Everything You Need to Know About the SASSA Disability Grant in 2026
Last Updated: February 2026
At a Glance: Disability Grant Key Facts for 2026
The SASSA Disability Grant is paid to South African citizens and qualifying residents between 18 and 59 years old who have a permanent or temporary disability that prevents them from supporting themselves financially. The grant amount is R2,190 per month as of the 2025/2026 financial year. A medical assessment by a SASSA-appointed medical officer is required for all applications. Payment is made on the second day of SASSA’s monthly payment cycle, the day after the Older Persons Grant.
What the Disability Grant Is
The Disability Grant is a monthly social grant paid by SASSA to people whose physical or mental disability substantially limits their ability to work and earn an income. It is not a once-off payment but an ongoing monthly grant that continues for as long as the applicant remains eligible and their disability persists.
The Disability Grant covers both permanent disabilities, where the condition is unlikely to improve, and temporary disabilities, where the condition may improve with treatment. Temporary Disability Grants are awarded for a fixed period and require reassessment before they can be renewed.
The grant is means-tested, meaning your income and assets must fall within the thresholds set by SASSA before you can qualify financially, in addition to meeting the medical eligibility requirements.
Disability Grant Amount in 2026
The Disability Grant amount is R2,190 per month as of the 2025/2026 financial year. This amount is reviewed annually as part of the national budget process. For the most current grant amount confirm on sassa.gov.za.
Who Qualifies for the Disability Grant
Age. You must be between 18 and 59 years old. Once you turn 60 you automatically transition to the Older Persons Grant which pays the same amount and does not require a medical assessment.
Nationality and residence. You must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee with a valid refugee status permit. You must be resident in South Africa.
Medical eligibility. You must have a disability, whether physical or mental, that is severe enough to prevent you from supporting yourself financially. The disability must be confirmed by a SASSA-appointed medical officer during the assessment process.
Means test. Your income and assets must fall within the following thresholds.
Single applicant: annual income must not exceed R92,568 per year. Married couple: combined annual income must not exceed R185,136 per year.
Asset thresholds: single applicant assets must not exceed R1,227,600. Married couple combined assets must not exceed R2,455,200.
Not already receiving another SASSA grant. You cannot receive the Disability Grant alongside another SASSA grant such as the Older Persons Grant or Child Support Grant.
Not in a government institution. You must not be a resident in a state-funded institution such as a state psychiatric hospital or government care facility during the period you are claiming.
What Counts as a Qualifying Disability
SASSA uses a broad definition of disability that covers both physical and mental conditions. The key requirement is not the diagnosis itself but the functional impact of the condition on your ability to work and support yourself financially.
Conditions that commonly qualify include but are not limited to permanent physical disabilities affecting mobility or physical function, blindness or severe visual impairment, deafness or severe hearing impairment, severe mental health conditions such as schizophrenia or severe depression, intellectual disabilities, neurological conditions such as epilepsy or cerebral palsy, chronic illnesses with severe functional impact such as advanced HIV/AIDS, cancer, or kidney failure, and temporary disabilities resulting from surgery, injury, or illness that are expected to improve but currently prevent work.
The medical officer makes the final determination on whether your specific condition meets the disability threshold for grant purposes. A diagnosis alone does not guarantee approval. The assessment focuses on how the condition affects your ability to function and earn an income.
The Medical Assessment Process
The medical assessment is a mandatory step in every Disability Grant application. You cannot receive the grant without completing it.
Step 1: Apply at a SASSA office first.
Before the medical assessment, you must submit your application at a SASSA office. SASSA will then arrange your medical assessment appointment.
Step 2: Attend the medical assessment.
The assessment is conducted by a SASSA-appointed medical officer, either at a SASSA office, a government health facility, or a location SASSA designates. The medical officer is not your own doctor but a doctor appointed by SASSA specifically for grant assessment purposes.
