SASSA Care Dependency Grant 2024 – [Complete Guide]

Care dependency grants also known as child disability grants are provided by SASSA to parents, foster parents, or primary caregivers of children with severe physical or mental disabilities who require special or full-time care. A child with a disability can access the grant from birth to age 18. It is mandatory that a SASSA-appointed doctor assesses the child’s disability, and that he or she receives full-time care at home, not in any state institution.

It is a grant for children with severe mental/physical disabilities in South Africa. Each child will receive a monthly grant of R2,090.

SASSA Care Dependency Grant 2024

We are offering this grant to parents, foster parents, or caregivers of children with mental or physical disabilities. To ensure that these children receive the care and attention they deserve, this grant aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with caring for them. We will examine the Care Dependency Grant in this article, its eligibility criteria, its application process, and the positive impact it has on those it serves.

SASSA Care Dependency Grant: Eligibility Criteria

Care dependency grants are available to applicants who meet the following conditions:

  • The grant is available to South African citizens, recognized refugees, and permanent residents.
  • To be eligible, you must be a parent, a primary caregiver, or a foster parent of a child under 18.
  • It should not be necessary for the child to be placed in a state institution for long-term care.
  • An annual income should not exceed R249 600. If you are married, you cannot earn more than R499 200 together. Foster parents are not subject to this condition.
  • Both you and your child need to reside in South Africa.
  • Providing evidence that the child has a severe disability and is being cared for at home full-time is required.
  • The means test must be satisfied by both of you (if you are married).

Documents Requirement to Apply for Care Dependency Grant

To apply for a care dependency grant, you must bring the following documents originals or certified copies:

  • Birth certificate of the child If you do not have this document, you must submit an affidavit.
  • Identification documents for parents or caregivers. If you do not have this document, you must submit an affidavit.
  • The court order regarding the caregiver status must be submitted by foster parents.
  • Provide a medical or assessment report from a doctor confirming that your child has severe disabilities and needs personal care.
  • You must provide proof of your income. It can be as:
  • Payslip
  • UIF card
  • Pension slip
  • You must provide proof of your marital status if you are married, divorced, or widowed.
  • To verify your information and details, submit an affidavit or a sworn statement.

How to Apply for the SASSA Care Dependency Grant?

If you prefer to apply in person or do not have access to the internet, you can visit your nearest SASSA office. Here’s how:

  • Locate SASSA office: Locate the SASSA office nearest to your residence and our website has a page with contact information and addresses for all SASSA offices.
  • Go to the SASSA office: During their operating hours and make sure to bring all the necessary documents, including your ID that we have discussed in detail above.
  • Application form: The Care Dependency Grant application form can be obtained from the office staff.
  • Form Completion: Complete the application form completely and accurately. If you need guidance or have questions, contact SASSA staff.
  • Application Submission: Complete and submit the SASSA application form with the necessary supporting documents. You will be guided through the submission process by them.
  • Application confirmation: A receipt or confirmation should be sent to you once your application has been submitted. You should keep this document as proof of your application.
  • Grant Reward: Your grant application will be notified of the decision.

If you do not get any confirmation or message after processing time then you should reapply with this process.

What is the Processing Time for the SASSA Care Dependency Grant?

There is a 3 months processing time for care dependency grant applications. The payments will begin to arrive once your application has been processed and your grant has been approved. SASSA will send you a letter clarifying the reasons behind the declined decision and guiding you on how to appeal the decision.

SASSA Care Dependency Grant Payment Process

If your Dependency grant application is approved, you will begin receiving payments from the date you applied. As SASSA does not have any fixed dates, they release the payment schedule every month. So, check out the latest SASSA Payment dates. 

Payments will be made to you by SASSA in one of three ways (you must choose one):

  • Your bank account or Postbank account will be credited directly. You may be charged a service fee by the banks.
  • There are SASSA-partnered retail outlets such as Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Boxer, Checkers, Usave, and Spar where you can withdraw your grant payment in cash.
  • A specific institution (e.g. an old-age home, a disability center, or a non-profit organization).

Grant payments through a bank account

The following documents must be submitted if you wish to receive your grant payments through a bank account: SASSA Grant Consent Form.

  • ID cards, driving licenses, or birth certificates can serve as proof of identity.
  • Your bank account number should be in your name.
  • Bank statement showing your name and account number for three months.

At any time, you can update your bank account details or payment method by filling out a form at the welfare office. Once the verification is complete, the payments will be received through the new payment method from the following month. You can nominate someone to collect payments on your behalf if you are too old to collect grants yourself.

Means Test For The SASSA Care Dependency Grant

To ensure that only deserving individuals receive care dependency grants, SASSA Means tests are used to evaluate the income of grant applicants. If you are single, your income should not exceed R249 6000 per year to qualify for the means test as of 1 April 2023. Married couples must have a combined annual income of no more than R499 200.

See also: Check your latest SASSA Status

SASSA Contact

In case of additional questions, please feel free to contact SASSA

  • Contact the SASSA Toll-Free Call Centre at: 0800 60 10 11
  • For more information, please contact SASSA’s Head Office: 012 400 2322
  • Please send your queries to SASSA Email Address: [email protected]