SASSA Care Dependency Grant – Criteria And Apply

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SASSA Care Dependency Grant

SASSA Care Dependency Grant. Care dependency grants (also known as disability child grants) are financial assistance programs offered by SASSA to parents, foster parents, or primary caregivers of children who have severe physical or mental disabilities and require special or full time care.

A child with a disability may apply for this grant from the time they are born until they reach the age of 18. SASSA must appoint a doctor to determine the severity of the child’s disability, and the child must receive full-time care in their own homes, not in a state institution.

What Is SASSA Care Dependency Grant?

The SASSA Care Dependency Grant is a monthly financial benefit offered to parents, guardians, or caregivers of children with severe disabilities who require full time care. This grant aims to ease the financial burden of medical expenses and specialized care for these children.

Eligibility Criteria For Care Dependency Grant

The applicant must satisfy the following conditions in order to qualify for the care dependency grant:

  • Applicants must either be South African citizens, recognized refugees, or have permanent residency status in order to be eligible for the grant.
  • To qualify, you must be a parent, a legal primary caregiver, or a foster parent of a child younger than 18 years of age.
  • The child should not be residing in a state institution for the long term.
  • The requirement for residency in South Africa applies to both you and your child.
  • It is necessary to provide evidence that the child has a severe disability and is being cared for at home full-time.
  • The means test requirements should be met by both you and your spouse (if you are married).
  • Your annual income should not exceed R249 600 (R20 800 per month). If you are married, your combined annual income cannot exceed R499 200 (R41 600 per month). The foster parents are not subject to this condition.

Who qualifies?

There are very specific guidelines for who can qualify for the care dependency grant. In general, the requirements are as follows:

  • The applicant must be a parent, primary caregiver, or foster parent appointed by the court;
  • Applicants must be South African citizens, permanent residents or refugees residing in South Africa at the time of application;
  • You must meet the means test requirements. You cannot earn more than R223 200 a year or R18 600 a month if you are single. Your combined income should not exceed R446 400 per year or R37 200 per month if you are married.
  • Foster parents are not subject to the income limit.

If this is the case, the child must:

  • Must be younger than 18 years of age;
  • Not be placed permanently in a state institution; and
  • Require full-time care and special attention due to a severe disability;
  • The state medical officer must assess the child before the grant is approved.

What is Means Test for the SASSA Care Dependency Grant?

A SASSA means test is used to determine eligibility for the care dependency grant, ensuring that only deserving individuals receive the aid. You should not earn more than R249 6000 per year if you are single to qualify for the means test. In order to qualify, a married couple must have a combined annual income not exceeding R499 200.

For foster parents, the means test condition does not apply, since they do not have to qualify for it. In the event of a severely disabled child, foster child grant applicants can also apply for care dependency grants.

Applicants for each grant type must satisfy different criteria for determining their financial eligibility.

How much is the SASSA Care Dependency Grant Amount?

The latest increase in the care dependency grant on 1 October 2024 will result in each eligible child receiving a monthly allowance of R2,190 under the scheme as a result of the latest increase.

How much does that Care Dependency Grant Cost?

The application for a SASSA care dependency grant is free of charge, and there is no service fee associated with the application.

Care Dependency Grant Application Procedure

A doctor assigned by SASSA must assess the child prior to applying for the care dependency grant. Once the medical assessment has been completed, you may apply for a SASSA care dependency grant at your nearest SASSA branch by filling out the application form. For online applications, refer to the SASSA website’s instructions on how to apply.

A trusted family member or friend may be able to submit your application on your behalf if you are too old, sick or have any disabilities. In order to apply on your behalf, the person should have a letter from you along with a note from your doctor explaining why you can’t visit the SASSA office yourself.

Application forms are available at SASSA offices, and they need to be completed in front of SASSA officers. It is possible for you to fill out the application yourself, however if you are unable to do so, the officer will assist you in completing the form. You will also be interviewed (or your representative will conduct the interview) by the officer, and if you have been approved for the grant, you will be notified.

The SASSA officer who assisted you in the application process will provide you with a dated stamp receipt following the completion of the application process and interview. It is important to retain this receipt as proof of your application, even if you are not qualified.

