SASSA Disability Grant 2026 - Amount, Eligibility & How to Apply

The SASSA Disability Grant is monthly support for South Africans who cannot work because of a physical or mental disability. This guide covers the latest amount, who qualifies, the documents you need, the payment dates, and exactly how to apply.

Disability Grant Amount (2026)

The Disability Grant pays a maximum of R2,400 per month, confirmed in the SASSA media statement of 23 March 2026 (the April 2026 increase added R80).

Who Qualifies (Eligibility)

• Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee, and be in South Africa when you apply
• Be between 18 and 59 years old
• Have a disability, confirmed by a doctor appointed by SASSA, that makes you unfit to work for more than 6 months
• Not be receiving another social grant for yourself
• Not be cared for in a state institution
• Pass the means test - if single, earn less than R86 280 a year; if married, you and your spouse together less than R172 560 a year
• Not own assets worth more than R1 227 600 (single) or R2 455 200 (married)

A SASSA-appointed doctor assesses your condition. The medical report is valid for three months, so apply within that time.

Required Documents

• Your 13-digit barcoded South African ID (or refugee ID and status permit if you are a refugee)
• A medical or functional assessment report showing your disability (not older than 3 months)
• Proof of marital status (if applicable)
• Proof of residence
• Proof of income or any money you receive
• Proof of property or other assets
• Proof of private pension, if any
• Bank statements for the last three months
• A discharge certificate from your last employer (if you were employed); UIF blue book if unemployed
• A copy of the will if your spouse passed away in the last 5 years

No ID yet? Complete a SASSA affidavit in front of a commissioner of oaths (not a SASSA worker), bring a signed statement from a trusted person confirming your name and age, and SASSA will take your fingerprints and refer you to Home Affairs. Apply for the ID within 3 months or your grant may be stopped.

Disability Grant Payment Dates (2026/2027)

The Disability Grant is paid on the 3rd in most months. If the date falls on a weekend or public holiday, payment moves to the next working day.

Official source: SASSA media statement, 23 March 2026 - verify on SASSA News (Facebook).

How to Apply (Application Process)

The Disability Grant application form is not available online - you apply in person:

1. Visit your nearest SASSA office and complete a Disability Grant application form.
2. Bring all the required documents, including your medical report.
3. A SASSA-appointed doctor will assess your medical condition.
4. Complete the form in front of a SASSA officer (only you or the officer may fill it in).
5. Keep the receipt SASSA gives you as proof of your application.

Temporary vs Permanent Disability Grant

SASSA offers two types, based on how long your condition lasts:

• Temporary Disability Grant - for a disability expected to last more than 6 months but less than 12 months.
• Permanent Disability Grant - for a condition expected to last longer than 12 months. "Permanent" does not mean for life; SASSA can review your condition from time to time.

Reviews and When the Grant Stops

SASSA reviews your situation from time to time and will send a letter at least 3 months before a review. Tell SASSA if your health, income, address or bank account changes. Your grant can stop if your health or income changes, you miss a review or do not cooperate, you give false information, or you change your details without telling SASSA.

Good to know: applying is completely free. Never pay anyone to "help" you apply.