA nor the South African government. Always confirm current requirements and amounts on the official SASSA channels or gov.za.
