How can I get a permanent disability grant? I have not been able to work since 2018.

The long answer

The permanent disability grant is for people with disabilities that will last longer than 12 months. The temporary disability grant is for people with disabilities that last between six and twelve months. Applicants will need to undergo a medical assessment for SASSA to determine whether a temporary or permanent grant is suitable. Note that a permanent grant won't necessarily be paid out for the rest of your life. It just means that it will be paid for longer than 12 months. 

If you get a temporary grant for six to twelve months and you haven’t recovered enough to go back to work after this time has lapsed, you will have to apply again. 

Your permanent grant can be reviewed by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) if they want to assess whether you are in fact still disabled.

The disability grant pays a maximum of R2,315 from 1 April 2025. The grant value works on a sliding scale – higher-earning applicants will receive a smaller amount.

To qualify for the disability grant, you must: 

• be a South African citizen, or permanent resident or refugee and living in South Africa at the time you apply for it

• be between 18 and 59 years

• not be cared for in a state institution

• have a 13-digit, bar-coded identity document (ID)

• meet the means test (We haven’t found up-to-date figures on this point – editor)

• undergo a medical examination where a doctor appointed by the state will assess the degree of your disability

• bring along any previous medical records and reports when you make the application and when the assessment is done.

The doctor will complete a medical report and forward it to SASSA. The medical report is valid for three months from the date you are assessed.

What you should do:

1. Complete a disability grant application form at your nearest SASSA office in the presence of a SASSA officer.

2. Submit the following:

• Your ID

• A medical report and functional assessment report confirming your disability

• Proof of marital status (if applicable)

• Proof of residence (like a municipal bill)

• Proof of income or dividends (if any)

• Proof of private pension (if any)

• Your bank statements for the past three months

• Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) document (the blue book) or a discharge certificate from your previous employer, if you were employed

• A copy of the will and final liquidation and distribution accounts, if your spouse died in the last five years.

After submitting your application, you will be given a receipt that you must keep as proof of your application.

It could take three months from the date of your application to process your application. You will receive a written notice from SASSA informing you if your application was successful or not. If it is not approved, SASSA will state the reasons in writing why it was not approved.

You can appeal to the Minister of Social Development within 90 days of receiving the notification, giving your reasons why you disagree with their assessment.  

You can contact SASSA on their toll-free number: 0800 60 10 11

Or email them at GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za.

You can also ask an organisation like the Black Sash, which gives free paralegal advice, for their help. These are their contact details: 

Email: help@blacksash.org.za

Helpline: 072 66 33 73, 072 633 3739 or 063 610 1865.

Wishing you the best,
Athalie