NSFAS Disability Support Requirements

By Klnam Kurt •  Updated: 03/05/24 •  4 min read

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) offers financial support to South African students from mainly disadvantaged backgrounds with bursaries to cover study-related expenses. 

This category includes students from poor economic backgrounds and students living with disabilities. The latter receive support through the NSFAS Disability Support Fund

- ADVERTISEMENT -
. However, access to this support is typically contingent on the satisfaction of the criteria stipulated by the scheme.

NSFAS Disability Support Requirements

As a student living with disabilities, you are eligible to receive funding from the NSFAS through the NSFAS Disability Support Fund. 

This support provides funding that covers tuition, registration fees, and allowances for living, transport, personal needs, and study materials. Beyond these, funding accessible through the support fund also caters for three additional needs such as the following:

Medical assessments: This support provides a single assessment throughout the duration of studies.

Assistive devices:  Under this subhead, you receive support that guarantees access to a single assistive device throughout the duration of your studies.

Human support: Support provided under this subhead funds your ability to hire human support like a caregiver, sign language interpreter, tutor etc.

Students with disabilities generally qualify based on financial needs and academic merit. However, the support fund has the following requirements:

Can you be approved for NSFAS disability support without requirements?

Eligibility for the NSFAS disability support fund is determined by the full satisfaction of eligibility requirements stipulated by the scheme. 

That stated, in other words, your application for the support fund will be rejected without the requirements. Thus, you must ensure that you have everything required before applying. However, it is useful to note that the scheme may waive the family income clause under certain circumstances. 

According to the NSFAS, a student whose family income exceeds the benchmark will be considered only upon recommendation from the Disability Unit and/or the Financial Aid Office.

What additional forms are needed to apply for NSFAS Disability Support Fund?

The NSFAS only considers applications that have Disability Annexure forms attached. 

The Disability Annexure A form is a disability assessment questionnaire where you describe your disability and provide comprehensive information on it along with your biodata.

How much is the NSFAS disability allowance?

Once your application has been approved, the National Financial Aid Scheme provides funds that cover a number of things. NSFAS’ disability allowance is typically structured to cover the following:

Furthermore, private residences attract different rates. Importantly, this allowance offers extended coverage for caregivers. However, this support only applies to students who live in housing units provided and administered by their institutions.

Human support allowance is capped at 50,000 South Africa Rand annually. For medical assistance, one can get up to a one-time payment of 2000 South Africa Rand.

Certain allowances may be periodically reviewed upwardly to compensate for inflationary pressures. Such developments are usually indicated in yearly circulars from the NSFAS.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

Will NSFAS Fund Me If I Fail My Modules?

Will NSFAS Fund Me If I Fail My Modules?

We will look at passing if NSFAS will fund me if I fail all my modeules, what happens if you fail all your modules and many other related topics.

How To Create eZaga NSFAS Account

How To Create eZaga NSFAS Account

How To Create eZaga NSFAS Account. This article will show you how to set up your eZaga NSFAS account and use its features.

How to Verify NSFAS Application Status with Reference Number

How to Verify NSFAS Application Status with Reference Number

In this guide, we will explore the process of checking NSFAS status using a reference number and provide step-by-step instructions

How Do I Check My NSFAS Using My ID number?

How Do I Check My NSFAS Using My ID number?

Students that wish to check the information or view updates on their NSFAS account using their ID number can do so by following this instructions

How To Check My NSFAS Balance

How To Check My NSFAS Balance

In this guide, my focus is to render information on how to check my NSFAS balance online. I will also cover how to check it via cell phone & without airtime

How Can I Check My NSFAS Balance Without Airtime?

How Can I Check My NSFAS Balance Without Airtime?

How to check My NSFAS balance without airtime. If you want to check your NSFAS balance without using your airtime and do not know just how to go about it

What Does NSFAS ‘Provisionally Funded’ Mean?

What Does NSFAS ‘Provisionally Funded’ Mean?

Provisionally funded NSFAS is financial status. Today, we will explore what exactly provisionally funded NSFAS means. 

A Comprehensive Guide On How To Apply For NSFAS

A Comprehensive Guide On How To Apply For NSFAS

NSFAS gives you the financial backing to pursue your tertiary education. This guide details how you can get NSFAS funding in 2024. How To Apply For NSFAS

How To Appeal For NSFAS Online 2025

How To Appeal For NSFAS Online 2025

If you receive a letter from NSFAS informing that your funding application has been unsuccessful, it's possible to appeal. Here's How To Appeal For NSFAS Online

All You Need To Know About NSFAS Application

All You Need To Know About NSFAS Application

As part of our update, we will divide it into the NSFAS application highlighting some of the key things to know about NSFAS application

Does NSFAS Fund Private Colleges?

Does NSFAS Fund Private Colleges?

Does NSFAS Fund Private Colleges?. In this article, we will look into the mission and motive of NSFAS regarding private colleges.

Can NSFAS Fund A Second Degree?

Can NSFAS Fund A Second Degree?

NSFAS can funds a second degree only based on some specific selected courses and if the second degree is a professional requirement for employment.

Does The NSFAS Fund Advanced Diplomas?

Does The NSFAS Fund Advanced Diplomas?

Does The NSFAS Fund Advanced Diplomas?. Although rarely, the fund will only consider funding advanced diplomas in specific conditions.

How to Change My NSFAS Email Address

How to Change My NSFAS Email Address

How to Change My NSFAS Email Address. To change your email on the NSFAS platform, follow these step-by-step instructions:

How Many Months Does NSFAS Give Allowance?

How Many Months Does NSFAS Give Allowance?

Students get allowances from NSFAS for ten months. NSFAS pays student allowances during the first week of each month