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Medical assessment required

SASSA Disability Grant

The Disability Grant supports South Africans between 18 and 59 who — because of a physical or mental disability — are unable to earn enough to support themselves. Payments are up to R2 315 per month.

Two types: permanent and temporary

The medical assessment decides whether your disability is expected to last more than a year.

  • Permanent disability grant — awarded when your condition is unlikely to improve within 12 months. It stays in place until you turn 60, at which point it converts to an older persons grant.
  • Temporary disability grant — awarded for periods between 6 and 12 months. When it lapses you must reapply and be re-assessed.

Who qualifies

  • South African citizen, permanent resident or recognised refugee.
  • Aged 18 to 59.
  • A SASSA-appointed doctor confirms a disability that stops you from working.
  • You pass the same means test as the older persons grant.
  • You are not being cared for in a state-funded institution.
  • You do not receive another grant on your own ID.

The medical assessment

SASSA sends you to a state-approved medical practitioner (a district surgeon or contracted GP). The assessment is free of charge. Bring:

  • Your ID.
  • Any specialist reports, X-rays, MRIs and prescription lists you have.
  • A referral letter from your treating doctor, if you have one.

The assessment report is only valid for three months, so submit your full application within that window.

The medical assessment result is not your grant decision. SASSA still runs the means test and identity check after the doctor has signed off. A positive assessment does not guarantee approval.

Documents you need

  • 13-digit bar-coded ID or smart card.
  • Proof of residence.
  • Proof of marital status.
  • Bank statements for the last 3 months.
  • Proof of any other income (rental, private pension, disability policy payouts).
  • Medical or assessment report — completed on the correct SASSA form and not older than 3 months.
  • UI19 form if you were recently retrenched.

How to apply

  1. Visit your local SASSA office. Take a printed appointment slip if you booked online.
  2. Complete the disability grant form with an officer.
  3. Attend the SASSA-appointed medical assessment.
  4. Wait up to 90 days for a decision. Payments are backdated to the day of application.

Reviews and reassessment

Temporary grants automatically end on the last day of their approval period. Permanent grants may be reviewed if SASSA has reason to believe your circumstances have changed. Missing a review appointment leads to the grant being suspended.

If declined

You have 90 days to lodge an appeal with the Minister of Social Development via SASSA. See Appeals and Reconsiderations for the exact process.