SASSA Disability Grant 2026

Financial Support for Adults Living with a Disability

R2,400 per month — Effective 1 April 2026, for eligible South Africans aged 18 to 59 with a physical or mental disability that prevents financial self-support.

✅ Confirmed after the February 2026 National Budget
✅ Always verify the latest at www.sassa.gov.za

The SASSA Disability Grant is a monthly non-contributory social grant designed to provide essential financial support to South African adults aged 18 to 59 who are unable to work and support themselves due to a physical or mental disability.

It is not an employment-based pension — no prior work history or contributions are required. The grant is funded by the national government and administered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). It recognises that a disability can create significant barriers to earning an income, and it helps cover basic living expenses, medical costs, transport, and family support.

In 2026, the grant pays R2,400 per month, effective from 1 April 2026, following the National Budget announcement. This represents an R80–R85 increase from the previous year, helping beneficiaries keep pace with inflation and rising living costs.

The grant can be awarded as:

• Temporary (usually 6–12 months) — for conditions expected to improve or last a limited time. It must be reviewed and reapplied for.
• Permanent — for long-term or lifelong disabilities. Reviews are less frequent (typically every 1–2 years or as notified).

Important note: If you are 60 years or older, you should apply for the Older Persons Grant instead.

You must meet all of the following requirements:

• Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or recognised refugee
• Be aged 18 to 59 years (inclusive)
• Have a physical or mental disability that has been medically confirmed and substantially prevents you from working or supporting yourself financially
• Pass the means test (your income and assets must be below the thresholds)
• Not receiving full-time care in a state institution
• Not receiving any other SASSA grant for yourself (except a Grant-in-Aid if you need full-time care)

Updated Means Test – 2026 Thresholds

Applicant Status	Maximum Annual Income	Approximate Monthly Income	Maximum Assets
Single applicant	R107,880	R8,990	R1,524,600
Married couple (combined)	R215,760	R17,980	R3,049,200

Key notes on the means test:

• Your primary residence (the home you live in) is excluded from asset calculations.
• Income includes salaries, private pensions, interest, rentals, maintenance, and most other sources.
• Assets include savings, investments, additional properties, vehicles (above basic value), and valuables.
• SASSA officials will assess your full situation fairly — bring all relevant documents.

This is the most critical part of the application. You cannot apply without a completed medical report.

1. Obtain Form DG/B first — Collect the official SASSA Disability Grant Medical Report (Form DG/B) from your nearest SASSA office or download it from www.sassa.gov.za.
2. See a registered doctor — Take the form to a doctor registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). This can be your regular doctor or a state hospital doctor if you cannot afford private care. Bring all your medical records, X-rays, hospital reports, and medication lists.
3. Doctor completes the form — The doctor will examine you and detail the nature, severity, and impact of your disability on your ability to work and care for yourself.
4. SASSA medical officer review — When you submit your application, a SASSA-appointed medical officer will review the Form DG/B and may conduct an additional examination. They will decide if the disability qualifies and whether the grant is temporary or permanent.

Pro tip: Always get the correct Form DG/B from SASSA first — using the wrong form will delay your application.

Bring originals + photocopies:

• South African ID (green barcoded book or Smart ID card)
• Completed Form DG/B (medical assessment report)
• Proof of income (bank statements for 3 months, payslips, or affidavit if no income)
• Proof of residence (utility bill, lease agreement, or affidavit)
• Bank account details (stamped statement or confirmation letter) — or request a free Postbank Gold Card
• Marriage certificate (if married) and spouse’s ID (if applicable)

No bank account? SASSA will open a free Postbank account for you during the application.

1. Collect Form DG/B — Get it from your nearest SASSA office or the website.
2. Complete the medical assessment — Visit a registered doctor with your form and medical records.
3. Gather all documents — Organise everything listed above.
4. Visit your nearest SASSA office — Arrive early (before 08:30) to increase your chances of same-day service.
5. Submit the application — A SASSA official will assist you. You may need to undergo a further medical examination on site.
6. Provide fingerprints — Standard biometric requirement.
7. Receive your reference number — Keep this receipt safe as proof of application.

Processing time: SASSA must notify you within 90 days. If you hear nothing, call 0800 60 10 11 with your reference number.

Approval is backdated to the date you submitted a complete application.

Why This Grant Matters (Context & Impact)

The Disability Grant goes far beyond individual support — it often sustains entire households, reduces poverty, and promotes dignity and independence. For many recipients, it covers medication, assistive devices, transport to clinics, and basic nutrition, while easing the financial load on family caregivers.

Edge cases & important considerations:

• Refugees and permanent residents have the same rights as citizens.
• State institution residents are ineligible while receiving free full-time care.
• SASSA uses biometrics and regular reviews to prevent fraud and ensure ongoing eligibility.
• Life Certificate may be required periodically to confirm you are still receiving the grant.

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Ready to Apply or Need Help?

Act promptly — your grant is backdated to the date of your complete application.

Official Channels Only:

• Helpline: 0800 60 10 11 (free, toll-free)
• Website: www.sassa.gov.za
• Online services: services.sassa.gov.za (Smart ID required)