Apply for SASSA Care Dependency Grant
Financial support for a child who needs permanent special care
The SASSA Care Dependency Grant helps a qualifying parent, primary caregiver or foster parent care for a child under 18 who has a severe physical or mental disability and needs permanent care or support. Medical assessment is an important part of the application.
You may qualify for the SASSA Care Dependency Grant if you are a parent, primary caregiver or foster parent caring for a child under 18 with a permanent and severe disability who needs ongoing full-time or special care. The child must undergo the required medical or functional assessment. The current grant is R2,400 per month.
The Care Dependency Grant is different from the ordinary Child Support Grant . It is specifically intended for children whose disability creates a need for permanent or intensive care and support.
Who Qualifies for the Care Dependency Grant?
SASSA considers whether the child’s condition is severe enough to require permanent care, full-time care or significant support services. The medical or functional assessment is therefore central to the application.
What Disability Qualifies for the Grant?
SASSA does not base the Care Dependency Grant only on the name of a medical condition.
The important issue is the effect of the physical or mental disability on the child and the level of care or support the child requires.
A qualifying child must be assessed as having a permanent and severe disability and require ongoing care or support because of that disability.
This means that two children with the same diagnosis can potentially have different grant outcomes if their functional needs and level of care are different.
Take medical records and clinical information that explain the child’s actual condition, daily support needs and functional limitations.
Care Dependency Grant Medical Assessment
A medical or functional assessment must confirm the child’s disability before SASSA can approve the grant.
Provide medical or clinical information from the child’s treating health practitioner or facility.
SASSA can require a referral form or letter containing relevant clinical information.
The child must complete the medical or functional assessment required by SASSA.
Can you book the assessment through SASSA Services?
SASSA Services currently provides a medical assessment booking function for applications that require an assessment.
After completing the relevant questionnaire or application form, the portal can allow you to:
- Select your province.
- Select your district.
- Choose the preferred SASSA assessment site.
- Select an available assessment date.
- Confirm the booking.
The assessment booking can also be viewed, cancelled or rescheduled through the application reference where the online service is available.
Hospital records, specialist reports, treatment information and other relevant clinical records can help explain the child’s disability and care requirements.
What if the application was previously rejected on medical grounds?
Current SASSA information says an applicant previously rejected on medical grounds should provide a referral form completed by the treating facility or health practitioner when required.
How Much Is the Care Dependency Grant?
The current Care Dependency Grant amount is R2,400 per month for a qualifying child.
The amount increased to R2,400 from April 2026. Future increases should be updated on this evergreen page without changing the URL.
Care Dependency Grant Means Test
The Care Dependency Grant is normally subject to a means test.
SASSA uses financial information to determine whether the caregiver falls within the eligibility limits for the grant.
Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, SASSA can check:
- Salary or wages.
- Spouse income where applicable.
- Bank statements.
- Pension income.
- Investments.
- Other income received by the household.
- Other financial information required during the assessment.
SASSA adjusts financial thresholds from time to time. Older government pages can continue showing previous income limits, so do not rely on an old rand figure when deciding whether to apply.
Does the spouse’s income count?
Yes, where the normal means test applies and the caregiver is married, SASSA considers the applicant and spouse’s financial position.
Does the means test apply to foster parents?
No, not in the normal way for a foster parent applying for Care Dependency Grant support for a fostered child.
SASSA specifically states that the income of foster parents is excluded from the Care Dependency Grant means test for the fostered child.
Can a Foster Child Receive Two SASSA Grants?
Yes. A qualifying foster child who is also care dependent can receive both the Foster Child Grant and the Care Dependency Grant at the same time.
The foster parent must still provide the valid court order confirming the foster-care placement and satisfy the Care Dependency medical requirements.
The normal Foster Child Grant and Care Dependency Grant address different needs. One relates to the legal foster-care placement, while the other relates to the child’s severe disability and permanent care needs.
Read Apply for SASSA Foster Child Grant for the foster-care requirements.
Documents Needed for the Care Dependency Grant
SASSA Services currently says supporting documents uploaded through the portal should be certified and that every online grant application requires the SASSA affidavit applicable to that grant.
What if you do not have the normal ID or birth certificate?
SASSA provides an alternative identity process where the normal documents are not yet available.
This can involve:
- A SASSA-format affidavit completed before a Commissioner of Oaths.
- A sworn statement from a reputable person who can confirm identity details.
- Proof that the required ID or birth certificate has been applied for at Home Affairs.
- A temporary identity document where applicable.
- The child’s Road to Health card where available.
- A school report or baptismal certificate where available.
For identity-document help, see South African Smart ID Card .
Does the Child Have to Attend School?
SASSA can request proof of school attendance where the child is of school-going age.
The child’s disability and circumstances can affect whether normal school attendance is possible.
If SASSA requests school information, provide the records you have and explain the child’s education or care arrangement accurately.
