Government Disability Grants

SASSA Disability Grants Guide

Apply for a Grant – SASSA Online

Contact your local SASSA Office

Welcome to the Disability Grants page. A Disability Grant (also known as a Government or SASSA Grant) is a Social Grant designed to provide financial assistance to families or individuals who struggle to support themselves as a result of a disability.
See Qualification Criteria for Disability Grants below.

In South Africa the unemployment rate for people with disabilities is estimated to be significantly higher than the national average, often exceeding 90%. In rural areas, this rate can approach 100%. This high rate of unemployment means that these people with disabilities cannot take care of themselves financially.

The South African Social Assistance Act, 2004 (Act 13 of 2004) was created to provide a framework for the national government to administer social assistance programs and services, including effective management, administration, and payment of social assistance. The Act aimed to ensure comprehensive social security services against vulnerability and poverty within the constitutional framework.

The Social Assistance Act, 2004 (Act No. 13 of 2004) defines disability as “a moderate to severe limitation of a person’s ability to function or perform daily activities as a result of a physical, sensory, communication, intellectual, or mental impairment, if the limitation has lasted or is likely to last for a period of at least 12 months.

Download The Social Assistance Act, 2004 (Act No. 13, 2004) here

What Are You Looking For?

1. Types of Disability Grants
– Disability Grants
– Grant-in Aid
– Care Dependency Grant
2. Applying for a Grant
3. Qualification Criteria for Disability Grants
4. SASSA Grant Submission Requirements
5. Frequently Asked Questions
– How much will I receive?
– How do I know if my application was successful?
– Can my grant lapse?
– Suspension of Grants
– How do I appeal a suspension
– What to do if you Grant is denied or stopped?
5. Find a SASSA Branch in your area?
Toll free: 0800 60 10 11
Website: www.sassa.gov.za
Online Applications: services.sassa.gov.za
Email: GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za
6. Free Health Care at Hospital Level

Types of Disability Grants

There are currently 3 types of Disability Grants available to assist persons with disabilities and the parents of children with disabilities.
These include The Disability Grant, Grant-in Aid and the Care Dependency Grant.

Middle age gentleman in a wheelchair applying for a disability grant.

1. Disability Grant

South African citizens with disabilities between 18 and 59 years old.

If you have a disability and struggle to support yourself financially, you can apply for a disability grant.

You get a permanent disability grant if your disability will continue for more than a year, or you get a temporary disability grant if your disability will last for a continuous period of not less than six months and not more than 12 months.

A permanent disability grant does not mean you will receive the grant for life, but it will continue for longer than 12 months.

Young man in a wheelchair, assisted by a SASSA representative, to complete his application for applying for Grant In Aid

2. Grant-in Aid

Additional support for beneficiaries requiring full-time care:

To qualify, an applicant must:
i) Already receive an Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant, or War Veteran’s Grant.

ii) Require full-time care due to a physical or mental disability.

iii) Not be cared for in a State-funded institution

iv) Undergo a medical or functional assessment confirming the need for regular assistance

A mother, with a child, in a wheelchair, is being assisted to complete her Care Dependency Grant application

3. Care Dependency Grant

For children with severe disabilities requiring full-time care:

To qualify, an applicant must:
i) Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee and under 18

ii) Provide a medical report confirming the child’s disability.

iii) Meet the Means Test (except for foster parents).

iv) Be the parent, primary caregiver, or foster parent of a child with a disability.

v) The child must not be cared for in a State-funded institution

Applying For a Grant

All applications are made through SASSA – South African Social Security Agency Application forms are not available online, but you can get them from your nearest (SASSA) office. Families can apply at the government welfare offices or Department of Social Development offices.

If you are too old or sick to travel to the office to apply for a grant, then a family member or friend can apply on your behalf; with letter from you as applicant authorizing the application.

For more information about these grants, download the SASSA Disability Grants Guide below or Click here to find the contact details for your nearest provincial SASSA offices

Download the SASSA Disability Grants PDF Guide

Download the SASSA You And Your Grants 2024/25

How can we help you?

