How to Apply for Disability Grant? – Eligibility, Criteria and Benefits

The SASSA disability grant in South Africa is specifically designed to provide financial assistance to persons with physical or mental disability issues. You can apply for the disability grant if you cannot work for more than six months due to being mentally or physically disabled.

In contrast, a temporary disability grant is applicable if the disability is anticipated to endure for a continuous duration ranging from six to 12 months. It’s important to note that a permanent disability grant does not imply a lifelong entitlement but rather signifies that the grant will be provided for a duration surpassing 12 months. Let’s explore more.

To determine eligibility for the grant, certain criteria must be met:

For applicants under 18 requiring permanent care due to a disability, the primary caregiver can apply for a Care Dependency Grant. If lacking an ID, applicants can complete an affidavit and provide evidence of the ID application. Applying for an ID within three months of grant application is mandatory.

You are eligible to receive a maximum of R2,090 per month through a grant.

The payment will be facilitated using one of the following methods:

1. Cash withdrawal at a designated pay point on a specified day.
2. Electronic deposit into your bank account, which includes Postbank. Please note that the bank may apply charges for this service.
3. Payment through an institution not funded by the State, such as a home for people with disabilities.

To apply for a disability grant through the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), follow these steps:

1. Visit your nearest SASSA office to complete the disability grant application form in the presence of an SASSA officer.
2. Submit the required documents, including your 13-digit bar-coded identity document. If you don’t have an ID, complete an affidavit in a standard SASSA format in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths who is not an https://www.sassa.gov.za/. Include a sworn statement from a reputable person verifying your name and age.
3. Provide fingerprints, and if needed, you will be referred to the Department of Home Affairs to apply for an ID while your application is processed. Failure to obtain an ID may result in a suspension of your grant.
4. Include a medical report and functional assessment report confirming your disability, proof of marital status (if applicable), proof of residence, proof of income or dividends, proof of assets, and the municipal value of your property.
5. Submit proof of private pension (if any), bank statements for the past three months, refugee status permit and 13-digit refugee ID, Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) document (‘blue book’), or discharge certificate from your previous employer if applicable.
6. If your spouse passed away within the last five years, include a copy of the will and the first and final liquidation and distribution accounts.
7. After submission, you will receive a receipt as proof of application. Keep this receipt for reference throughout the processing period.

If your application is not approved, you will receive written notification from the Social Security office detailing the reasons for the unsuccessful outcome. In the event of a denial, you have the option to submit a written appeal to the Minister of Social Development within 90 days of receiving the notification. Your appeal should include an explanation of why you disagree with the decision.

The processing time for your application can extend up to three months. In the event of approval, you will receive payment retroactively from the date of your application.

Applying for a Disability Grant in South Africa involves meeting specific eligibility criteria, submitting detailed documentation, and undergoing medical assessments. The grant is a financial support system for individuals facing extended disabilities. It is crucial to follow the application process carefully, including obtaining a valid ID, providing necessary medical reports, and ensuring compliance with income and asset limits.

The process can take up to three months for approval, and if denied, applicants have the option to appeal within a specified timeframe. Understanding the circumstances under which a grant may be suspended or lapse is essential for recipients. The grant aims to provide financial assistance to those in need, emphasizing the importance of accurate and thorough documentation throughout the application process.

If you’re still confused and have more queries related to your status, then do contact SASSA through verified channels: