UIF & SASSA Adult Disability Grant

Two main streams of financial support are available to neurodivergent adults in South Africa: the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) for those who have lost employment, and the SASSA Disability Grant for those whose condition prevents them from working.

Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF)

If you have been employed and your employer has been deducting UIF contributions from your salary (1% of your salary, matched by your employer), you are entitled to claim UIF benefits when you lose your job.

Who qualifies for UIF?

• You were employed and UIF contributions were deducted
• You were dismissed, retrenched, or your contract ended (you cannot claim if you resigned)
• You are not receiving income from another employer

How long do benefits last?

You can claim 1 day of benefits for every 4 days you worked and contributed, up to a maximum of 238 days (about 8 months). The benefit amount is a percentage of your last salary — it starts at 58% for the lowest earners and reduces for higher earners.

How to claim UIF

1. Get your UI-19 form from your former employer (they are required to give you this)
2. Visit your nearest Department of Employment and Labour office with your South African ID, bank details, and the UI-19
3. You can also claim online at uFiling: ufiling.labour.gov.za
4. Claims must be submitted within 6 months of losing your job

SASSA Disability Grant

The SASSA Disability Grant pays R2,180 per month (2024 figure — adjusted annually) to South African citizens or permanent residents aged 18–59 who have a disability that makes them unable to work.

Who qualifies?

• South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee with a permit
• Aged 18–59 (at 60 you transition to the Older Person's Grant)
• Have a disability that is moderate to severe and has lasted, or is expected to last, more than 6 months
• The disability must prevent you from obtaining employment to support yourself
• You must pass a means test (your income and assets must fall below SASSA's thresholds)
• You must not be maintained in a State institution

How to apply

1. Get a medical assessment. Visit a SASSA-approved doctor or a government hospital/clinic. They complete the medical report (form DG2) confirming your disability. There is no fee for assessments done at government facilities.
2. Gather your documents: South African ID, proof of residence, bank account details (or request a SASSA payment card), medical report (DG2), and any existing specialist reports (psychologist, psychiatrist, etc.)
3. Apply at your nearest SASSA office. Bring originals and copies of all documents. SASSA will interview you and capture your application.
4. If approved, you will receive a temporary grant while your case is reviewed, and a permanent grant if the disability is confirmed as ongoing.

Working part-time while on the Disability Grant

You may do light or part-time work while receiving the Disability Grant, but you must inform SASSA. If your income exceeds the means test threshold, your grant will be reduced or suspended. Supported employment (structured work programmes for people with disabilities) may be permitted — ask SASSA to assess your specific situation.