At Disability Info South Africa (DiSA), we are committed to breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive society through our network of experts and the free Information Service that we provide.

Guidance and Support

We provide personalised guidance and practical support to help individuals with disabilities navigate accessibility challenges and available resources in South Africa, including a Step-by-step guidance on SASSA Disability Grant requirements.

Jobs and Learnerships

We can connect you with organisations and companies that specialise in Job and Learnership Recruitment of people with disabilities in South Africa, including Job Readiness Programs. 

Equipment that can assist you

We Connect individuals with the right companies and equipment that can help you to break free of the shackles of your disability. 

A young women in a wheelchair, on the phone, asking for assistance with her disability grant application
Let’s Chat. We Can Help.
Advocacy and Resources

Do you have a problem? Contact DiSA, we connect individuals with the right legislation and support networks to help them on their journey. 

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DiSA provides Peer Support or can connect you with Life Coaches to guide you on your way. Get in touch with us today! 

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Qualification Criteria for Disability-related Grants

Disability Grant criteria - image of 4 people, 3 standing, 1 seated in wheelchair, in front a of a Disability Grants Criteria sign.
  • Is eligible in terms of section 6,7,8,9,10,11,12 or 13 of the government gazette June 2004
  • Subject to section 17, is resident in the Republic.
  • Is a South African citizen or is a member of a group or category of persons prescribed by the Minister, with the concurrence of the Minister of Finance, by notice of the Gazette;
  • – Eligibility for disability grants includes being a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee residing in South Africa.
    – Complies with any additional requirements prescribed in terms of subsection (2)
    – Applies for social assistance in accordance with section 14 (1).–
  • Applicants must be between 18 and 59 years old, and possess a 13-digit bar-coded ID.
  • If you are cared for in a state-funded institution, application can still be made, but the grant amount received would be reduced to 25% of the maximum amount.
  • Applicants must not receive another social grant in their own name and need to undergo a medical or functional assessment confirming their disability.
  • Applicants must meet the means test: income thresholds (not earning more than R101,640 if single or R203,280 if married) and asset limits (not having assets worth more than R990,000 if single or R1,980,000 if married).
  • Undergo a medical examination with a state appointed doctor to confirm disability and assess the degree of your disability
  • NOTE : The Minister may prescribe additional requirements or conditions in respect of:

    – income thresholds;
    – means testing;
    – age limits, disabilities and care dependency
    – forms, procedures and processes for applications and payments
    – measures to prevent fraud and abuse.
    – proof of and measures to establish or verify identity, gender, age, citizenship, family relationships, care dependency, disabilities, foster child and war veterans’ status

    You would need to bring along any previous medical records and reports when you make the application and when the assessment is done.
    The doctor will complete a medical report and will forward the report to South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). The report is valid for three months from the date you are assessed.

SASSA Grant Submission Requirements

A young man in a wheelchair, is seated at a table, at SASSA, submitting his grant application documents to a SASSA employee

1. Complete a disability grant application form at your nearest South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office in the presence of a SASSA officer.

2. Submit the following: 
– Your 13-digit bar-coded identity document (ID). 
– A medical report and functional assessment report confirming your disability.
– 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).
– Your bank statements for the past three months
– Refugee status permit and 13-digit refugee ID.
– UIF document or discharge certificate from your previous employer, if applicable.
– If you spouse died within the last 5 years, a copy of the will and the first and final liquidation and distribution accounts.

3. After submitting your application you will be given a receipt to keep as proof of application.

If you don’t have an ID:

– Complete an affidavit on a standard SASSA format in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths
– Bring along a sworn statement signed by a reputable person who can verify your name and age.
– The SASSA official will take your fingerprints.
– While your application is processed, you will need to go to Home Affairs to apply for an ID
– If you don’t get an ID, your grant will be suspended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Three people seated at the desk of a SASSA employee - a blind gentleman standing, an older woman seated in a wheelchair and a younger man. The SASSA advisor, is explaining the conditions under which a SASSA grant can lapse.

