NSFAS Disability Support Requirements

By Klenam JU •  Updated: 03/05/23 •  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

How To Create myNSFAS Account 2023

How To Create myNSFAS Account 2023

How To Create NSFAS Voucher Online

How To Create NSFAS Voucher Online

In this article, you will learn a lot about the NSFAS voucher online and the whole process of creating the voucher. 

How to Check NSFAS Statement?

How to Check NSFAS Statement?

Here’s how you can track this balance, check your NSFAS statements, and maintain your account as you study. 

What Happens If You Cancel NSFAS Application?

What Happens If You Cancel NSFAS Application?

The consequences of canceling your NSFAS application will be discussed in this article, along with some related and frequently asked questions.

How to Register For Tenet NSFAS

How to Register For Tenet NSFAS

How Do You Check If NSFAS Has Approved You

How Do You Check If NSFAS Has Approved You

NSFAS offers different options you can use to track progress on your application. Read on to learn How Do You Check If NSFAS Has Approved You

Will NSFAS Fund Me If I Have A Job?

Will NSFAS Fund Me If I Have A Job?

Many people often ask if NSFAS funds individuals with a job. The answer is yes, but the income earned determines whether you qualify for funding or not. 

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:

Do Government Employees Qualify for NSFAS?

Do Government Employees Qualify for NSFAS?

In this article, we examine the NSFAS bursary eligibility standards, including who is eligible to apply and who is not

What is NSFAS Cash Voucher?

What is NSFAS Cash Voucher?

What’s The Difference Between ISFAP and NSFAS?

What’s The Difference Between ISFAP and NSFAS?

This post will review the main distinctions between ISFAP and NSFAS to assist you in choosing the one that is best for you.

How Do You Pay Back a Bursary?

How Do You Pay Back a Bursary?

Bursaries are different from other forms of sponsorship, although they help students pay for their education. Read on to learn how you pay back a bursary. 

How To Upload Your ID When Applying For NSFAS

How To Upload Your ID When Applying For NSFAS

You need to create your myNSFAS account first to be able to upload your ID. Follow the steps below to create your account. 

How to Upload NSFAS Missing Documents

How to Upload NSFAS Missing Documents

f you need to add missing documents to your NSFAS application this year, don’t worry- it can be done. Here’s what to do.

NSFAS Academic Requirements For Returning Students

NSFAS Academic Requirements For Returning Students