SASSA Care Dependency Grant-Application Process & Other Details

BySiyabonga
Sassa Care Dependency Grant

Caring for a child with a permanent disability is a profound responsibility—and every bit of help makes a difference. The SASSA Care Dependency Grant offers financial support to parents, guardians, or foster parents who look after a child under 18 who needs full-time care.

It helps the primary caregiver, foster parents & the child’s parents to get assistance while taking full-time care of the child (Disabled) at home. 

How Much Does the Grant Provide?

As of 2025, families receive a monthly grant of R2 315 per child who qualifies. This value is reviewed regularly, taking into account inflation and changes in the national budget.

Who Can Apply for Care Dependency Grant?

To receive this grant, both you and the child in your care must meet certain criteria:

  • You must be a parent, legal guardian, or foster parent appointed by a court.
  • You must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or a refugee but not asylum seeker.
  • The child must be under 18 years old and not housed in a state institution.
  • A medical assessment must confirm the child’s permanent or long-term severe disability.

Income Requirements (Means Test)

Your household income must fall below specific thresholds to qualify for the grant:

  • Single caregivers must earn less than R261 600 per year (about R21 800 per month).
  • Married couples must earn less than R523 200 per year (roughly R43 600 per month).
  • Foster parents are exempt from this income test.

What Documents Are Required for Care dependency Grant?

When applying, you’ll need clear copies or original versions of:

  • Your barcoded ID document.
  • The child’s birth certificate.
  • A medical or functional assessment report confirming the child’s disability.
  • Proof of your role as caregiver, especially if you’re not the biological parent (a sworn affidavit or social worker letter may suffice).
  • Marriage certificate or proof of single, as applicable.
  • Proof of income (if applicable) or UIF/unemployment evidence.
  • Bank statements for the last three months.
  • Identity proof if you’re a refugee foster parent.

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How To Apply For the Sassa Care Dependency Grant in 2025?

You can apply for the grant by visiting your nearest Sassa office, or you may apply online by following the instructions on the Sassa services website.

Method:1 Applying in Person

Go to your nearest SASSA office on a normal business day. An officer will help you fill in the application, collect your fingerprints, and schedule the necessary assessments. Be sure to request and safely keep your stamped receipt—this is your proof of application.

Method:2 Applying Online

To apply online for your child’s care dependency grant follow below given steps carefully.

  • Register or log in at the official SASSA services portal using your ID and mobile number.
  • Select “Care Dependency Grant” under the available grants.
  • Upload all required documents.
  • Submit your application and expect confirmation via SMS or email.

What If I Can’t Visit the Sassa Office By Myself?

No worries, you can appoint any of your relatives or any friend on your behalf, please make sure to allow him in written form & prove the reason (maybe illness by a doctor) for not being available for application. 

Important: SASSA will review your application within approximately one month. If approved, payments will begin and cover backdated months from when you applied. If your application is declined, you will receive a written explanation, and have 90 days to appeal.

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What Causes Care Dependency Grant Suspension?

  • Unethical or fraudulent conduct by the beneficiary.
  • If found any major mistake in your application.
  • When the beneficiary does not cooperate with SASSA while reviewing the grant.
  • When your financial circumstances get stable (not applicable for foster parents).
  • When the child is restored to health or crossed the age of 18 years. 
  • If the care dependency grant was approved mistakenly. 

How To Recover From a Suspended Grant?

If you feel the suspension reasons are not fair or maybe any error occurred, you have the right to appeal. You can appeal to the higher authorities.

A Note on Applying for the Grant: Many families don’t apply simply because they are not aware of the grant or the eligibility rules. This financial support is available to you if your child needs full-time care at home. Make sure to apply with all documents in hand, and follow up on the status if you haven’t heard back in a few weeks.

FAQS

The children below the age of 18 years who are under the supervision and care of his/her foster parents, parents & primary caregivers. 

As of now & according to the latest update about the Increase in the Sassa grant amount, every child under the care dependency grant will receive 2180 Rand & hopefully, from the 1st Oct 2024, the grant amount will be 2190 Rand per month.

You can check your Sassa grant status in multiple ways provided below.

  • Via our dedicated Sassa Status check Online Form,
  • Via Moya App (Data free method)
  • Via Sassa Whatsapp number 082-046-8553
  • Through Sending an SMS to SASSA 082-046-8553
  • By Calling Sassa on the relevant branch office number 
  • By calling Sassa Toll-Free No. 0800-601011

From the birth of a child till the age of 18 years. 

Visit your nearest Department of Social Development office. Fill out Form 7 and submit a certified copy of your identity document or residence permit.