The application process can take up to three months.
If your grant is approved, you will be paid from the day you applied.
The maximum is R2190.00 per month.

– The social security office will inform you in writing whether or not your application was successful.
– If unsuccessful, they will explain the reasons why. 
– You have 90 days to appeal the outcome of your application.
– Appeals are submitted in writing to the Minister of Social Development.

Main Reasons for Lapsing of Grants
– When the beneficiary or primary care giver dies.
– In respect of a child grant, when the child dies.
– Admission to a State institution.
– When the period of temporary disability has lapsed.
– You are absent from the Republic, for a period longer than 90 days.
– If the child for whom the grant is received, turns 18.
– If the grant was not collected for 3 consecutive months.

Please 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 amount of the grant. That will be done with effect from the 4th month following your admission to that institution. The reduced grant is re-instated immediately from the date you are discharged from the institution.

Every grant beneficiary has the responsibility to inform SASSA of any change in his/her circumstances – whether this is a change of address, change of marital status, change of financial position, or the child for whom he/she receives a grant is no longer in his/her care.

The following may result in the suspension of a grant:
– Changes in circumstances (financial and/or medical)
– Outcome of a review
– Failure to co-operate when a grant is reviewed
– Committing a fraudulent activity or misrepresentation.
– Where grant was approved in error.
– Failure to submit the required missing documents

Should a grant be suspended due to failure to collect for more than 3 consecutive months or due to failure to review, an application must be made for the restoration of that grant within 30 days of the suspension.

You have the right to appeal to the Department of Social Development within 90 days of being informed of the outcome.

How to appeal:
– Complete an appeal form (available from any SASSA office or online
– Attach supporting documents
(e.g. updated medical reports, proof of income/assets)
– Submit to the Minister of Social Development, care of your SASSA office

If your appeal is successful, the grant can be reinstated with back pay from the date it was stopped.

1. Request the Reason for Rejection or Suspension
SASSA must inform you in writing why your application was denied or why your grant was suspended. Common reasons include:
– Medical report does not confirm permanent disability
– Means test (income/assets) exceeds the qualifying threshold
– Missing or incorrect documents
– Administrative errors or failure to reapply after review

2. Appeal the Decision
You have the right to appeal to the Department of Social Development within 90 days of being informed of the outcome.

How to appeal:
– Complete an appeal form (available from any SASSA office or online)
– Attach supporting documents
(e.g. updated medical reports, proof of income/assets)
– Submit to the Minister of Social Development, care of your SASSA office

If your appeal is successful, the grant can be reinstated with back pay from the date it was stopped.

3. Get a New Medical Assessment
If your application was denied due to a medical issue, request a reassessment by an independent SASSA-appointed doctor. Make sure:
– Your condition is clearly documented
– You provide all functional assessments and hospital records

4. Review & Update Your Supporting Documents
Ensure that:
– Your ID, proof of residence, and financial documents are current
– You meet the means test criteria (low income, low asset value)
– Any refugee status permits or UIF/employment documents are up to date

5. Visit or Contact a SASSA Office
Sometimes grants are suspended due to admin errors. Visit your local SASSA office to clarify:
– If your reapplication or review is due
– If a temporary suspension can be reversed by providing updated paperwork

6. Get Support from Disability Organizations
Organisations like Disability Info South Africa (DiSA) who provide information, while Black Sash, and legal aid clinics can assist with appeals, legal advice, and documentation.

Tips to Avoid Suspension or Denial
– Respond to SASSA review notices on time
– Keep copies of all documents and receipts
– Inform SASSA if your address, income, or medical condition changes
– Renew medical assessments as required

Free Health Care for Persons with Disabilities at Hospital Level 

South Africa’s Constitution guarantees that everyone has access to healthcare services. This includes citizens, expats, refugees, and asylum seekers. Citizens can use both public and private healthcare. Public services are funded by the government while private care is accessible through insurance and direct payments.

