The Disability Grant: Eligibility and the Medical Assessment

The Disability Grant supports adults whose physical or mental disability prevents them from working and supporting themselves. Unlike the age-based Older Persons Grant, it hinges on a medical assessment, which is the part applicants most often have questions about. This guide explains the process from eligibility to payment. See the dedicated Disability Grant page for an overview too.

Who qualifies

To qualify, you must be an adult within the eligible age range, be a South African citizen or permanent resident, and have a disability — confirmed medically — that stops you from working. You must also pass the means test, which looks at your income and assets. The grant is not intended for temporary illness that will pass quickly; it is for conditions that genuinely prevent you from earning a living.

The medical assessment

A doctor assesses your condition and how it affects your ability to work. The outcome of this assessment is central: it determines not only whether you qualify but also whether your grant is temporary or permanent. You do not choose which type you get — it follows from the medical findings.

Documents you will usually need

• Your 13-digit South African ID.
• The medical assessment report.
• Proof of income and assets, such as bank statements.
• Proof of residence.

Preparing certified copies in advance saves time. Our documents guide explains what SASSA typically accepts.

If your grant is temporary

A temporary grant ends automatically when its period is over. If you still cannot work at that point, you generally need to be reassessed rather than assuming it will simply continue. Diarise the end date so you are not caught out by a payment stopping.

Grant-in-Aid on top

If your disability means you need another person to care for you full time, you may also qualify for Grant-in-Aid in addition to your Disability Grant. See Grant-in-Aid explained for how the add-on works.