SASSA Disability Grant 2026: Eligibility, Medical Requirements & Application

The SASSA Disability Grant is a monthly payment for South African citizens and permanent residents aged 18 to 59 who have a physical or mental disability that makes them unable to work for more than six months. As of 2026, the grant amount is R2,400 per month. The grant is means-tested, meaning your income and assets must be below a certain threshold. A medical assessment by a state doctor is required to confirm the disability. The grant may be awarded temporarily (6 to 12 months) or permanently, depending on the nature of the disability.

To qualify for the SASSA Disability Grant in 2026, you must meet all the following requirements:

• Age: You must be between 18 and 59 years old.
• Disability: You must have a physical or mental disability that prevents you from working for at least six months.
• Medical assessment: A state doctor must confirm your disability. Private doctor reports may be considered but a state assessment is usually required.
• Income threshold: Your income must not exceed R7,190 per month if single, or R14,380 combined if married.
• Asset threshold: Your assets must not exceed R1,227,600 for a single person or R2,455,200 for a married couple.
• Citizenship: You must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.

The Disability Grant covers a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to:

• Physical disabilities affecting mobility (paralysis, amputation, severe arthritis)
• Blindness or severe visual impairment
• Deafness or severe hearing impairment
• Mental health conditions (severe depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder)
• Intellectual disabilities
• Chronic medical conditions (HIV/AIDS with complications, tuberculosis, cancer, kidney disease)
• Stroke or brain injury recovery

The condition must be confirmed by a medical professional and must substantially limit your ability to work.

You need the following to apply for the Disability Grant:

• 13-digit ID (green ID book or smart ID card)
• Medical report from a doctor detailing your disability (form available at SASSA offices)
• Proof of income — last 3 months bank statements, payslips, or affidavit
• Proof of residence — utility bill or affidavit
• Proof of assets — property valuations, investment statements if applicable
• Medical records — hospital discharge summaries, specialist reports, test results

The Disability Grant amount is R2,400 per month in 2026. Payments are made in the first week of each month, typically from the 4th to the 6th. If your grant is approved temporarily, you will need to reapply when it expires. A new medical assessment will be required to confirm that the disability persists.