Required Documents While Applying for Care Dependency Grant

The following documents (originals or certified copies) must be brought to the SASSA office when applying for a care dependency grant:

  • Identity Documents:
  • A copy of your original 13-digit barcoded ID (Identity Document).
  • You may be required to present a status permit and refugee identification card if you are a recognized refugee.
  • A birth certificate containing the child’s ID number.
  • A birth certificate or ID is required if you do not have one:
  • Filling out the SASSA standard affidavit form must be done before an independent Oaths Commissioner, without any association with SASSA. If you want the SASSA affidavit, you can get it from a SASSA official, or you can download it from here.
  • If you have requested an ID or birth certificate from the Department of Home Affairs, you should have documentation confirming that you have applied.
  • A temporary identity document card issued by the Department of Home Affairs. As applicable.
  • If you have a baptismal certificate, please provide it.
  • An official school certificate, if available
  • Provide RTHC (Road to Health Clinic) cards if you are able.
  • You must provide proof of your marital status:
  • Marriage Certificate: If you have been married.
  • Divorce Decree: When a marriage is dissolved.
  • Death Certificate: In case of the death of your spouse.
  • When you are married, provide any documents that reveal the earnings of both you and your spouse. In the case of foster parents, this condition does not apply.
  • Payslips, if you are employed, or bank statements for the past 3 months if you are unemployed.
  • If you receive UIF benefits, you will need a UIF card.
  • Please provide a copy of your leaving certificate from your previous employer or proof of membership in the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) for those who have been employed.
  • If you receive a pension, please provide your pension receipt.
  • Provide proof of any financial support you received for the child or of any attempts you made to get the biological parents to provide support for the child.
  • Proof of the child’s income.
  • The primary caregiver of a child who is not his or her biological parent must provide proof (any one of the following) of their primary caretaker status:
  • An affidavit from a police station.
  • A report from the social worker is provided.
  • A letter of consent from the biological parent of the child indicating that the child should be cared for by you.
  • A letter from the principal of the child’s school.
  • It is the court order that officially appoints you as the child’s legal foster parent (only applicable to foster parents).
  • There is a medical assessment report that confirms the child’s disability and that he receives permanent care or support at home.

Apply for Care Dependency Grant

If you are applying for a SASSA care dependency grant, simply follow the instructions provided. I encourage you to learn more about how SASSA online applications work.

  • The first step to becoming a SASSA member is to create an account on the SASSA website (www.sassa.gov.za).
  • Create an account by providing your ID number and email address, and then click the ‘Apply for a grant’ button.
  • Print or fill out the care dependency grant form using any form-filling software.
  • Make sure you complete both the bank consent form and the affidavit form. Bank consent forms can be the same for all grants, but affidavits cannot be the same.
  • You may also attach other documents about the applicant, like a medical assessment confirming that the applicant requires care resources, or that the applicant is a child or adult.
  • Once all forms are filled out, they can be uploaded into your SASSA account, then you just need to press the “submit” button.

Processing Time for the Application of the SASSA Care Dependency Grant

An application for a care dependency grant may take up to 3 months to be processed. Upon the completion of the application process and subsequent approval of your grant, you will receive all payments from the date your application was submitted. When you are not accepted for admission, SASSA will send you a letter explaining the reasons for the rejection and how to appeal the decision.

SASSA Care Dependency Grant Status Check

  • Visit https://srdstatuscheck.co.za/ if you would like to inquire about your current SASSA status.
  • Guardians, foster parents, and custodians need their South African ID numbers on hand and should enter them in this field.
  • Please enter the cell phone number associated with the Care Dependency Grant of the applicant. The phone number provided at the very beginning of the application process is the same.
  • Please click on the ‘Submit’ button below the fields to submit your request.
  • We will handle and electronically process your Care Dependency Grant application.
  • When you complete the above steps, the status of the child’s care dependency grant application will be displayed immediately.

On our website, you will also find useful resources and information about the application process for the Care Dependency Grant.

There is also a great option for you to sort your problem by contacting the agency in person if, for some reason, you are having trouble using online resources.

What to do next if SASSA Care Dependency Grant Application is not Accepted?

In case your grant application is rejected and you believe SASSA made an error in their decision, you can resubmit your application to SASSA. Should the reconsideration request also be denied, but you disagree with SASSA’s decision, you may appeal SASSA’s decision to the Ministry of Social Development at the National Department of Social Development. The appeal process must be initiated within 90 days of receiving the notification.

A decision will be made by the Ministry of Social Development after reviewing your appeal. Upon agreeing with your position, SASSA’s decision will be overturned, and you will begin receiving your grant payments. You will receive a written explanation of your decision if your appeal is denied.

SASSA Care Dependency Grant Payment Process

When your care dependency grant is approved, you will begin receiving payments from the date you applied. SASSA releases its payment schedule every month since they do not have a fixed date. Here are the upcoming payment dates.

Your grant payments will be paid by SASSA in one of three ways (you must select one):

  • You can receive a direct deposit into your bank account or Postbank account. You may be charged a service fee by the banks.
  • Your SASSA grant payment can be withdrawn in cash at SASSA-partnered retail outlets like Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Boxer, Checkers, Usave, and Spar.
  • In some specific institutions (such as old age homes, disability centers, nonprofit organizations).

