The SASSA Disability Grant in South Africa provides financial support to people with mental or physical disabilities. If you cannot work due to a psychological or physical disability for more than six months, you can apply for this grant. A medical evaluation will determine whether you qualify for a permanent or temporary sassa status check.
You may qualify for a grant if your disability continues beyond a year. Remember, “permanent” in this context doesn’t mean “forever“; it means you will receive funding for at least a year. You will receive a temporary grant if your disability lasts for at least six months but not longer than twelve months. The grant can be extended if your disability prevents you from working.
How to apply for the SASSA Disability Grant?
- To start your grant application, the first step is to see a government-appointed doctor. These doctors, endorsed by SASSA, are experts who check your condition and decide if you qualify for disability grants. They’ll also determine if you’re eligible for a permanent or temporary grant.
- After your medical check-up, you have flexible options for applying. You can either visit your local SASSA branch or apply online through their website. If you can’t apply in person because of a severe disability, a trusted family member or friend can submit your application for you. Just make sure they have a signed letter and a note from your doctor explaining your situation.
- At the SASSA office, you can pick up the application form and fill it out yourself. If you need assistance, the officer can help you. After completing the application, you’ll have an interview with the officer who will let you know if you’re eligible for the grant.
- Once your application is finished, you’ll receive a dated stamped receipt. This receipt, even if you don’t qualify, proves that you applied. It includes the name of the SASSA officer who helped you and the Reference Number for your application.
Criteria for SASSA Disability Grant:
You must meet these criteria before you can apply for the Disability Grant:
- You must be a South African national, permanent resident, or recognized refugee.
- South Africa is the only place you can live.
- You must be aged between 19 and 59.
- Identification documents (ID) are required.
- Check if you are already receiving a personal social grant.
- It is not allowed to be receiving treatment in an official station.
- If you are married, both your spouse and yourself must comply with the requirements of the means test.
- The disability must last for at least six months (mental or physical).
- You can qualify for temporary disability benefits if your disability prevents you from working at least 6 months and up to 12 months.
- You are eligible to receive a disability allowance if your disability prevents you from working more than twelve months.
- Bring any medical reports and records to the assessment and application for disability benefits.
- You must undergo an evaluation of your medical condition by a state-designated doctor to determine the extent of your disabilities.
- Single individuals must not earn more than R86280 per year (R7190/month). The combined annual income between you and your partner must not exceed R172 560 (R14 360 per month).
- Singles must keep their assets below R1 227,000. If you’re married, your total assets must be below R2 45520.
Criteria for SASSA Disability Grant:
Before applying for the Disability Grant, certain criteria must be met:
- Residency: You must be a South African national, permanent resident, or recognized refugee. Living in South Africa is a requirement.
- Age: Applicants must be between 19 and 59 years old.
- Identification: Valid identification documents (ID) are mandatory.
- Existing Grants: Check if you are already receiving a personal social grant.
- Medical Treatment: You should not be receiving treatment in an official station.
- Means Test for Married Individuals: If married, both you and your spouse must meet the means test requirements.
- Duration of Disability: The disability must last for at least six months, whether mental or physical.
- Temporary Disability Benefits: Temporary disability benefits are available if your disability prevents you from working for at least six months but not longer than twelve months.
- Disability Allowance: You are eligible for a disability allowance if your disability prevents you from working for more than twelve months.
- Medical Reports: Bring any relevant medical reports and records to the assessment and application for disability benefits.
- Medical Evaluation: You must undergo a medical evaluation by a state-designated doctor to determine the extent of your disabilities.
- Financial Eligibility for Singles:
- Annual income must not exceed R86,280 (R7,190 per month).
- Total assets must be below R1,227,000.
- Financial Eligibility for Married Individuals:
- The combined annual income between you and your partner must not exceed R172,560 (R14,360 per month).
- Total assets must be below R2,455,200.
What is the SASSA Disability Grant Means Test?
The means test evaluates applicants’ financial circumstances, including income, assets, and other relevant factors, to ensure that only those truly in need receive the grant. Effective April 1, 2023, two thresholds apply:
Assets Threshold:
- Individuals are limited to owning assets valued at no more than R1,372,800.
- For married couples, the combined asset value must not exceed R2,745,600.
Income Threshold:
- Single individuals must earn no more than R96,840 annually.
- The combined annual income for married couples should not surpass R193,680.
It’s important to recognize that the criteria for financial eligibility differ depending on the grant.
Documents Needed for Disability Grant Application
To apply for a Disability Grant, you need help to gather certain documents:
- Your original 13-digit barcode ID card.
- The application form, available from a SASSA official or online.
- A sworn declaration from a respected person confirming your name and age.
- Fingerprints, which you’ll provide during the application process.
- A certified medical assessment conducted within the last three months.
- If married, your marriage certificate or divorce decree.
- Proof of address.
- Documentation of your possessions and their value, if applicable.
- Verification of any pension you receive.
- Bank statements from the past three months.
- Documentation proving refugee status, if applicable.
- Employment records, if you’ve worked before.
- If your partner passed away within the last five years, their death certificate and relevant legal documents.
Gathering these documents will help streamline your application process for the Disability Grant.
Processing Times:
The processing time for the disability allowance is typically around three months. Once your application is approved, payments will commence. You’ll start receiving payments as soon as your grant is approved. If your application is rejected, SASSA will send a letter explaining the reasons for the rejection.
SASSA Disability Allowance Amount:
As of April 1, 2024, the monthly disability allowance per person is R2,180. This grant aims to assist individuals with low incomes who are disabled. The amount of the grant may decrease as the applicant’s private income increases. Starting from October 1, 2024, the grant will be increased to R2,090 per individual per month.