SASSA Care Dependency Grant 2026

Care Dependency Grant 2026: Application Process & Eligibility Criteria

Overview

The SASSA Care Dependency Grant (CDG) is a vital social assistance program designed to support parents, primary caregivers, or foster parents raising children with severe permanent disabilities who require full-time care at home. As of January 2026, the grant provides R2,320 per month per child, making it one of the highest child-related grants in South Africa. This critical support helps families manage the significant costs associated with caring for children with disabilities, including medical expenses, specialized equipment, therapy sessions, and constant supervision.

Currently, the Care Dependency Grant supports hundreds of thousands of South African families caring for children with conditions ranging from cerebral palsy and Down syndrome to severe autism, epilepsy, and physical disabilities. The grant recognizes that raising a child with severe disabilities often requires a parent or caregiver to sacrifice employment opportunities to provide full-time care, creating substantial financial strain on households.

For January 2026, Care Dependency Grant payments were disbursed on Thursday, January 8, 2026, following SASSA’s standard monthly payment schedule. The grant is designed for children from birth until they turn 18 years old, at which point they may transition to the adult Disability Grant if their condition continues.

Purpose

The Care Dependency Grant serves several essential purposes in supporting families with children who have disabilities:

Financial Support for Specialized Care: The primary purpose is to provide monthly financial assistance to caregivers to help cover the extraordinary costs of raising a child with severe disabilities. These costs often include specialized medical equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, hearing aids), ongoing therapy sessions (occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech therapy), modified clothing, special dietary requirements, and adapted educational materials.

Enabling Home-Based Care: The grant supports families who choose to care for their disabled children at home rather than placing them in institutions. Home-based care provides children with the love, familiarity, and dignity of growing up with their families while receiving the specialized attention they need.

Compensating Lost Employment Income: Many parents or caregivers must leave employment or reduce working hours to provide full-time care for children with severe disabilities. The grant helps offset some of the lost income and recognizes the vital caregiving work being performed.

Improving Quality of Life: The grant enables families to afford better nutrition, medical care, assistive devices, and educational opportunities for children with disabilities, significantly improving their quality of life and developmental outcomes.

Reducing Family Financial Stress: Caring for a child with severe disabilities creates enormous financial pressure on families. Medical appointments, medications, special equipment, and constant supervision all add significant costs. The grant provides crucial financial relief that helps families maintain stability.

Supporting Inclusive Care: By providing financial resources, the grant enables children with disabilities to participate more fully in family and community life rather than being isolated due to financial constraints.

Preventing Institutionalization: The grant helps keep families together by making home-based care financially viable, reducing the need for children to be placed in state institutions or care facilities.

Qualifications and Eligibility

To qualify for the Care Dependency Grant in 2026, both the child and the caregiver must meet specific requirements:

Child Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be under 18 years of age (from birth to 17 years, 11 months)
• Must have a severe permanent disability requiring full-time care
• The disability must be certified through a medical assessment by a SASSA-appointed doctor or medical professional
• Must be cared for at home and not permanently residing in a state-funded institution
• Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or recognized refugee
• Must be residing in South Africa

Caregiver Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be the parent, legal primary caregiver, or foster parent of the child
• Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or recognized refugee
• Must be residing in South Africa with the child
• Must pass the means test (income and asset thresholds) – except foster parents who are exempt

Income Means Test (2026):

Single caregivers: Annual income must not exceed R249,600 (R20,800 per month) Married caregivers or those living with partners: Combined annual income must not exceed R499,200 (R41,600 per month)

Important Note: Foster parents are exempt from the means test. If you’re a foster parent caring for a child with severe disabilities, you can receive both the Foster Care Grant and the Care Dependency Grant simultaneously without income restrictions.

