Disability Benefits

• Helpline: 010 497 9489
• Email: headoffice@retinasa.org.za

If you, your spouse, or your child has a confirmed disability, you may qualify for a significant additional medical expenses tax credit from South African Revenue Service (SARS).

• You can claim 33.3% of qualifying disability-related expenses as a direct tax rebate
• Persons with disabilities have no initial limit
• The credit applies only to expenses paid by you and not reimbursed by medical aid

To qualify, a registered medical practitioner must confirm the disability by completing the ITR-DD (Confirmation of Diagnosis of Disability) form.

• The form is not submitted with your tax return
• Keep it safely on file in case SARS requests it during verification or audit

Download the SARS ITR-DD (Confirmation of Diagnosis of Disability) form (PDF – 557KB)

SARS maintains a prescribed list of qualifying disability expenses, which remains valid in 2026. Many of these are especially relevant for people living with visual impairment or low vision.

Examples include:

• White canes and sonic mobility devices
• Optical and electronic magnifiers, CCTV and video magnifier readers
• Telescopic spectacles
• Screen-magnification software and large-format monitors
• Braille printers, scanners, and converted materials (Braille or large-print books)
• Talking GPS devices and navigation apps (excluding the phone itself)
• Optical character recognition devices (e.g. Optacons)
• Reading services and deaf-blind intervention services

View the full SARS list of qualifying disability expenses and allowable claims [External Link]

Parents and caregivers of children with confirmed disabilities may qualify for the same 33.3% disability-related medical expenses tax credit from SARS on qualifying costs incurred on behalf of their child.

This may include:

• Special school fees above standard public school rates
• Therapy and rehabilitation services
• Assistive and adaptive devices required for daily living or education

Many public transport services across South Africa offer discounted or concession travel for persons with disabilities. These concessions usually require registration and proof of disability, such as a SASSA card or medical confirmation. Availability and eligibility can vary by city and transport provider.

How to Apply for a Disability Transport Concession (H3)

Contact your local municipality or transport operator to apply for a disability concession card. Application processes differ by city but are generally straightforward.

Gauteng – Gautrain

• Rapid rail (train) service linking Johannesburg and Pretoria
• Stations and trains are designed to be accessible
• Concession fares may be available to registered passengers with disabilities

Johannesburg

• Rea Vaya: Accessible bus rapid transit service with concession travel available for registered persons with disabilities
• Metrobus: Municipal bus services offering discounted fares and disability-friendly routes on selected services

City of Cape Town

• MyCiTi buses: Fully accessible buses suitable for wheelchair users and persons with disabilities
• Dial-a-Ride: Assisted, door-to-door transport for people who are unable to use mainstream public transport (registration required)

Tshwane (Pretoria)

• A Re Yeng and Tshwane Bus Services: Accessible bus services with concession or reduced fares available for registered passengers with disabilities

Some basic low-vision aids and support services may be available free of charge or at reduced cost through public healthcare and non-profit organisations. Availability can vary depending on your province and local services.

• Provincial Departments of Health
• Public hospitals and public eye clinics

The South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind provides mobility and orientation training for people living with visual impairment in Gauteng. These services are offered at no cost and are designed to support safe, independent, and confident travel in everyday environments. Similar mobility and orientation training is also available through other organisations in different regions across South Africa, ensuring wider access to support.

In addition, people with visual impairments may apply for a trained guide dog through the Guide Dogs Association, with applications accepted and services offered nationwide.

Visit the South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind website [External Link]

Because access differs by area, it is usually best to start with your nearest public optometry clinic or seek guidance from Retina South Africa.

If you need advice or support, you can get in touch with Retina South Africa directly:

• Helpline: 010 497 9489
• Email:  contact@retinasa.org.za