Bring all your existing medical records, specialist reports, hospital discharge summaries, and any other documentation of your condition to the assessment. The more comprehensive your medical documentation, the better the medical officer can assess the functional impact of your condition.
Step 3: The medical officer completes the assessment.
The medical officer examines you and reviews your medical documentation. They complete a standardised assessment form and make a recommendation on whether your disability meets the threshold for the Disability Grant. For temporary disabilities they also recommend the period for which the grant should be awarded.
Step 4: SASSA makes the final decision.
SASSA reviews the medical officer’s recommendation alongside your means test results and makes the final decision on your application. You will be notified of the outcome by SMS and in writing.
Documents Required To Apply
For the applicant:
Original South African ID document, Smart ID card or green barcoded ID book. Proof of residence not older than three months such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or affidavit confirming your address. Proof of income if employed such as your three most recent payslips, or an affidavit confirming no income if unemployed. Proof of assets if applicable such as a bank statement or property documents.
Medical documentation:
All available medical records, doctor’s reports, specialist reports, hospital discharge summaries, and any test results or imaging reports related to your condition. The more comprehensive your medical documentation the better. While SASSA will arrange the formal assessment, bringing your own medical history helps the medical officer make a thorough and accurate assessment.
For married applicants:
Your marriage certificate and your spouse’s ID document and proof of income or assets may be required for the means test assessment.
How To Apply for the Disability Grant
Step 1: Visit your nearest SASSA office.
The Disability Grant application must be started in person at a SASSA office. Online applications are not available for the Disability Grant because the medical assessment component requires in-person processing.
Take all your required documents and arrive early to minimise waiting time. Tell the official at the reception desk that you want to apply for the Disability Grant.
Step 2: Complete the application form.
A SASSA official will assist you to complete the application form and capture your details. They will review your documents and confirm that everything required is in order.
Step 3: Receive your medical assessment appointment.
SASSA will schedule your medical assessment appointment. In some cases the assessment is arranged for the same day as your application visit. In other cases you will receive an appointment for a future date. Keep your appointment letter or SMS confirming the assessment date, time, and location.
Step 4: Attend the medical assessment.
Attend your medical assessment with all your medical documentation as described above. The medical officer will conduct the assessment and submit their recommendation to SASSA.
Step 5: Wait for the outcome.
SASSA has 90 days to process your application and make a decision from the date of your application. You will be notified by SMS and in writing. Track your application status on the SASSA services portal using your application reference number.
Temporary Versus Permanent Disability Grant
Permanent Disability Grant.
If the medical officer determines your disability is permanent and unlikely to improve, SASSA awards a Permanent Disability Grant. This grant continues indefinitely subject to periodic means test reviews but does not require a medical reassessment unless SASSA has reason to believe your condition has changed.
Temporary Disability Grant.
If the medical officer determines your disability is temporary and may improve with treatment, SASSA awards a Temporary Disability Grant for a fixed period, typically between six months and twelve months. Before the grant expires you will be called for a reassessment. If your condition has not improved, the grant is renewed. If your condition has improved to the point where you can support yourself, the grant ends.
It is important to attend your reassessment appointment. Missing the reassessment appointment will result in your grant being suspended.
Disability Grant Payment Dates 2026
The Disability Grant is paid on the second day of SASSA’s monthly payment cycle, the day after the Older Persons Grant.
January 2026: 7 January 2026
February 2026: 4 February 2026
March 2026: 4 March 2026
April 2026: 2 April 2026
May 2026: 6 May 2026
June 2026: 3 June 2026
July 2026: 2 July 2026
August 2026: 5 August 2026
September 2026: 2 September 2026
October 2026: 2 October 2026
November 2026: 4 November 2026
December 2026: 2 December 2026
When a payment date falls on a public holiday or weekend, SASSA moves it to the preceding working day. For official confirmation see sassa.gov.za/payment-dates-for-2025-2026-financial-year.
How Your Disability Grant Is Paid
SASSA card at ATMs and retailers. SASSA issues a gold payment card linked to your grant. Use it at any ATM displaying the Maestro or Visa logo and at participating retailers for purchases and cash back.