What Qualifies as “Severe Permanent Disability”?:

The child’s disability must be assessed by a medical professional who confirms:

• The disability is permanent (expected to last longer than 12 months or for life)
• The child requires full-time care and supervision
• The child cannot perform age-appropriate daily activities independently
• The disability significantly limits the child’s functioning

Examples of qualifying conditions include but are not limited to:

• Cerebral palsy with significant mobility or cognitive impairment
• Severe intellectual disabilities
• Autism spectrum disorder requiring full-time supervision
• Down syndrome with associated medical complications
• Severe epilepsy not controlled by medication
• Multiple physical disabilities affecting mobility and self-care
• Severe visual or hearing impairments requiring constant assistance
• Chromosomal disorders with developmental delays
• Severe mental health conditions requiring continuous care

Exclusions:

• Children permanently cared for in state-funded institutions receive only 25% of the grant amount
• Children already receiving other social grants for their own needs (though the caregiver can receive grants on the child’s behalf)
• Temporary disabilities lasting less than 12 months do not qualify

How to Apply

The Care Dependency Grant application requires in-person attendance at a SASSA office with mandatory medical assessment documentation.

Option 1: Apply at SASSA Offices (Standard Application)

Step 1: Obtain Medical Assessment

Before applying, you must first get a medical assessment for your child from a SASSA-appointed doctor:

Process:

• Visit your nearest SASSA office and inform them you need to apply for a Care Dependency Grant
• SASSA will refer your child for a medical assessment by a state-appointed medical officer, doctor, or assessment panel
• The medical professional will examine your child to assess the severity and permanence of the disability
• They will complete a comprehensive medical report and assessment form detailing your child’s condition, functional limitations, and care needs
• The medical assessment must confirm that your child has a severe permanent disability requiring full-time care

Alternative Assessment: In areas without available doctors, SASSA may arrange an assessment panel consisting of nurses, psychologists, social workers, magistrates, religious leaders, or traditional leaders to evaluate your child’s condition.

Important: The medical assessment must be completed before or during your grant application. The report must be recent (within 3 months of application) and specifically state that the child requires full-time care due to severe permanent disability.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Prepare all necessary documents before visiting SASSA (bring both originals and certified copies):

For the Caregiver/Applicant:

• Your 13-digit bar-coded South African ID document or Smart ID card
• If you don’t have an ID: Complete a SASSA affidavit in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths (not a SASSA official), plus bring a sworn statement from a reputable person (councillor, traditional leader, social worker, minister of religion, or school principal) verifying your identity
• Proof that you’ve applied for an ID at the Department of Home Affairs (if applicable)

For the Child:

• Child’s birth certificate (unabridged birth certificate preferred)
• Child’s ID document if they’re 16-17 years old
• If the child doesn’t have a birth certificate: SASSA affidavit and proof of application to Home Affairs, plus baptismal certificate or Road to Health Clinic (RTHC) card if available

Medical Documentation:

• Medical report and assessment confirming the child’s severe permanent disability
• Any additional medical records, specialist reports, hospital discharge summaries, or therapy reports that support the diagnosis

Financial Documentation:

• Proof of income for you and your spouse/partner (payslips for last 3 months, bank statements, pension slips, or unemployment letter)
• If self-employed: Affidavit stating monthly income
• Sworn statement of income and assets (affidavit confirming your financial situation)
• UIF documents if unemployed

Marital Status Documentation:

• Marriage certificate if married
• Divorce decree if divorced
• Death certificate of spouse if widowed
• Affidavit confirming marital status

Other Documents:

• Proof of residence (utility bill, lease agreement, or affidavit from traditional leader – not older than 3 months)
• Bank account details and recent bank statement (or Post Office account information)
• If you’re a foster parent: Court order granting foster care

Step 3: Visit Your Nearest SASSA Office

• Locate your nearest SASSA office using www.sassa.gov.za or call 0800 60 10 11
• Visit during operating hours (Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
• Arrive early to avoid long queues, especially during the first week of the month
• Bring your child with you if possible, as SASSA officers may want to see the child

Step 4: Complete the Application

• Request a Care Dependency Grant application form at the Help Desk
• Complete the form in the presence of a SASSA official who will assist you if needed
• Note: Only you as the applicant or a SASSA official can complete the form
• Submit all required documents (originals for verification, certified copies for SASSA records)
• SASSA will take your fingerprints for biometric verification
• Provide banking details for grant payments
• Receive a dated, stamped receipt with the SASSA official’s name – keep this as proof of application

Step 5: Home Verification (May Be Required)

After submission, SASSA may:

