If you have a physical or mental handicap that prevents you from working for more than six months, you can apply for a disability payment.
A permanent disability payment is awarded if your disability will last more than a year, while a temporary disability grant is awarded if your impairment will persist for at least six months but no more than twelve months. A permanent disability grant does not imply that you will get it indefinitely, but that it will last longer than 12 months.
How do you know if you’re eligible?
To be eligible, you must:
be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee who is currently residing in South Africa at the time of application
be between the ages of 18 and 59
not be cared for in a state facility
possess a 13-digit, bar-coded identification document (ID)
Earn no more than R86 280 if single, or R172 560 if married.
not have more than R1 227 600 in assets if single, or R2 455 200 if married
undertake a medical examination in which a state-appointed doctor will determine the extent of your handicap
Bring any previous medical records and reports with you when you apply and after the assessment is completed.
The doctor will write a medical report and send it to the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).
The report is valid for three months after the assessment date.
How much will you be paid?
The monthly maximum is R1 980.
How will you be compensated?
You will receive your grant in one of the following ways:
cash at a specified pay level on a specific day
Postbank accepts electronic deposits into your bank account (the bank may charge you for the service)
a non-state-funded institution, such as a home for disabled people
When can your grant be revoked?
Your grant may be suspended if any of the following occur:
when your situation changes
the result of a review
if you do not cooperate when your grant is being reviewed
when you conduct fraud or make false statements about yourself
if there was an error in the approval of your grant.
When will your grant expire?
The grant will expire if you:
die
been accepted into a public institution
do not file a claim for three months in a row
are not in the nation.
What should you do?
Complete a disability grant application form in the presence of an SASSA officer at your nearest South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office.
Please submit the following:
Your 13-digit barcoded identification card (ID). If you do not have identification
In the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths who is not an SASSA official, you must complete an affidavit on a standard SASSA format.
You must produce a sworn statement signed by a respected person who can authenticate your name and age (such as a councillor, traditional leader, social worker, minister of religion, or school principal).
Your fingerprints will be taken by an SASSA officer.
While your application is being processed, you will be referred to the Department of Home Affairs to apply for an ID. If you do not obtain an ID, your grant will be revoked.
A medical report as well as a functional evaluation report that confirms your disability.
Evidence of marital status (if applicable).
Proof of residency is required.
Income or dividend proof (if any).
Asset proof, including the municipal value of your property.
Evidence of a private pension (if any).
Your last three months’ bank statements
Permit for refugee status and 13-digit refugee ID
If you were previously employed, you need have a UIF document (‘blue book’) or a discharge certificate from your prior employer.
If your spouse died within the last five years, you must provide a copy of the will as well as the first and final liquidation and distribution accounts.
You will be sent a receipt as evidence of application after submitting your application.
What if your application is denied?
If your application was successful, the social security office will notify you in writing.
If your grant application is denied, the social security office will inform you of the reasons why. You can then write an appeal to the Minister of Social Development, outlining why you disagree.
You must file an appeal within 90 days after obtaining notified of the decision of your application.
How much time does it take?
Your application may take up to three months to be processed.
If your grant is granted, you will be paid beginning on the date you applied.
What is the price?
The service is completely free.
Forms to fill out?
Application forms are not available online, however they are available at your local (SASSA) office.
Who should I contact?
Agency for Social Security in South Africa (SASSA)
