For many South Africans living with a disability, the SASSA Disability Grant is not “extra money” – it is the difference between having food, electricity and transport, or going without. With prices of basics like bread, taxi fares and electricity still climbing, every rand matters.
In 2025, the Disability Grant has been updated to R2 310 per month. If you or a family member rely on this grant, understanding the new amount, payment timing and who qualifies can help you plan better and avoid surprises.
Note: Grant rules and amounts can change. Always double‑check the latest details on the official SASSA website or at your nearest SASSA office.
How much is the Disability Grant in 2025?
From 2025, the SASSA Disability Grant is R2 310 per month for qualifying beneficiaries.
This money is meant to help cover essential living costs such as:
- Food and basic groceries
- Transport to clinic or hospital
- Electricity and water
- Medication and small medical items
- Airtime/data for keeping in touch with family or finding help
If your application is approved after some delay, SASSA usually back-pays from the date you first applied or from the date your eligibility started (not from the approval date). This back-pay often arrives as a lump sum, which can be very helpful if you plan it well.
2025 Payment dates: When will you get the R2 310?
SASSA does not always pay on the same calendar day each month, but the pattern is usually the same:
- Older Persons Grant – paid first
- Disability Grant – paid after Older Persons, normally on the next working day
- Child Support and other grants – paid last
This means the Disability Grant is normally paid on the second working day of the month, excluding weekends and public holidays. For example:
- If the 1st is a Monday (working day):
- Older Persons: 1st
- Disability: 2nd
- If the 1st is a Sunday:
- Older Persons: 2nd (Monday)
- Disability: 3rd (Tuesday)
You can receive your R2 310 through:
- Your personal bank account
- The SASSA Gold Card at ATMs and major retailers (Shoprite, Boxer, Pick n Pay, etc.)
- Approved cash paypoints (though these are being reduced in some areas)
Always confirm the exact monthly dates from:
- The official SASSA website
- SASSA social media (Facebook, X/Twitter, etc.)
- Posters at your local SASSA office or paypoint
Avoid relying on rumours or WhatsApp forwards – there are many scams targeting grant recipients.
Who qualifies? 2025 Disability Grant eligibility requirements
To qualify for the SASSA Disability Grant in 2025, you generally must:
- Age and nationality
- Be 18 to 59 years old
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident or recognised refugee
- Be living in South Africa
- Disability status
- Have a physical or mental disability that makes it hard or impossible to work
- Be examined by a state-appointed doctor or a doctor approved by SASSA
- The doctor will recommend whether your condition is:
- Temporary (6–12 months), or
- Permanent (more than 12 months – but still subject to periodic review)
- Financial means test
- SASSA checks your income and assets to make sure you truly need support
- If you or your spouse earn more than a certain limit, you may not qualify or may lose the grant
- The exact income and asset limits change from time to time, so ask SASSA or check their website for the latest figures
- No double social grants
- You cannot receive another social grant for yourself (like Old Age Grant) at the same time as the Disability Grant
- Not fully cared for by the state
- If you live in a state institution (government-funded home, prison, etc.) and the state pays most of your cost, your grant may be reduced or stopped
How to apply for the Disability Grant in 2025
You can still apply for free – you should never pay anyone to “fast-track” your grant.
- Visit your nearest SASSA office
- If you are too sick or disabled to travel, a family member or friend can go on your behalf with a doctor’s note and your documents. SASSA can arrange a home visit.
- Take the right documents
- Green ID book or smart ID card (or proof you have applied)
- Medical report and assessment (usually not older than 3 months)
- Proof of address
- Proof of income and assets (for you and your spouse, if married)
- Bank statement and banking details if you want payment into your account
- Marriage certificate, divorce order or spouse’s death certificate (if applicable)
- Complete the application form
- Forms are available at the SASSA office and must be filled in front of a SASSA official
- If you cannot read or write, the official will help you complete the form
- Get a receipt
- SASSA will give you a dated receipt with a reference number – keep this safe. You will need it if you want to check progress or appeal.
- Wait for the outcome
- It can take 1–3 months (sometimes longer) for a decision
- If approved, your grant will be backdated to when you applied (or the date of eligibility)
Why the 2025 increase matters – and how to stretch your R2 31
For someone like Lerato in Durban, who uses a wheelchair and lives with her sister, the difference between R2 090 a few years ago and R2 310 now can mean:
- One extra taxi trip to the clinic
- A month’s supply of chronic medication top-ups
- Slightly more food in the house at month-end
To make your R2 310 go further:
- Prioritise essentials: rent/board, food, electricity, transport to clinic
- Avoid mashonisas (loan sharks) – the interest can trap you in long-term debt
- Consider joining a stokvel with trusted people for groceries or savings
- Ask about fee-free bank accounts so charges don’t eat your grant
If your application is rejected: appeals and re-applications
Many people are rejected the first time, often because:
- Medical report is incomplete or outdated
- Income or assets are above the means test limit
- Documents are missing or inconsistent
If you disagree with SASSA’s decision, you can:
- Ask the SASSA office for a written reason for the rejection
- Lodge an appeal (usually within 90 days) – the staff must explain the process and help you complete the appeal forms
- Provide any extra documents or updated medical reports to support your case
If your condition changes or worsens later, you can apply again, even if you were rejected before.
Final tips and useful contacts
- Keep your phone number and bank details updated with SASSA
- Never share your PIN or SASSA card with anyone
- Be careful of people who promise “guaranteed approval” for a fee – this is almost always a scam
Useful contacts:
- SASSA Toll-free number: 0800 60 10 11
- Website: www.sassa.gov.za
- Visit your nearest SASSA office for the latest 2025 payment dates and means test limits
FAQs: South Africa Disability Grant 2025
1. How much is the Disability Grant in 2025?
In 2025, the monthly SASSA Disability Grant is R2 310 for qualifying beneficiaries. This amount can change with future budgets, so always check with SASSA for the latest figure.
2. Can I work and still get the Disability Grant?
Yes, you can work, but your total income must stay below the means test limit. You must inform SASSA if you start working or your income changes. If your income rises too much, your grant may be reduced or stopped.
3. Is the Disability Grant permanent?
There are temporary grants (usually 6–12 months) and “permanent” grants (longer than 12 months). Even permanent grants can be reviewed; if your condition improves, SASSA can stop the grant.
4. How long does it take for the Disability Grant to be approved?
It usually takes around 1–3 months, but delays do happen. If approved, SASSA will normally back-pay you from the date of application or the date you became eligible.
5. What if I cannot travel to a SASSA office to apply?
A family member or trusted person can go on your behalf with your ID, a doctor’s letter and your documents. SASSA can also arrange a home visit in serious cases where you cannot travel at all.