• Conduct a home visit to verify your living conditions and relationship with the child
• Interview you about your child’s daily care needs and routine
• Assess whether the child is indeed being cared for at home
• Ensure someone is available at your residence during business hours for potential visits

Step 6: Medical Review by SASSA

• SASSA medical officers at headquarters review the medical assessment report
• They verify whether the child’s disability qualifies as severe and permanent
• They confirm the child requires full-time care
• This review is independent of the initial medical assessment

Step 7: Application Processing

Applications typically take up to 3 months (90 days) to process. During this time:

• SASSA verifies all documents and information
• They conduct means testing to ensure you meet income thresholds (unless you’re a foster parent)
• They cross-reference data with other government databases
• They may request additional documentation or clarification

Step 8: Receive Notification and Payment

• You’ll receive notification via SMS, mail, or at your SASSA office once approved or rejected
• If approved, payments are backdated to your application date
• You’ll receive all outstanding monthly payments from when you first applied
• Future payments will be made monthly on the Care Dependency Grant payment date (typically the third business day of each month)

Option 2: Assisted Application (If Unable to Apply in Person)

If you cannot visit a SASSA office due to your own disability, illness, or extreme circumstances:

Representative Application:

• A family member, friend, or trusted person can apply on your behalf
• You’ll need to provide them with written authorization or Power of Attorney
• They must bring a letter from your doctor explaining why you cannot apply in person
• The representative must bring their own valid ID document
• All your required documents must still be submitted
• The child should still be brought to the office if possible for verification

Important: The child’s medical assessment is still mandatory regardless of who submits the application.

Online Services (Very Limited)

No Online Application Available: The Care Dependency Grant cannot be applied for online. All applications must be submitted in person at SASSA offices because:

• Medical assessments must be conducted by SASSA-appointed professionals
• Biometric verification is required
• Original documents must be verified
• The child’s condition often needs visual confirmation

However, limited online services exist:

Check Application Status:

• Visit www.sassa.gov.za for general information
• Call the SASSA toll-free helpline: 0800 60 10 11
• SMS “STATUS” to 32248 for payment information
• Email inquiries to [email protected]

Find Information:

• Download informational guides from the SASSA website
• Locate your nearest SASSA office and contact details
• View general eligibility requirements

Important Fraud Warning: Be extremely cautious of scammers offering “online Care Dependency Grant applications” or promising to expedite your application for a fee. SASSA applications are completely free and must be done in person. Never provide your ID number, banking details, or child’s information to anyone claiming to help with online applications.

Payment Dates and Methods 2026

For January 2026, Care Dependency Grant payments were made on Thursday, January 8, 2026. Payments typically occur during the first week of each month, usually on the third or fourth business day.

Payment Amount: R2,320 per month per child (as of 2026)

Payment Methods:

1. Direct Bank Deposit: Money deposited directly into your verified bank account (most secure and convenient)
2. SASSA Gold Card: Use your SASSA card to withdraw cash at ATMs, participating retailers (Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, Boxer), or Post Office branches
3. Cash at Pay Points: Collect cash at designated SASSA payment points on specified dates
4. Post Office: Withdraw grant at Post Office branches (where available)
5. Institutional Payment: If the child is temporarily in a care facility (not permanently), payments can be made to the institution

Appointing Someone to Collect on Your Behalf: If you’re unable to collect the grant yourself, you can:

• Appoint a procurator at the SASSA office (temporary authorization)
• Give someone Power of Attorney to collect on your behalf (requires legal documentation)

Annual Life Certificate: If you receive payments through bank transfer, institutional payment, or a procurator, you must complete a life certificate annually at a SASSA office to confirm you and the child are still alive and the grant should continue.

Grant Reviews and Reassessments

Your Care Dependency Grant is subject to periodic reviews:

Review Frequency: SASSA reviews grants based on the child’s condition and your financial circumstances. You’ll be notified 3 months in advance when a review is due.

