Caring for a child with severe disabilities can be financially challenging, which is why the SASSA Care Dependency Grant is a vital support system for many South African families. As of March 2025, the grant amount has been confirmed at R2,190 per month, helping caregivers cover medical care, assistive devices, and other essential expenses.
If you are a parent, legal guardian, or foster caregiver of a child who requires full-time special care, knowing the eligibility criteria, application process, and payment methods is crucial. This guide provides all the necessary details to ensure you secure this important financial assistance.
SASSA Grant
The Care Dependency Grant is a social assistance program for caregivers of children with severe disabilities. It helps reduce the financial burden of specialized medical care, therapy, and education, ensuring that children who need constant care receive adequate support.
Many families struggle with the high costs of disability care, including assistive devices, hospital visits, and therapy sessions. This grant aims to ease these financial pressures, allowing caregivers to focus on providing the best possible care for their child.
Who Qualifies for the Grant?
To be eligible for the SASSA Care Dependency Grant, applicants must meet specific criteria:
1. Applicant Requirements
- Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
- Be the parent, primary caregiver, or a court-appointed foster parent of the child.
- Must live in South Africa with the child.
- Must pass the income means test:
- Single applicants: Cannot earn more than R223,200 per year.
- Married applicants: Combined household income cannot exceed R446,400 per year.
- Foster parents are exempt from the means test.
2. Child Requirements
- The child must be under 18 years old.
- The child must not be permanently cared for in a state institution.
- A state medical officer must confirm that the child has a severe disability requiring full-time care.
This grant applies to children with disabilities that require constant medical attention and supervision, including neurological disorders, physical disabilities, cognitive impairments, and other severe health conditions.
Application
Applying for the grant is free, but you need to provide the correct documentation. Follow these steps:
Step 1
Before visiting SASSA, make sure you have:
- Your ID document (13-digit bar-coded ID or smart card).
- The child’s birth certificate (with a valid ID number).
- A medical assessment report from a state doctor confirming the child’s disability.
- Proof of income (salary slips, pension documents, or bank statements for the last three months).
- Proof of marital status (if applicable).
- Proof of primary caregiver status (if you are not the biological parent, provide an affidavit or social worker report).
Step 2
- Go to your nearest SASSA office with all required documents.
- Request the Care Dependency Grant application form.
- Complete the form in the presence of a SASSA officer.
- Obtain a receipt as proof of submission.
Step 3
- SASSA may require the child to undergo an additional medical assessment by a state-appointed doctor.
- This ensures that the disability qualifies for full-time care under the grant’s criteria.
Step 4
- Processing can take up to three months.
- If approved, you will receive a notification letter.
- If rejected, SASSA will provide a written explanation, and you can appeal the decision.
Payments
Once your application is approved, you can choose from the following payment methods:
| Payment Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Bank Deposit | Direct transfer to your bank or Postbank account. Bank charges may apply. |
| Cash Payment | Collect funds from a SASSA pay point on a scheduled date. |
| Institutional Payment | If the child is under the care of an approved institution, payments may be sent directly to the organization. |
When Will Payments Be Made?
SASSA makes monthly payments within the first week of each month. For March 2025, payments are expected between March 1 and March 7.
Common Issues & Solutions
1. Application Delays
- Ensure all documents are submitted correctly.
- Call the SASSA Helpline (0800 601 011) for application status updates.
2. Rejected Applications
- If rejected, you can appeal within 90 days.
- Provide any missing or additional required documents.
3. Changing Banking Details
- Visit a SASSA office with your ID and bank confirmation letter to update your payment details.
The SASSA Care Dependency Grant is a crucial source of financial relief for caregivers of children with severe disabilities. By ensuring you meet the eligibility requirements, submitting all necessary documents, and tracking your application, you can secure this support to help provide the best possible care for your child.
FAQs
How much is the Care Dependency Grant in 2025?
The grant amount is R2,190 per month as of March 2025.
Who qualifies for the SASSA Care Dependency Grant?
Caregivers of children under 18 with severe disabilities needing full-time care.
How long does it take for SASSA to approve the grant?
Processing can take up to three months, but payments are backdated.
Can foster parents apply for the grant?
Yes, and they are exempt from the means test.
When will SASSA pay the grant for March 2025?
Payments are expected between March 1 and March 7, 2025.
