How to Apply for SASSA Care Dependency Grant in 2025

The Care Dependency Grant is a social grant provided by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to assist parents, primary caregivers, or foster parents in caring for children under 18 with severe disabilities requiring full-time and special care. This guide outlines the eligibility criteria, application process, payment details, and what to do if your application is not approved, ensuring you can access this essential financial support in 2025.

SASSA Care Dependency Grant.

Table of Contents

Do You Qualify for the Care Dependency Grant?

To qualify for the Care Dependency Grant, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a parent, primary caregiver, or foster parent appointed by the court.
  • Be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
  • Not earn more than R223,200 per year if single or R446,400 combined if married (this income limit does not apply to foster parents).
  • Both you and the child must live in South Africa.

The child must:

  • Be younger than 18 years.
  • Not be cared for permanently in a state institution.
  • Have a severe disability and need full-time and special care.

Note: A state medical officer must assess the child’s disability before the grant is approved.

How Much Will You Get?

You will receive R2,310 per month per child.

How Will You Be Paid?

SASSA will pay the grant through one of the following methods:

  • Cash at a specific pay point on a particular day.
  • Electronic deposit into your bank or Postbank account (note: the bank may charge a fee for this service).
  • An institution acting as the administrator of the grant (e.g., welfare organizations).

Note: If you are unable to collect the money yourself, you can appoint a procurator at a SASSA office or give someone power of attorney to collect the grant on your behalf.

When May the Child’s Grant Be Reviewed?

SASSA may decide to review the child’s grant based on the income you declared during your application. You will be notified three months in advance of the review date or when a life certificate (proof that the child is still alive) is due. If you receive the grant through a bank, institution, or procurator, you must complete a life certificate for the child at a SASSA office every year.

When May the Child’s Grant Be Suspended?

The child’s grant may be suspended for the following reasons:

  • A change in the child’s circumstances.
  • The outcome of a review.
  • Failure to cooperate during a review.
  • Committing fraud or misrepresenting the child.
  • A mistake made during the approval of the grant.

When Will the Child’s Grant Lapse?

The grant will lapse if:

  • The child passes away.
  • The child is admitted to a state institution.
  • The caregiver does not claim the grant for three consecutive months.
  • The child is absent from South Africa.
  • The child turns 18.

How to Apply for the Grant

To apply for the Care Dependency Grant, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the nearest SASSA office.
  2. SASSA will refer the child for a state medical officer’s assessment before the application is made.
  3. Bring the following documents:
    • Your 13-digit bar-coded South African ID and the child’s birth certificate. If you don’t have an ID or the child’s birth certificate:
      • Complete an affidavit on a standard SASSA format in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths (not a SASSA official).
      • Provide a sworn statement by a reputable person (e.g., councillor, traditional leader, social worker, minister of religion, or school principal) who can verify your name and age.
      • Proof of application for an ID and/or birth certificate at the Department of Home Affairs.
      • A temporary ID issued by the Department of Home Affairs (if applicable).
      • Baptismal certificate (if available).
      • Road to health clinic card (if available).
      • School report (if available).
    • A medical/assessment report confirming the child’s disability.
    • Proof of your marital status.
    • Proof of income (e.g., salary slip, bank statements for the previous three months, pension slips; not applicable to refugee foster parents).
    • If you are not the child’s parent, proof of primary caregiving through:
      • An affidavit from a police official.
      • A social worker’s report.
      • An affidavit from the biological parent.
      • A letter from the school principal of the child’s school.
    • If you are the biological parent and sole provider/caregiver, proof that you have tried to get the other parent to pay maintenance.
    • If unemployed, proof from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) or a discharge certificate from your previous employer.
    • If a refugee foster parent, your refugee status permit and refugee ID.
    • If the child’s foster parent, the court order placing the child in your care.
  4. If you are too old or sick to visit the office, a family member or friend can apply on your behalf with a letter from you and/or a doctor’s note explaining why you cannot attend.
  5. Complete the application form in the presence of a SASSA officer (only you or the officer may fill out the form).
  6. Receive a receipt as proof of your application.

What If Your Application Is Not Approved?

If your application is not approved, SASSA will inform you in writing with the reasons for the decision. If you disagree, you can appeal to the Minister of Social Development at the national Department of Social Development within 90 days of receiving the notification.

How Long Does It Take?

It may take up to three months to process your application. If approved, payments will start from the date you applied.

How Much Does It Cost?

The application process is free.

FAQs for SASSA Care Dependency Grant

Do foster parents need to meet the income limit?

No, foster parents appointed by the court are exempt from the income limit (R223,200 per year if single or R446,400 if married).

What kind of medical report is needed for the child’s disability?

A medical or assessment report from a qualified professional confirming the child’s severe disability and need for full-time special care is required. SASSA will also refer the child for an assessment by a state medical officer before approving the grant.

Can someone else apply on my behalf?

Yes, if you are too old or sick to visit a SASSA office, a family member or friend can apply on your behalf. They must bring a letter from you and/or a doctor’s note explaining why you cannot attend.

What should I do if the grant is suspended?

If the grant is suspended due to changes in circumstances, failure to cooperate during a review, fraud, or a mistake in approval, contact your nearest SASSA office to address the issue. You may need to provide updated information or appeal the decision.