Applicants must pass both a medical assessment and a financial means test to qualify for the R2 400 monthly Disability Grant.
SASSA Gauteng has clarified how Disability Grant applications are assessed, stressing that having a medical condition alone does not automatically qualify a person for the grant.
In a statement issued on 11 August 2026, the South African Social Security Agency said applicants must meet both medical and financial requirements before a Disability Grant can be approved.
The grant currently pays R2 400 a month and is available to qualifying South African citizens, permanent residents and recognised refugees who are unable to work because of a disability.
SASSA said disability is assessed according to how a physical or mental condition affects a person’s ability to work and support themselves. The disability must be confirmed through a prescribed medical or functional assessment.
Who can qualify?
Among the requirements, applicants must:
- be between 18 and 59 years old;
- be a South African citizen, permanent resident or recognised refugee living in South Africa;
- not be cared for in a state-funded institution;
- not receive another social grant for themselves;
- undergo a medical or functional assessment confirming the disability; and
- pass the prescribed means test.
The means test looks at an applicant’s income and assets. For married applicants, the income and assets of both spouses are taken into account.
A single applicant’s annual income must not exceed R107 880, while their assets must not be worth more than R1 524 600.
For married applicants, combined annual income must not exceed R215 760, while combined assets must not exceed R3 049 200.
What documents are needed?
Applicants may be asked for identification, proof of marital status where applicable, bank account confirmation, information about income and assets, and the required medical referral documents.
SASSA said the application date is recorded only once all required documents have been submitted and verified by an official.
Applications are assessed individually and according to the relevant legislation, medical assessment procedures and qualifying criteria.
People whose applications are unsuccessful must receive written reasons for the decision. They may appeal to the Independent Appeals Tribunal within 90 days of receiving the outcome.
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