SASSA Disability Grant [2024] – Step-By-Step Complete Guide

In South Africa, SASSA disability grants provide financial assistance to persons with physical or mental disabilities. If you are unable to work because of a mental or physical disability, you may be eligible for the disability grant.

You deserve to receive R2,090 every month. Isn’t that awesome? Grants come in two varieties – permanent disability grants and temporary disability grants. Here’s a breakdown of how these grants can make your life a little easier and what benefits they provide.

SASSA Disability Grant Guide

In this article, we will look at this fantastic support system in more detail about the SASSA Disability grant.

Check your SASSA Status regularly to stay updated about your application.

Types of Disability Grant

To be eligible for a disability grant, you must undergo a medical assessment:

Temporary Disability Grant:

  • If disability lasts for 6-12 months:

You will receive a temporary disability grant if your disability lasts for at least 6 months but no longer than 12 months. If you are still unable to work because of your disability, it can be renewed. While you recover, you will receive the  R2,090 per month.

Permanent Disability Grant:

  • If disability lasts for more than 12 months:

A permanent disability grant may be available if your disability lasts longer than a year. As long as your disability lasts, you’ll receive the grant payment as long as you remain disabled. However, “permanent” in this context does not mean “forever” You will receive R2,090 every month to help you cover your expenses. 

SASSA Disability Grant: Eligibility Criteria

You must meet the following eligibility criteria before applying for the disability grant:

  • South African citizens, permanent residents, or recognized refugees are eligible to apply.
  • South Africa must be your home country with a valid identification document required (ID).
  • You must be between the ages of 19 and 59.
  • Make sure you don’t already receive any other social grants.
  • There must be no state station in which you are currently receiving care.
  • The means test requirements must be met by both you and your spouse (if you are married).
  • During the past six months, you must have been unable to work due to your disability (mentally or physically).
  • The duration of your disability must be at least six months, but not more than 12 months, in order to qualify for a temporary disability grant.
  • You become eligible for a permanent disability grant if you are unable to work for more than 12 months because of your disability.
  • Your disability grant application and assessment will require you to bring any previous medical records.
  • The state requires you to undergo a medical evaluation to determine the extent of your disability.
  • The monthly income of a single individual must not exceed R7 190 (R86 280) per year. If you are married, your combined income cannot exceed R172 560 annually (R14 380 monthly).
  • A single person’s assets must not exceed R1 227 600. A couple’s total assets must not exceed R2 455 200 if they are married.

Documents Requirement to Apply for Disability Grant

To apply for the SASSA Disability Grant, you must bring the following documents originals or certified copies with you:

  • The 13-digit barcode of your original ID. In the absence of an ID:
  • SASSA requires a medical report and functional assessment from a qualified medical practitioner to verify your disability. To be eligible for the program, you must have undergone a medical evaluation within the last 3 months.
  • Verification of your marital status (if it applies):
  • Submit the Divorce Decree if you have divorced.
  • Those who are married must submit a marriage certificate.
  • You must provide proof of your current address.
  • If you are married, you will also need to provide proof of your stocks and dividends.
  • A document that confirms your assets and outlines the value of the properties you own.
  • Verify your private pension with supporting documents.
  • Statement of your bank account for the last three months.
  • Documents proving refugee status and refugee identification should be provided, if applicable.
  • If your life partner has passed away within the last five years, a copy of their death certificate along with their will is required. Also, a copy of their initial and final estate records, if applicable.

How to Apply for the SASSA Disability Grant?

In your nearest SASSA branch, fill out the application form, or apply online through the SASSA services website in accordance with the instructions.

  • Locate SASSA office: Visit the SASSA website or a SASSA office.
  • Application form: Carefully complete the application form.
  • Provide Documents: Gather the required documents, such as IDs and medical records mentioned above.
  • Medical Assessment: The state will appoint a doctor to assess you.
  • Application Submission: After medical your application will be submitted and reviewed by SASSA.
  • Application confirmation: If approved, the Disability Grant will begin to be paid to you.

What is the Processing Time for the SASSA Disability Grant Application?

Applications for the disability grant are usually processed within 3 months. Once your application is approved, you will start receiving payments. All payments will be made to you once your grant application is processed and approved. The SASSA will send you a letter explaining why your application was rejected.

SASSA Disability Grant Payment Process

If your disability grant application is approved, you will begin receiving payments from the date you applied. As SASSA does not have any fixed dates, they release the payment schedule every month. So, check out the latest SASSA Payment dates. 

Payments will be made to you by SASSA in one of three ways (you must choose one):

  • Your bank account or Postbank account will be credited directly. You may be charged a service fee by the banks.
  • There are SASSA-partnered retail outlets such as Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Boxer, Checkers, Usave, and Spar where you can withdraw your grant payment in cash.
  • A specific institution (e.g. an old-age home, a disability center, or a non-profit organization).

Grant payments through a bank account

The following documents must be submitted if you wish to receive your grant payments through a bank account: SASSA Grant Consent Form.

  • ID cards, driving licenses, or birth certificates can serve as proof of identity.
  • Your bank account number should be in your name.
  • Bank statement showing your name and account number for three months.

At any time, you can update your bank account details or payment method by filling out a form at the welfare office. Once the verification is complete, the payments will be received through the new payment method from the following month. You can nominate someone to collect payments on your behalf if you are too old to collect grants yourself.

Means Test For The SASSA Disability Grant

To qualify for the SASSA Disability Grant, one must pass the Sassa Means test, which evaluates assets and income monthly. Here are the requirements for this test.

Income Limits:

  • The annual earnings of single individuals must not exceed R96840.
  • It is recommended that a married couple’s combined income should not exceed R193,680 per year.

Each grant type has different criteria for its means test to evaluate financial eligibility.

Assets Limits:

  • Assets worth more than R1 372 800 should not be owned by a single person.
  • A married couple’s combined assets should not exceed R2 745 600.

Also check if your SASSA Status is still pending

SASSA Contact

In case of additional questions, please feel free to contact SASSA

  • Contact the SASSA Toll-Free Call Centre at: 0800 60 10 11
  • For more information, please contact SASSA’s Head Office: 012 400 2322
  • Please send your queries to SASSA Email Address: [email protected]