How to Apply for the Care Dependency Grant
The child should be under 18 and require permanent care because of a severe disability.
Gather reports, clinical information and referral documents from the treating health practitioner or facility.
Gather the caregiver and child’s identity records, marital information, bank statements and income information where applicable.
Use the current SASSA Services options where available or contact a SASSA office for the Care Dependency Grant process.
Attend the assessment required by SASSA and provide the requested clinical information.
Respond if SASSA asks for additional documents or corrections.
Keep the application reference, receipt and assessment information.
Track the application through SASSA Services where applicable or follow up with SASSA.
Can You Apply for the Care Dependency Grant Online?
The current SASSA Services Portal lists the Care Dependency Grant among its available social grant services.
SASSA Services also provides:
- Grant application functions.
- Supporting-document uploads.
- Application status tracking.
- Medical assessment bookings.
- Assessment booking changes.
- Grant support requests.
Care Dependency applications involve medical assessment and can require identity or document checks that cannot always be completed fully online. Follow the instructions generated for your own application.
How Long Does the Application Take?
Government guidance says the Care Dependency Grant application can take up to three months to process.
The timing can depend on:
- Completion of the medical assessment.
- Medical evidence supplied.
- Identity verification.
- Means-test verification.
- Missing supporting documents.
- Foster-care or caregiver records where applicable.
It helps when checking the status or following up on a delayed application.
How Is the Care Dependency Grant Paid?
The grant can be paid electronically into an approved bank account.
Applicable beneficiaries can receive grant payments through approved Postbank arrangements.
An approved institution or welfare organisation can administer the grant in applicable circumstances.
When is the Care Dependency Grant paid?
The Care Dependency Grant falls within the Children’s Grants category in SASSA’s regular monthly payment calendar.
The exact date changes from month to month.
See SASSA Payment Dates for the confirmed calendar.
How to Check the Care Dependency Grant Status
Where the application is connected to SASSA Services, log in to the portal and check the application listed on your account.
Statuses can include:
- Application Submitted.
- Application Assessed.
- Application Documents Outstanding.
- Application Pending.
- Incomplete Application Saved.
See How to Check Your SASSA Grant Status for what each status means.
What If the Care Dependency Grant Is Rejected?
SASSA should tell you in writing why the application was unsuccessful.
Possible issues can include:
- The medical assessment does not support Care Dependency eligibility.
- The child’s care needs do not meet the required level.
- The child is 18 or older.
- The normal means test is not met.
- Required documents are missing.
- Identity or residence information cannot be verified.
- The child is permanently cared for in a state-funded institution.
The standard social grant appeal process allows an applicant who disagrees with the decision to appeal within 90 days after being notified that the application was unsuccessful.
Rejected because of the medical assessment?
If the decision was based on medical grounds, obtain the relevant medical or referral information from the child’s treating health practitioner and follow the appeal or reassessment instructions provided for the case.
The Care Dependency Grant is a standard social grant. It does not use the monthly SRD Independent Tribunal appeal process.
Can SASSA Review the Grant After Approval?
Yes. SASSA can review a Care Dependency Grant to confirm that the child and caregiver still meet the requirements.
A review can involve changes to:
- The child’s medical or care circumstances.
- The caregiver’s income.
- The spouse’s income where applicable.
- The child’s care arrangement.
- The child’s residence.
- Banking information.
- Other eligibility information.
Failure to cooperate with a legitimate SASSA review can affect future payments and can result in suspension where continued eligibility cannot be confirmed.
What If the Child Is in a Care Institution?
A child who is permanently cared for in a state-funded institution does not meet the normal Care Dependency Grant requirements.
SASSA’s current FAQ also states that if the child is looked after on a full-time basis for more than six months in a government-funded institution, the caregiver is not eligible to receive the grant.
Do not continue using old care information after the child moves into or out of an institution. Changes to the child’s care circumstances can affect eligibility.
When Can the Care Dependency Grant Stop?
| Situation | Possible effect |
|---|---|
| Child turns 18 | The Care Dependency Grant lapses because it is a grant for a child under 18. |
| Child dies | The grant lapses. |
| Child enters a state institution | The grant can lapse under the applicable institutional-care rules. |
| Child leaves South Africa | Absence from the country can cause the grant to lapse. |
| Care circumstances change | SASSA can review whether the child remains eligible. |
| Failure to cooperate with review | The grant can be suspended. |
| Fraud or false information | The grant can be suspended or cancelled. |
| Grant not claimed for three consecutive months | Government service guidance lists this as a circumstance that can cause the grant to lapse. |
What Happens When the Child Turns 18?
The Care Dependency Grant ends when the child reaches 18.
If the young person’s physical or mental disability continues to prevent them from working and supporting themselves, the next relevant SASSA grant may be the adult Disability Grant .
The adult Disability Grant has its own age, medical assessment, financial and application requirements. Check that process before the Care Dependency Grant reaches its age limit.