Government-run clinics and hospitals provide a range of services, including primary care, antenatal care, and emergency services. In South Africa, accessing free healthcare generally involves visiting a public health facility.

All pregnant and breastfeeding women, and children under six, are entitled to free healthcare services at these facilities. Beyond pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under six, some individuals may be eligible for free or subsidised care based on a means test or other criteria determined by the Minister of Health.

The Minister of Health, in her budget speech, on 13 May 2003, indicated that free health care for people with disabilities would be implemented on 1 July 2005 services would include outpatient and inpatient hospital services.

However, the question comes into play as to how much Free Health Care is given.

An older woman, seated in a wheelchair, is being assessed by a female doctor, who is holding her hands and reassuring her.
Click here to learn more about the Health and Rehabilitation Services available for persons with disabilities
SASSA Regional Offices
SASSA HOUSE
501 Prodinsa Building
Cnr Steve Biko & Pretorius
Pretoria
Private Bag X55662
Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083
Tel: 012 400 2000
Tel: 0800 60 1011
(Customer Care)
Eastern Cape
SASSA Office
BKB Building,
Cnr Fitzpatrick & Merino
Road Quigney, East London
Private Bag X9001
Chiselhurst, East London, 5200
Tel: 043 707 6300
Fax: 043 707 6481
Free State
Lustitia Building
Cnr St. Andrews Street &
Aliwal Street
Private Bag X20553
Bloemfontein, 9300
Tel: 051 410 8339
Western Cape
Golden Acre
Adderley Street
Cape Town, 8001
Private Bag X9189
Cape Town, 8000
Tel: 021 469 0200
Fax: 021 469 0260

Limpopo
43 Landros Mare Street
Polokwane, 0699
Private Bag X9677
Polokwane, 0700
Tel: 015 291 7400
Fax: 015 291 7996

Mpumulanga
18 Ferreira Street
Nelspruit
Private Bag X11230
Nelspruit, 1200
Tel: 013 754 9380
Fax: 013 754 9501

North West
SASSA House
Cnr Sekame & James Moroka
Megacity
Private Bag X44,
Mmabatho
Tel: 018 397 3360

KwaZulu Natal
1 Bank Street
Pietermaritzburg, 3201
Private Bag X9146
Pietermaritzburg, 3201
Tel: 033 846 3300
Fax: 033 846 9595

Northern Cape
Permanent ‘Perm’ Building
33 Du Toitspan Road
Kimberley, 8300
Tel: 053 802 4900
Fax: 053 832 5225

Gauteng
222 Smit Street
Braamfontein
Johannesburg, 2017
Private Bag X120
Marshalltown, 2107
Tel: 011 241 8300
Fax: 011 241 8305

Disclaimers and References

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2. www.guidedog.org.za
3. www.medicalalertdogs.co.za
4. www.sadogtraining.co.za
5. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Therapy_dog
6. www.paws4life.co.za
7. www.smartservicedog.co.za

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While we strive for accuracy and clarity, AI-generated visuals may not always reflect real-life conditions or representations.
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1. SASSA – South African Social Security Agency: https://www.sassa.gov.za
2. Department of Social Development (DSD): https://www.dsd.gov.za
3. Black Sash – Social Justice Organisation: https://www.blacksash.org.za
4. Legal Aid South Africa: https://www.legal-aid.co.za
5. Social Assistance Act No. 13 of 2004: https://www.gov.za/documents/social-assistance-act
6. Disability support forums, community clinics, and case studies across South Africa
7. DiSA internal resources and partner input

Simplified Summary

Disability Grants in South Africa – What You Need to Know This page helps you understand how to get a Disability Grant from SASSA. What’s on the page: The different types of Disability Grants. How to apply for a grant. Who can get a Disability Grant. And what documents you need to apply.