South Africa · Disability Grant · Eligibility
Independent informational guide · Last reviewed July 2026
If a physical or mental condition has made it difficult to work for more than six months, the Disability Grant may be worth reviewing — eligibility depends on SASSA’s medical assessment and means test.
SASSA assesses both physical and mental health conditions. Depending on the medical assessment, a grant can be awarded as temporary or permanent.
Understanding exactly what SASSA checks can help an applicant prepare the right documentation from the start.
Full eligibility criteria
SASSA assesses each application through a medical evaluation and a means test. According to the official criteria, an applicant must:
- ✓ Be between 18 and 59 years of age
- ✓ Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or recognised refugee, living in South Africa
- ✓ Have a physical or mental disability confirmed by a state medical assessment
- ✓ Have a condition that makes the applicant unfit to work for longer than six months
- ✓ Not earn more than R86,280 a year if single, or R172,560 a year if married
- ✓ Not have assets worth more than R1,227,600 if single, or R2,455,200 if married
- ✓ Not be cared for in a state institution
- ✓ Have a 13-digit, bar-coded identity document (or complete the affidavit process if this is not available)
SASSA does not approve a grant based on a diagnosis label alone. The medical assessment looks at how the condition affects the applicant’s ability to work, alongside the income and asset limits above.
The medical assessment
A doctor appointed by the state assesses the degree of the applicant’s disability and completes a medical report, which is then forwarded to SASSA. Applicants should bring any previous medical records and reports to both the application and the assessment.
Documents generally requested
Depending on individual circumstances, SASSA may request:
- ✓ 13-digit bar-coded ID (or the affidavit process if unavailable)
- ✓ Medical report and functional assessment report
- ✓ Proof of marital status, where applicable
- ✓ Proof of residence, income, dividends and assets
- ✓ Bank statements for the past three months
- ✓ UIF documentation or discharge certificate, if previously employed
The application form is completed in person at a SASSA office, in the presence of a SASSA officer. Application forms are not available online. Once submitted, a receipt is issued as proof of application — keep it safe.
Reasons a grant may be suspended or lapse
A Disability Grant may be suspended when:
- ✗ Circumstances change
- ✗ A review finds the applicant no longer meets the criteria
- ✗ The beneficiary does not cooperate with a required review
- ✗ Fraud, misrepresentation or an approval error is identified
The grant lapses when the beneficiary passes away, is admitted to a state institution, does not claim the grant for three consecutive months, or is absent from South Africa.
If the application is not approved
If an application is unsuccessful, SASSA will state the reasons in writing. An applicant who disagrees may appeal to the Minister of Social Development, in writing, within 90 days of receiving notification of the outcome. Processing an application may take up to three months, and the service is free.
Continue with related information
For an overview comparing this grant with other South African social grants and unclaimed benefits, see the guide below.
SEE THE COMPLETE GRANTS GUIDE →Continues to a related article on this website
Frequently asked questions
Verify current information
Grant amounts, means test thresholds and procedures can change. Confirm important details through an official source before applying.
South African Government Disability Grant information → SASSA Services Portal grant information → Official 2026/2027 grant amounts and payment schedule →