The South African government has provided information on how to apply for disability grant, including details on who qualifies and the medical assessment form that applicants need to fill during the application process.
This article compiles and summarises this information into an easy-to-understand guide for those who wish to apply, including the grant amount.
How to apply for disability grant
To apply for disability grant, you need to visit your nearest SASSA office and fill out the disability grant application form. A SASSA official should be present to assist you.
You will need to provide the following documents:
- Your 13-digit barcoded identity document (ID) or smart ID card for yourself and your spouse (if married). If you don’t have an ID or birth certificate, SASSA will accept an alternative form of identification such as an affidavit or sworn statement.
- A medical report and functional assessment report confirming your disability. You can download the medical form online via SASSA’s services website here.
- Proof of marital status (if you’re married).
- 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 (if applicable).
- Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) document (“blue book”) or discharge certificate from your previous employer if you were employed.
- A copy of the will and the first and final liquidation and distribution accounts, if your spouse died within the last five years.
If all documents are in order, the SASSA officials will accept your application and give you a receipt, which will be your proof of application.
It could take up to three months for SASSA to approve your application, after which it will pay you from the day you applied. If your application is not approved, you have a right to lodge an appeal within 30 days of receiving the rejection letter. The appeal process takes 30 days.
Who qualifies for disability grant?
To qualify for disability grant, you must:
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident or refugee permanently residing in South Africa.
- Be 18 to 59 years of age.
- Undergo a medical or functional assessment confirming disability.
- Provide clinical information or referral form confirming disability.
- Provide a referral form duly completed by a treating facility or practitioner if previously rejected on medical grounds.
- Be subjected to the Means Test (including your spouse, if you’re married).
- Not be maintained or cared for in a state-funded institution.
- Not be in receipt of another social grant in respect of yourself.
How much is SASSA disability grant amount?
As from October 2023, the SASSA disability grant amount is R2,090 per month. This is according to the grant increases announced in the annual budget by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana earlier this year.
In case you have further enquiries, you may contact SASSA directly on their toll-free number 0800 60 10 11 or email GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za for assistance. You can find more contacts on SASSA’s Head Office and regional contacts page.