What Happens During Reviews:

• SASSA may request updated medical documentation
• Your child may need a new medical assessment
• Your income and assets will be reassessed against current thresholds
• SASSA may conduct a home visit
• You may need to complete a new life certificate

Mandatory Reporting Requirements:

You must immediately inform SASSA of any changes:

• Child’s condition improves significantly and no longer requires full-time care
• Child turns 18 years old
• Child is permanently admitted to a state-funded institution
• Your marital status changes
• Your income or assets increase beyond the thresholds
• You or the child relocate or change residence
• Banking details change
• The child passes away

When the Grant Ends:

The Care Dependency Grant will be suspended or cancelled if:

• The child turns 18 years old (may transition to adult Disability Grant if condition continues)
• The child’s condition improves and they no longer need full-time care
• The child is permanently admitted to a state institution
• You fail to respond to review requests
• You no longer meet the means test requirements
• The child passes away
• Fraud or misrepresentation is discovered

Transitioning at Age 18:

When your child turns 18:

• The Care Dependency Grant automatically ends
• If the disability continues and your child cannot work, they should apply for the Disability Grant
• The adult Disability Grant provides R2,315 per month (slightly less than the Care Dependency Grant)
• Applications for the Disability Grant should begin at least 3 months before the child’s 18th birthday to avoid payment gaps

Related SASSA Grants

If you’re a foster parent caring for a child with severe disabilities, you can receive both the Foster Care Grant (R1,180 per month) and the Care Dependency Grant (R2,320 per month) simultaneously, providing R3,500 total monthly support per child.

Parents or caregivers raising children with severe disabilities who also care for other children can apply for the Child Support Grant for those additional children, receiving R530 per child per month.

For families with multiple children needing support, explore the Child Support Grant Top-Up for additional financial assistance beyond standard child support.

If you yourself have a disability and require full-time care while caring for a disabled child, you may qualify for both the Disability Grant (R2,315 per month) and the Grant in Aid (R560 per month) for your own needs.

Elderly grandparents raising grandchildren with disabilities can receive both the Old Age Grant (R2,315-R2,335 per month) and the Care Dependency Grant for the disabled grandchild.

If you’re temporarily unemployed while caring for your disabled child and need additional support, consider applying for the SRD Grant R370 for temporary relief.

For caregivers who are war veterans, the War Veteran Grant provides R2,335 per month, which can be received alongside the Care Dependency Grant for your child.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive the Care Dependency Grant and Child Support Grant for the same child? No, you cannot receive both grants for the same child. The Care Dependency Grant is significantly higher (R2,320) than the Child Support Grant (R530) and is specifically for children with severe disabilities.

What if my child has a disability but doesn’t require full-time care? If your child has a disability but can attend school and doesn’t need constant supervision, they may not qualify for the Care Dependency Grant. However, you should still apply for the Child Support Grant if you meet the income requirements.

Can I work while receiving the Care Dependency Grant? Yes, but your total income (including your spouse’s) must remain below the means test threshold (R20,800 per month for single caregivers, R41,600 for married couples).

What happens if my application is rejected? You have 90 days to lodge an appeal. Contact your SASSA office or write to the Minister of Social Development explaining why you disagree with the decision. Include any additional medical evidence supporting your case.

How long does the application take? The standard processing time is up to 3 months (90 days) from submission.

Can grandparents apply for the Care Dependency Grant? Yes, if they are the legal primary caregivers of the child and meet all eligibility requirements including the means test.

Does the child need to attend school? No, many children with severe disabilities cannot attend mainstream schools. However, SASSA encourages enrollment in special schools or early intervention programs when appropriate for the child’s development.

What if my child’s condition worsens? Immediately inform SASSA and request a medical reassessment. The grant amount won’t increase, but maintaining updated records ensures continued eligibility.

Can refugees apply? Yes, officially recognized refugees with proper documentation can apply for the Care Dependency Grant.

What if my child is in hospital temporarily? Temporary hospitalization doesn’t affect your grant. However, if the child is permanently admitted to a state hospital or institution, your grant will be reduced to 25% or cancelled.

Contact SASSA

• Toll-Free Number: 0800 60 10 11
• SMS Line: 32248 (Type “STATUS” for payment information)
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.sassa.gov.za
• Government Services Portal: www.gov.za/services/services-residents/parenting/child-care/care-dependency-grant
• Physical Address: 501 Prodinsa Building, Corner Beatrix and Pretorius Street, Pretoria
• Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

For additional support and resources for children with disabilities, contact the Department of Social Development or seek assistance from disability advocacy organizations in your area.