If you’re a caregiver in South Africa, looking after a child with a severe disability, the SASSA Care Dependency Grant might be your saving grace. Good news—starting March 2025, the grant increases to R2,190 a month. That’s a meaningful bump in financial support for families facing the challenges and costs of disability care. Let’s break down everything you need to know, from who qualifies, how to apply, to when you’ll get paid.
Overview
The Care Dependency Grant is a monthly payment from the South African government. It’s designed to support parents, guardians, or foster parents who care for children with severe disabilities. The grant helps cover medical bills, therapy, and daily care expenses. In short, it’s meant to ease the financial burden for those giving full-time care.
Here’s a quick summary:
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Grant Amount | R2,190 per month (March 2025) |
| Payment Date | March 5, 2025 |
| Eligibility | Child with severe disability, income limits |
| Application | In-person at SASSA office with documents |
| Website | SASSA Official Site |
Eligibility
Not just anyone can apply for the Care Dependency Grant. SASSA sets clear rules for both the child and caregiver:
Child must:
- Be under 18 years old
- Have a severe disability needing full-time care
- Live with a caregiver, not in a state institution
- Undergo a medical exam by a government doctor
Caregiver must:
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Be the child’s primary caregiver
- Meet the income threshold:
- R223,200/year if single
- R446,400/year if married
If you’re a foster parent, income verification isn’t required—but proof of foster care is.
Amount
For March 2025, you’ll receive R2,190 monthly. This grant is reviewed annually and usually adjusted for inflation. The money is intended to go towards essential expenses like medication, therapy, mobility aids, or even transport to hospital appointments.
Process
Applying for the grant isn’t hard, but it does take some preparation. Here’s a simple walk-through:
Step 1
You’ll need:
- Your South African ID
- Child’s birth certificate
- Medical report from a state doctor
- Proof of income (if applicable)
- Marriage certificate (if relevant)
Step 2
Go in person with all your documents. You may need an appointment, so it’s wise to call ahead.
Step 3
A state doctor must assess the child’s condition. This can take time due to long queues or clinic backlogs—so book early.
Step 4
SASSA takes about 90 days to process everything. Stay in touch with them and keep your reference number handy.
Step 5
Once approved, your grant starts. You can receive it through:
- SASSA Gold Card
- Direct bank deposit
- Retailers like Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Boxer
Payments
Knowing when to expect your money is key. Here’s the payment schedule for March 2025:
| Grant Type | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| Older Persons Grant | March 4, 2025 |
| Disability Grants | March 5, 2025 |
| Child Support/Foster | March 6, 2025 |
Plan around these dates, especially if you collect from physical pay points.
Appeals
Got denied? Don’t give up. You have 90 days to appeal the decision. Submit a letter with extra supporting documents to your local SASSA office. They’ll review and respond—though it can take a few weeks.
Problems
A few bumps in the road can delay your application:
- Missing Medical Reports
Appointments with state doctors can take time. Book ASAP to avoid delays. - Income Proof Trouble
If you’re unemployed or do informal work, get a sworn affidavit or bank statements as evidence. - Slow Processing
Sometimes, SASSA gets overwhelmed. Regular follow-ups can help. - Grant Confusion
Caregivers often ask whether they qualify for more than one grant. The Care Dependency Grant is separate from the Child Support and Foster Child Grants, so ask SASSA for guidance.
Support
Besides the grant, other resources exist:
- Special schools for disabled children
- Free or subsidized medical aid through public hospitals
- Mental health support and caregiver counseling
- NGOs offering support groups and legal help
Taking care of a child with a disability is no easy job. But knowing help is available—and knowing how to access it—can lift a huge weight off your shoulders. With the March 2025 increase, the SASSA Care Dependency Grant continues to be a vital tool in making sure your child gets the care they need, and you get the financial breathing room to make it happen.
FAQs
How much is the Care Grant in March 2025?
It is R2,190 per month for eligible caregivers.
Who qualifies for the grant?
Caregivers of children with severe disabilities under 18 years old.
When will SASSA pay the March grant?
March 5, 2025, for disability-related grants.
Where do I apply for the grant?
Visit your nearest SASSA office with documents.
Can I appeal if denied?
Yes, you can appeal within 90 days of refusal.
