Care Dependency Grant South Africa – Who Qualifies, Amount, and How to Apply

Care Dependency Grant South Africa – Who Qualifies, Amount, and How to Apply

The Care Dependency Grant helps parents, primary caregivers, or foster parents take care of children with severe disabilities who need full-time special care.
This guide explains who qualifies, how much you will get, how to apply, and what documents are required.

About the Care Dependency Grant

• Covers children with severe disabilities from birth until they turn 18.
• Paid monthly by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).
• Designed to support families who cannot meet the high cost of full-time care.

Who Qualifies for the Care Dependency Grant?

You may qualify if you are:

• A parent, primary caregiver, or foster parent (court appointed).
• A South African citizen or permanent resident.
• Earning less than R223 200 a year (single) or R446 400 a year (married).
  • Note: Foster parents are exempt from this income limit.

The child must:

• Be under 18 years old.
• Have a severe disability requiring full-time, special care.
• Not be cared for permanently in a state institution.
• Live with you in South Africa.

👉 A state medical officer must assess the child before approval.

Care Dependency Grant Amount – How Much Will You Get?

The monthly amount is R2 310 per child (2025 rate).

How Will You Be Paid?

SASSA offers three payment options:

• Cash at a specific pay point.
• Electronic deposit into your bank/Postbank account (bank charges may apply).
• Through an institution acting as grant administrator (e.g., welfare organisations).

⚠️ If you cannot collect the grant yourself, you can appoint a procurator at the SASSA office or give someone power of attorney to collect on your behalf.

When May the Care Dependency Grant Be Reviewed?

• SASSA may review your grant based on your declared income.
• You’ll be notified 3 months in advance of any review.
• If your grant is paid via bank/institution/procurator, you must submit a life certificate each year.

When May the Grant Be Suspended?

Your grant may be suspended if:

• The child’s circumstances change.
• A review outcome requires it.
• You fail to co-operate during a review.
• Fraud or misrepresentation is discovered.
• There was an error during approval.

When Will the Grant Lapse?

The grant will stop if the:

• Child passes away.
• Child is admitted to a state institution.
• Caregiver fails to claim for 3 consecutive months.
• Child leaves South Africa.
• Child turns 18.

How to Apply for the Care Dependency Grant

Visit your nearest SASSA office and bring the following:

• Your 13-digit ID and the child’s birth certificate.
  • If missing, complete an affidavit in SASSA format and provide:
    • Sworn statement from a reputable person (councillor, traditional leader, social worker, minister of religion, or school principal).
    • Proof you applied for an ID/birth certificate at Home Affairs.
    • Temporary ID (if applicable).
    • Baptismal certificate, road-to-health card, or school report (if available).
• A medical/assessment report confirming the child’s disability.
• Proof of marital status.
• Proof of income (salary slips, bank statements for the last 3 months, pension slips).
• If not the child’s parent: proof of primary caregiver status (police affidavit, social worker’s report, affidavit from parent, or school letter).
• If unemployed: UIF proof or discharge certificate.
• If a refugee foster parent: refugee status permit and refugee ID.
• If foster parent: court order placing child in your care.

👉 If you cannot travel due to illness or age, a family member/friend may apply on your behalf with a doctor’s note or letter.

What if Your Application Is Not Approved?

• You’ll be notified in writing with reasons.
• If you disagree, you may appeal to the Minister of Social Development within 90 days.

How Long Does It Take?

• Up to 3 months to process.
• If approved, payment starts from the date you applied.

How Much Does It Cost?

The service is free.

Forms to Complete

Application forms are not available online. Collect them from your nearest SASSA office.

Who to Contact

South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)

• 📞 Toll-free: 0800 60 10 11
• 📧 Email: GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much is the Care Dependency Grant in 2025?

The amount is R2 310 per child, per month.

2. Who qualifies for the Care Dependency Grant?

Parents, caregivers, or foster parents of children under 18 with severe disabilities requiring full-time care, who meet the income and residency requirements.

3. How long does it take to apply?

Processing takes up to 3 months, but payments are backdated to your application date.

4. Can foster parents apply?

Yes. Foster parents can apply, and the income limit does not apply to them.

✅ That’s everything you need to know about the Care Dependency Grant in South Africa — including who qualifies, how much you’ll get, and how to apply.