Bank account. Link your Disability Grant to your personal bank account for automatic payment on the payment date. All major banks are supported including Capitec, TymeBank, Absa, Standard Bank, FNB, and Nedbank.
Retail collection. Cash collection at Pick n Pay, Boxer, Shoprite, Checkers, and Usave if your grant is set up for retail collection.
Post Office. Significantly disrupted due to the Post Office’s financial difficulties. If you are still collecting at the Post Office and experiencing problems, update your payment method to a bank account at a SASSA office or through the SASSA services portal.
Grant-in-Aid: Additional Support for Disability Grant Recipients
If you receive the Disability Grant and your condition requires you to have full-time care from another person, you may qualify for an additional Grant-in-Aid of R510 per month. The Grant-in-Aid is paid on top of your Disability Grant to help cover the cost of your caregiver.
To apply for Grant-in-Aid, visit a SASSA office and ask to apply. A medical assessment confirming your need for full-time care is required. For full details see our Grant-in-Aid page.
What To Do If Your Application Is Declined
If your Disability Grant application is declined, SASSA must notify you in writing with the reason for the decline. Common reasons for decline include the medical officer determining your disability does not meet the threshold, your income or assets exceeding the means test thresholds, or missing documentation.
You have the right to appeal a declined Disability Grant decision. Contact SASSA on 0800 60 10 11 to request a review or visit a SASSA office to submit a formal appeal. If you believe the medical assessment was incorrect, you can request a second opinion from a different SASSA-appointed medical officer.
If your appeal is unsuccessful through the internal SASSA process, contact Legal Aid South Africa on 0800 110 110 for free legal advice on pursuing a judicial review under PAJA.
Common Disability Grant Problems and How To Fix Them
Payment not received.
Wait three working days after the payment date. Check your bank statement for deposits under non-SASSA references. Contact your bank to confirm whether a deposit was received and accepted or returned. Contact SASSA on 0800 60 10 11 for your payment reference number and to request reprocessing if needed.
Banking details incorrect or outdated.
Update your banking details at a SASSA office or through the SASSA services portal. Take your ID document and new bank card or statement.
Grant suspended.
SASSA conducts periodic reviews of Disability Grant recipients. If your grant is suspended you will receive a notification. Contact SASSA immediately on 0800 60 10 11 to understand the reason and what documents are needed to reinstate it.
Missed reassessment appointment.
If you missed your Temporary Disability Grant reassessment appointment, contact SASSA immediately on 0800 60 10 11 to reschedule. Your grant may be suspended in the interim. Bring a valid reason for missing the appointment such as a hospital admission letter if applicable.
Condition worsened since temporary grant was awarded.
If your condition has worsened and you believe it is now permanent, raise this at your reassessment appointment. Bring updated medical reports and specialist letters confirming the change in your condition. The medical officer can reassess and recommend a change from a Temporary to a Permanent Disability Grant.
Copy and Paste Template for Disability Grant Payment Follow-Up
Subject: Disability Grant Payment Not Received — [Your ID Number] — [Month Year]
Message:
Dear SASSA,
I am writing to follow up on my Disability Grant payment for [Month Year] which has not reflected in my account. My payment date has passed and funds have not been received.
Full name: [Your full name as on your ID]
ID number: [Your 13-digit ID number]
Phone number registered to grant: [Your registered phone number]
Bank account on file: [Account number and bank name if known]
Please confirm whether payment was processed for this month, the payment reference number, and which account payment was sent to. If payment failed or was returned, please advise on reprocessing.
Thank you.
Scam Awareness for Disability Grant Applicants
Disability Grant applicants are frequently targeted by scammers who exploit their vulnerability and need for financial support.
Common scams include people offering to fast-track your medical assessment or guarantee approval for a fee, calls claiming your grant has been suspended and asking for a fee to reinstate it, fake medical officers visiting homes claiming to conduct SASSA assessments, and messages claiming the grant amount has increased and asking you to update your details through a link.
