The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is still giving out the Disability Grant, which is very important for people who can’t work because of a mental or physical illness. In 2026, the Disability Grant is still the main way that thousands of families get help. Even when the economy is bad, it helps them pay for their basic needs, health care, and daily living costs.
Confirmed Amount of Disability Grant for 2026
The Disability Grant for the 2026 payment period will be just over R2,310 per month after the most recent annual changes, which were made to lessen the effects of inflation. According to SASSA’s official payment schedule, the grant is paid every month. As long as their eligibility status is still valid and all of their records are up to date, approved beneficiaries will keep getting payments automatically.
Who Can Get the Grant for Disability
To qualify for the SASSA Disability Grant, applicants must be South African citizens, permanent residents, or recognised refugees who live in the country. They must also be between the ages of 18 and 59. The candidates also can’t be getting any other social grants, and they need to have a medical exam to show that their disability is bad enough to keep them from working for at least six months straight. The eligibility review is done with great care so that only those who need it will get the benefit.
Test of Financial Need and Means
A means test looks at a person’s income and assets to see if they are eligible for the Disability Grant. If you make more money or have more assets than the limits, you may not be able to apply for the grant or you may get less money. SASSA keeps changing these limits, so people who get the grant have to tell the agency if their income or financial situation changes so that the grant doesn’t stop or get cancelled.
Grants for disabilities that are short-term or long-term
SASSA gives out Disability Grants that last for a short time and a long time. People who are disabled for six to twelve months get a temporary grant. People who are disabled for more than a year get a permanent grant. Even if someone gets a permanent grant, they may still be checked from time to time to make sure they still meet the medical and financial requirements.
Grants for people with permanent disabilities
Once beneficiaries are approved, they can get their Disability Grant through direct bank deposits, SASSA grant cards, or at certain stores and pay points. The money stays available after it is deposited, so the person who gets it can take it out whenever they want. SASSA says that people who get benefits should not go to cash collection on the busiest days to cut down on lines.
