SASSA Disability Grant in South Africa financially supports people with mental or physical disabilities. Suppose you are unable to work due to a psychological or physical disability and cannot do so for more than six months. In that case, the SASSA Disability Grant is available. The medical evaluation determines whether you qualify for a permanent or temporary grant.
You may qualify for a grant if your disability continues beyond a year. Remember that permanent in this context doesn’t mean “forever.” You will receive the funding over an entire year if you are disabled. Moreover, you will receive a temporary grant if your disability is for at least six months and 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?
The first step to applying for a grant is to have a government-appointed doctor examine you. These SASSA-approved practitioners ensure you’re in the hands of experts who diagnose your condition and determine if you qualify for disability grants. They will also confirm whether a permanent or temporary disability grant would be suitable in your case.
A medical practitioner will assess your condition. SASSA has the final say on the grant award. SASSA also considers other factors, including your financial situation and ability to take care of yourself.
You have the flexibility to fill out the application at your local SASSA branch after you have completed the medical evaluation. Alternatively, you can apply online using the SASSA website, giving you the freedom to choose the method that suits you best.
If you are unable to do so yourself because of a severe disability, you can ask a family member or friend who you trust to submit your application on your behalf. You should provide a signed letter and note from your doctor explaining why you cannot visit SASSA alone.
You can get the application form at SASSA and complete it before an officer. The application can be filled out by yourself. The officer can assist you if you are having trouble filling out the application form. The officer will conduct your interview. After the interview, they will let you know if you are eligible for the grant.
After completing your application, you will receive a dated stamped receipt. This stamp includes the name of the SASSA officer who helped you with it and the Reference Number for your application. This receipt proves that you applied, even if you do not qualify.
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.
What is the SASSA Disability Grant Means Test?
The test evaluates the applicant’s financial situation, such as income, assets and other factors, in order to make sure that only those who deserve the grant receive it. There are currently two thresholds that will be in place as of April 1, 2023:
Assets Threshold:
- One person cannot own more than R1 372,800 in assets.
- The combined assets of married people and their spouses should not exceed R2 745600.
The Income Threshold is:
- Single individuals must not earn more than R96840 per year.
- A married couple’s combined annual income should not exceed R193 680. The criteria used to determine financial eligibility for each grant is different.
Documents Required to Apply for Disability Grant
When applying for a Disability Grant, you must bring the following documentation (originals or certified copies).
- The original barcode 13-digit ID document (identity card). You can’t get an ID if you:
- The form will be provided by a SASSA official, or you can download it here. You can either Download the SASSA Affidavit here or ask a SASSA official to provide the form.
- To confirm your name and age, you must present a signed sworn declaration from a respectable person. This could be a social worker, a traditional leader, a minister of religion or a school principal.
- When SASSA processes your application, it will require your fingerprints. While processing your application, you will be directed to the Department of Home Affairs in order to obtain your ID. SASSA will suspend your application if you do not provide the required ID.
- You must provide a certified medical assessment and report by a doctor recognized by SASSA to verify your disabilities. The medical assessment must be conducted in the 3 months prior to your application.
- If applicable, documentation proving your marital status:
- For those married, a marriage certificate must be submitted.
- You must submit the Divorce Decree if your marriage is dissolved.
- Please provide proof of your address.
- If you’re married, this will apply to both your spouse and yourself.
- Documents proving your possessions and estimating the value. (if applicable)
- Please include supporting documentation that verifies your pension. (if any)
- Statement of your bank for the past 3 months
- Documents proving refugee status and refugee ID are required if applicable.
- You can attach a copy of the Blue Book or a discharge certificate from your previous employer if you have worked in that position before.
- If your partner died within the past 5 years, a copy of their death certificate along with their will. Where applicable, you will also need a copy of both the original and final documents detailing their liquidation and estate distribution.
Processing Times
The disability allowance is usually processed in about three months. Payments begin after your application has been approved. You will start receiving payments as soon as your grant has been approved. SASSA sends a rejection letter explaining why your application was not accepted.
What is the SASSA Disability Allowance Amount?
According to the latest updates for 1 April 2024, the amount of disability allowance per person is R2180. According to the latest updates of 1 April 2024, the monthly amount for disability grant will be R2 180 per person. The grant was designed to help disabled people with low incomes. The grant will decrease as the applicant’s private income increases. From 1 October 2024, the grant will be increased to R2,090 per individual per month.
