Disability Grant — Quick Facts 2026

What Is the SASSA Disability Grant?

The SASSA Disability Grant provides monthly financial support to South African adults between the ages of 18 and 59 who have a physical, mental, or intellectual disability that prevents them from supporting themselves through employment.

The grant was increased from R2,315 to R2,400 per month effective 1 April 2026, as part of the 2026/27 National Budget adjustments. This is one of the highest grant amounts SASSA pays, reflecting the additional costs disabled South Africans face for healthcare, transport, and daily living.

SASSA offers two types of Disability Grant depending on the nature and duration of the disability:

Who Qualifies for the Disability Grant?

You Must Meet ALL of These Requirements:

• Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or recognised refugee living in South Africa
• Be between 18 and 59 years of age — at 60 you automatically qualify for the Older Persons Grant instead
• Have a physical, mental, or intellectual disability that makes you unable to support yourself through work
• The disability must be confirmed by a medical professional — self-declaration is not accepted
• The disability must be expected to last at least 6 months
• Pass the means test — income below R91,416 per year if single (R7,618 per month)
• If married — combined household income must not exceed R182,832 per year
• Not be a patient in a state institution (hospital, care facility) that provides full-time care

You Do NOT Qualify If:

• You are already receiving another SASSA grant (you cannot receive two grants simultaneously)
• You are under 18 or 60 years and older
• You are a full-time patient in a state-funded care institution
• Your income exceeds the means test threshold
• You are an asylum seeker with only a Section 22 permit

The Medical Assessment — What to Expect

A medical assessment is mandatory for all Disability Grant applications. You cannot apply without a completed medical report from a registered healthcare professional.

1. Get the SASSA medical report form Visit your nearest SASSA office and ask for the official medical assessment form (Z259). This form must be completed by a registered doctor, nurse practitioner, or other qualified medical professional. SASSA provides the form free of charge.
2. Visit a doctor for assessment Take the Z259 form to a registered medical professional. This can be your own doctor, a government clinic doctor, or a SASSA-appointed medical officer. The doctor assesses your condition, completes the form, and signs it. If you cannot afford a private doctor, SASSA can arrange a free assessment by a state medical officer.
3. Submit the completed medical form to SASSA Once the doctor has completed and signed the medical report, submit it to SASSA along with all other required documents. SASSA may request a second opinion from their own medical officer if they need to verify the assessment.
4. SASSA medical review SASSA’s medical team reviews the submitted report. For temporary grants they will specify an expiry date. For permanent grants they will note this in your file. You may be called for a follow-up assessment in some cases.

Documents Required to Apply

Bring original documents only — photocopies are not accepted by SASSA.

How to Apply for the Disability Grant — Step by Step

Applications must be made in person at a SASSA office. The application is completely free.

1. Get the medical assessment form from SASSA Visit your nearest SASSA office and collect the Z259 medical report form. You need this before seeing a doctor. The form is free.
2. Complete the medical assessment Take the form to a registered doctor or medical professional. The doctor assesses your disability, completes the form, and signs it. Keep a copy of the completed form for your records.
3. Gather all required documents Collect your ID, proof of residence, bank statement, proof of income, and the completed medical form. All documents must be original — no photocopies.
4. Visit your nearest SASSA office Go to your nearest SASSA office Monday to Friday between 07:30 and 16:00. Arrive early as queues can be long. If you are unable to travel due to your disability, contact SASSA on 0800 60 10 11 to arrange a home visit.
5. Complete the application form with a SASSA officer A SASSA officer will help you complete the application form. Submit all your documents. You will receive a receipt — keep this as proof of your application date.
6. Biometric verification SASSA will capture your fingerprints and photograph. This is mandatory for all 2026 applications and is used to verify your identity against Home Affairs records.
7. Await the outcome Processing takes up to 3 months. Once approved, payments are backdated to your application date. Check your status by calling 0800 60 10 11 or visiting your nearest SASSA office.

When Is the Disability Grant Paid?

The Disability Grant is paid on the second day of the three-day permanent grant payment cycle each month — one day after the Older Persons Grant and one day before the Children’s Grants.

If a payment date falls on a public holiday, SASSA pays on the next available business day.

Common Reasons for Disability Grant Rejection

Renewing a Temporary Disability Grant

If you received a temporary Disability Grant, you must renew it before it expires or your payments will stop automatically.

1. Check your grant expiry date Your approval letter from SASSA states the expiry date of your temporary grant. Start the renewal process at least 3 months before this date to avoid a gap in payments.
2. Get a new medical assessment Visit your doctor with a new Z259 form. The doctor reassesses your condition and confirms whether the disability continues. If your condition has worsened, they may recommend a permanent grant.
3. Submit renewal at SASSA office Take the completed medical form and all supporting documents to your nearest SASSA office. Submit the renewal application before your current grant expires.