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SASSA Care Dependency Grant - Eligibility, Amount & How to Apply

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The Care Dependency Grant provides R2400 per month to caregivers of children under 18 who have severe disabilities requiring full-time special care. It is one of the highest-value child-related grants offered by SASSA, recognising the significant demands placed on families caring for children with severe physical or mental disabilities. The grant increased by R85 in April 2026, up from R2315.

Quick Facts - Care Dependency Grant

Monthly Amount

R2400

Who Qualifies

Caregivers of severely disabled children under 18

How to Apply

In person at any SASSA office

Next Payment Date

Wednesday, 8 April 2026

Key Requirement

Medical assessment confirming full-time care needed

2026 Increase

+R85/month

Who Qualifies for the Care Dependency Grant?

The Care Dependency Grant is available to the parent or caregiver of a child under 18 who has a severe disability that requires permanent home care. The child must need full-time attendance by another person and must have their condition confirmed through a medical assessment.

Child's AgeUnder 18 years old
Max Income (Single)R96 840 per year
Max Income (Married)R193 680 per year
CitizenshipSouth African citizen or permanent resident
Care RequirementChild must require full-time special care

Full Requirements

  • Child must be under 18 years old
  • Child must require full-time special care
  • Must have a medical assessment confirming severe disability
  • Must pass the means test

What "Full-Time Special Care" Means

Full-time special care means the child needs constant supervision and assistance with daily activities such as eating, bathing, dressing, moving around, and communicating. The child cannot be left alone and requires the presence of a caregiver throughout the day. This is assessed during the medical evaluation by the SASSA-appointed doctor.

How to Apply for the Care Dependency Grant

1

Gather Medical Documentation

Collect all medical records for your child, including diagnosis letters from doctors, specialist reports, therapy assessments, and any hospital discharge summaries. The more documentation you have, the stronger your application.

2

Visit Your Nearest SASSA Office

Go to a SASSA office with your child's medical records, your ID, the child's birth certificate, proof of residence, and banking details.

3

Complete the Application Form

A SASSA official will help you complete the form. They will check your documents and explain the next steps, including scheduling the medical assessment.

4

Attend the Medical Assessment

SASSA will schedule an assessment with a SASSA-appointed doctor. You must take your child to this assessment. Bring all medical documentation. The doctor will evaluate the child's condition and care needs.

5

Wait for the Panel Decision

The medical report is reviewed by a SASSA assessment panel. This typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. SASSA will notify you of the outcome via SMS or post.

6

Begin Receiving Payments

If approved, payments will start in the next payment cycle. The grant is paid monthly along with other child-related grants.

Required Documents

  • Your South African ID document (original and copy)
  • Child's birth certificate (original and copy)
  • Medical diagnosis letter from the child's doctor
  • Specialist reports (neurologist, paediatrician, etc.)
  • Therapy assessment reports (occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech therapy)
  • Proof of residence (utility bill, lease, or affidavit)
  • Bank statements for the past 3 months
  • Marriage certificate and spouse's details (if married)

Care Dependency Grant Payment Dates 2026

Care Dependency Grant payments are made early in each month, on the same day as Child Support and Foster Child grants.

Next Care Dependency Grant Payment

Wednesday, 8 April 2026

For the full payment schedule, visit our payment dates page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions qualify for the Care Dependency Grant?
The Care Dependency Grant covers a wide range of severe physical and mental disabilities that require full-time care. This includes conditions such as cerebral palsy, severe autism, Down syndrome, severe epilepsy, quadriplegia, and other conditions where the child cannot care for themselves. The key factor is that the child requires permanent, full-time care from another person.
Can I receive the Care Dependency Grant and the Child Support Grant for the same child?
No, you cannot receive both grants for the same child. The Care Dependency Grant is a higher-value grant that replaces the Child Support Grant. If you are currently receiving the Child Support Grant and your child qualifies for the Care Dependency Grant, SASSA will switch you to the higher grant.
Does my child need to be assessed by a SASSA doctor?
Yes, a medical assessment by a SASSA-appointed doctor is required. You should also bring reports from your child's treating doctor, specialists, and therapists to support the application. The SASSA doctor will assess the severity of the disability and whether full-time care is needed.
What happens when the child turns 18?
When the child turns 18, the Care Dependency Grant stops. However, the child may then qualify for the adult Disability Grant (R2,400/month) in their own name. Apply for the Disability Grant before the child turns 18 to avoid a gap in payments.

Related Grants

You may also be interested in these related grants:

Child Support GrantR580/monthDisability GrantR2,400/monthFoster Child GrantR1,295/monthGrant-in-AidR580/month