A SASSA grant payment may be made through a bank account if you fill out the Consent Form for Bank Payment of SASSA Grant as well as submit the following documents:

  • An ID document, birth certificate, or driving license can serve as proof of identity.
  • You should have a bank account in your own name.
  • The bank statement must include your name and account number for the last 3 months.

You can change your bank details or payment method at any time by visiting the welfare office and completing the form. However, the new payment method will be used after the verification is completed the following month.

The grant can be collected on your behalf by nominating someone if you are unable to do so yourself, such as due to old age, disability, etc.

SASSA Care Dependency Grant Balance Check

You can check your grant balance using SASSA’s balance check service. By checking your balance, you can stay on top of your finances and make informed decisions about your grant money. If your care dependency grant application is approved and you begin receiving grant payments, you may need to check your balance regularly by using the following methods:

  • By dialing 1203210# or 12069277# on your mobile device
  • You may use any ATM (normal bank fees may apply)
  • Please contact SASSA via WhatsApp at 082 046 8553
  • You may contact SASSA’s toll-free number 0800 601 011

SASSA Care Dependency Grant Reviews

The SASSA reserves the right to conduct a review of your grant based on the income you declared during the application process. The reviews are conducted to ensure that you still meet the means test criteria for the grant and that your circumstances have not improved. In addition, it is to verify that you are still alive. Whenever your circumstances change, always keep your application updated to make the review process easier.

The SASSA will notify you in writing before the three-month review deadline or the deadline for submitting your life certificate. Details about the date and location of the review will also be included in the written notification.

If you receive your grant through a bank, institution, or agent, you must submit the life certificate annually to SASSA. SASSA officials will conduct the review at your home if you are bedridden. Upon completion of the review, you will receive a compliance receipt with your application reference number.

In the event that refugee applicants’ asylum status reaches its expiration, a review process will be initiated.

Grant Suspension Reasons

There are several reasons why the grant may be suspended:

  • In the event that your financial circumstances change (except for foster parents).
  • It is possible for your child’s health or financial situation to change.
  • If you provided false information or committed fraud, you are responsible.
  • Your grant was not reviewed because you didn’t cooperate.
  • Result of the review.
  • In the event that your child’s grant was approved by mistake.

Restoration of the Grant

You can appeal SASSA’s decision if you believe the suspension was made in error or if you disagree with SASSA’s decision within 90 days of the suspension occurring at the National Department of Social Development.

Reasons for Lapsing of the Care Dependency Grant

Care dependency grants will expire if you meet either of the following conditions:

  • A grant will terminate on the last day of the month in which the child passed away in the unfortunate event of the child’s passing.
  • After the child is admitted to a state institution, the grant will expire at the end of the seventh month.
  • The beneficiary or primary caregiver of the child failed to collect the grant payments for three consecutive months.
  • The child is absent from the country.
  • The child may be eligible for the disability grant after 18 on the last day of the month when he or she reaches the age of 18.

Responsibilities of the Beneficiaries

SASSA grant holders are also responsible for fulfilling the following duties:

  • Make SASSA aware of any changes in your personal and financial circumstances in order to ensure accuracy. Your child’s status should also be updated to them.
  • It is critical that you communicate with SASSA regarding any changes to your address or personal information as soon as possible.
  • In order to prevent any fraudulent activity, SASSA requires that you provide the correct information.

SASSA sends notices and updates to the address you provided in your application, so you must keep SASSA updated in the above scenarios to avoid interruptions or suspensions in your grants. Changing your address or contact information without letting SASSA know may result in the suspension of your grants since SASSA won’t be able to contact you.

Contact SASSA

SASSA can be reached through the following channels if you have any additional questions:

FAQs About SASSA Care Dependency Grant

Who qualifies for the SASSA Care Dependent grant?

Ans: The government offers Care Dependency Grants to parents, guardians, foster parents, and custodians of children under 18 who require full-time care due to a mental or physical handicap. There must be a need for and availability of permanent home care for the child.

How much is the Care Dependent grant 2025?

Ans: In 2025, the Care Dependency Grant will increase by R100: from 1 April 2025, the grant increased by R90, so the new grant amount is R2,180 per month. Grants will increase by a further R10 on 1 October 2025, making the new grant amount R2,190 per month.

How long does care dependency grant last?

Ans: Care dependency grants are available for disabled children from the time they are born until they turn 18 years old.

Conclusion

The SASSA Care Dependency Grant provides essential financial support for caregivers of children with severe disabilities. By meeting the eligibility criteria, submitting the required documents, and following the application process, caregivers can secure assistance for their child’s needs. If denied, applicants have the right to appeal. For updates, applicants can check their grant status online or visit a SASSA office.

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