Care Dependency vs Child Support vs Foster Grant
| Grant | Main reason for the grant | Current amount |
|---|---|---|
| Care Dependency Grant | Child under 18 has a severe disability and requires permanent or full-time special care. | R2,400 |
| Child Support Grant | Basic financial support for a qualifying child in the care of a primary caregiver. | R580 |
| Foster Child Grant | Child has been legally placed in foster care under a court order. | R1,290 before the scheduled October 2026 increase |
SASSA allows a qualifying foster child to receive the Foster Child Grant and Care Dependency Grant at the same time.
Common Care Dependency Application Mistakes
| Mistake | Better approach |
|---|---|
| Assuming a diagnosis guarantees approval | Provide evidence showing the severity of the disability and the child’s permanent care needs. |
| Not preparing medical records | Take clinical information and relevant treatment or specialist reports to the assessment process. |
| Missing the assessment appointment | Use the SASSA process to reschedule if you cannot attend. |
| Using an old means-test amount | Confirm the current financial test when applying. |
| Assuming foster-parent income is tested | Remember that foster parents are exempt from the Care Dependency means test for the fostered child. |
| Not providing the foster-care order | Bring the valid court order if applying as a foster parent. |
| Paying someone to apply | The SASSA application is free. Use official SASSA services. |
| Ignoring a SASSA review | Respond to official review or verification requests. |
Useful SASSA Guides
Main guide to SASSA grants, applications, payment information and beneficiary help.
Compare Care Dependency with other SASSA grant types.
Basic financial support for a qualifying child and primary caregiver.
For a child legally placed in foster care.
Track an application and understand SASSA status messages.
Check confirmed Children’s Grants payment dates.
Visit the SASSA category for grant applications, payment dates, status checks and beneficiary help.
SASSA Care Dependency Grant Questions
How much is the SASSA Care Dependency Grant?
The current Care Dependency Grant is R2,400 per month for a qualifying child.
What age must the child be?
The child must be under 18 for the Care Dependency Grant.
Who can apply for the Care Dependency Grant?
A qualifying parent, primary caregiver or foster parent caring for a child with a permanent and severe disability can apply, subject to the other SASSA requirements.
Does any disability qualify for the Care Dependency Grant?
No. The child must be assessed as having a severe disability that requires permanent care, full-time special care or significant ongoing support.
Does the child need a medical assessment?
Yes. A medical or functional assessment confirming the disability is required before SASSA can approve the grant.
Can I book a SASSA medical assessment online?
SASSA Services currently provides a medical assessment booking function for relevant applications. Applicants can select an assessment site and available date through the application process.
Does the Care Dependency Grant have a means test?
Yes. The normal means test applies to the applicant and spouse where applicable. Foster parents applying for a fostered care-dependent child are exempt from that means test.
Does a foster parent’s income count?
No. Current SASSA rules state that foster-parent income is not taken into consideration for the Care Dependency Grant application for a fostered child.
Can a foster child receive both Foster Child Grant and Care Dependency Grant?
Yes. A foster child who meets the Care Dependency requirements can qualify for both the Foster Child Grant and Care Dependency Grant.
Can I apply for the Care Dependency Grant online?
The current SASSA Services Portal includes the Care Dependency Grant among its available services and provides application, document and medical-assessment functions. An in-person assessment or office process can still be required.
What documents are needed?
Documents can include the caregiver’s identity documents, child’s birth certificate, medical or referral information, marital records, income information, bank statements and foster-care or caregiver evidence where applicable.
Does a school-age child have to provide proof of school attendance?
SASSA can request proof of school attendance, but current SASSA information says failure to attend school or provide that proof does not itself result in refusal of the Care Dependency Grant.
Can a child in a state institution receive the Care Dependency Grant?
A child permanently cared for in a state-funded institution does not meet the normal eligibility requirements. SASSA also states that full-time care for more than six months in a government-funded institution makes the caregiver ineligible.
How long does the application take?
Government guidance states that a Care Dependency Grant application can take up to three months to process.
How much does it cost to apply?
The Care Dependency Grant application is free.
When is the Care Dependency Grant paid?
The Care Dependency Grant falls within the Children’s Grants category on SASSA’s normal monthly payment calendar.
What can I do if the application is rejected?
SASSA should provide the reason for the unsuccessful application. If you disagree with the final decision, the standard social grant appeal process allows an appeal within 90 days after notification.
Can SASSA review the grant after approval?
Yes. SASSA can review the child’s circumstances, care needs and financial eligibility to confirm that the grant should continue.
What happens when the child turns 18?
The Care Dependency Grant lapses when the child turns 18. If the person continues to have a disability that prevents them from supporting themselves, they should check the separate adult Disability Grant requirements.
SASSA Care Dependency Help
Need help with the medical assessment or application?
Contact SASSA if you cannot complete the application, need help with the medical assessment, do not understand the supporting documents, have a foster-care question or have waited beyond the normal processing period without an outcome.
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