SASSA never charges fees for applications, medical assessments, or grant payments. All SASSA-appointed medical officers conduct assessments at designated locations, not at private homes. Do not share your banking PIN, OTP, or ID details with anyone claiming to process your Disability Grant. All legitimate SASSA processes are completely free.
Summary: Disability Grant at a Glance
- The grant is R2,190 per month for qualifying applicants between 18 and 59 with a disability that prevents them from supporting themselves financially.
- Apply in person at a SASSA office with your ID, proof of residence, medical records, and proof of income or an affidavit confirming no income.
- A medical assessment by a SASSA-appointed medical officer is mandatory.
- Payment is made on the second day of SASSA’s monthly payment cycle.
- Temporary grants require reassessment before expiry. Attend your reassessment appointment.
- If your application is declined, you have the right to appeal and to request a second medical opinion.
- Contact SASSA on 0800 60 10 11 for all payment and application queries.
Disability Grant FAQs
Do I need my own doctor’s report to apply?
You do not need a report from your own doctor to apply but bringing your existing medical records, specialist reports, and any test results strengthens your application by giving the SASSA-appointed medical officer a complete picture of your condition and its impact on your ability to work.
Can I apply if my disability is mental rather than physical?
Yes. The Disability Grant covers both physical and mental disabilities. Severe mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression can qualify provided the medical officer determines the condition substantially limits your ability to work and support yourself financially.
How long does the application process take?
SASSA has 90 days to process your application from the date of submission. Many applications are processed faster. Track your application status on the SASSA services portal.
What happens when I turn 60?
When you turn 60 you automatically transition from the Disability Grant to the Older Persons Grant which pays the same amount of R2,190 per month. The Older Persons Grant does not require a medical assessment. SASSA should process this transition automatically but contact SASSA on 0800 60 10 11 if your payment is disrupted around your 60th birthday.
Can I work while receiving the Disability Grant?
You can earn a limited income while receiving the Disability Grant provided your total annual income remains within the means test threshold of R92,568 per year for a single applicant. If your income rises above this threshold your grant may be suspended or cancelled following a means test review.
What is the difference between a Temporary and Permanent Disability Grant?
A Temporary Disability Grant is awarded for a fixed period, typically six to twelve months, when the medical officer believes your condition may improve. A Permanent Disability Grant is awarded when the condition is unlikely to improve. Temporary grants require reassessment before expiry while Permanent grants continue indefinitely subject to means test reviews.
My Temporary Disability Grant is expiring soon. What do I do?
SASSA will notify you of your reassessment appointment before your grant expires. Attend the appointment with updated medical documentation. If your condition has not improved, the medical officer will recommend renewal. If you have not received a reassessment appointment notification and your grant is close to expiring, contact SASSA on 0800 60 10 11 immediately.
Can I receive the Disability Grant and the Grant-in-Aid at the same time?
Yes. If you receive the Disability Grant and require full-time care from another person, you can apply for the Grant-in-Aid of R510 per month in addition to your Disability Grant. A separate medical assessment confirming your need for full-time care is required.
Can I receive the Disability Grant if I also receive UIF?
No. Receiving UIF payments counts as income and may push your income above the means test threshold. Additionally receiving government financial support through UIF may affect your eligibility. Contact SASSA on 0800 60 10 11 for advice on your specific situation.
What if I disagree with the medical officer’s assessment?
You can request a second medical assessment by a different SASSA-appointed medical officer as part of your appeal process. Contact SASSA on 0800 60 10 11 or visit a SASSA office to initiate this process.
Official References
- SASSA services portal
- SASSA website
- SASSA payment dates 2025/2026
- SASSA helpline: 0800 60 10 11 (free, Monday to Friday)
- SASSA WhatsApp: 082 046 8553
- Legal Aid South Africa: 0800 110 110
- Black Sash: 072 663 3739
