SASSA Care Dependency Grant

Imagine a home filled with love, laughter, and the small victories that come with caring for a child who faces extraordinary challenges every day. Behind these moments, there is often a constant struggle, physical, emotional, and financial, that most people do not see. For parents and caregivers of children with severe disabilities, every day requires patience, dedication, and unwavering support.

To provide relief, the SASSA Care Dependency Grant gives R2,315 per month. This money helps cover medical care, therapy sessions, special equipment, and daily needs, allowing caregivers to focus more on their child’s growth and happiness rather than financial stress.

In this guide, you will learn all about the Care Dependency Grant, how to apply, who qualifies, and the payment dates. By following these steps, you can secure the support you need and ensure your child gets the care they deserve.

SASSA Care Dependency Grant Payment Date and Status 2026

Have you not received any SMS from SASSA regarding your Care Dependency Grant payment? If that’s the case, it’s important to visit your nearest SASSA office. Once there, speak to the staff and request information about your R2,315 payment.

The officer will likely ask for your ID and other supporting documents, such as your application reference number, to verify your application. After confirming your status, if your grant has been approved, the staff will guide you on the official payment date. You can then collect your Care Dependency Grant on that scheduled day without any hassle.

Submit Application for SASSA Care Dependency Grant

If you are a father, mother, or guardian of a child with a severe disability and you need financial support, you can apply for the SASSA Care Dependency Grant today.

SASSA gives a monthly payment of R2,315 to help you take care of the child and give them a better life.

The application procedure is described below.

Compliance with Eligibility Criteria 2026

Before you apply for the Care Dependency Grant, make sure you understand the eligibility rules and prepare the required documents.

1. ID Documents for Parent and Child

You must have your ID document and your child’s ID document ready. This can be:

  • A 13-digit bar-coded South African ID card
  • A green ID book
  • A valid South African passport

2. What If You Don’t Have Your Child’s ID?

If you don’t have your child’s ID, you can still apply by submitting an affidavit. Follow these steps:

How to Write and Submit an Affidavit

First of all, download the affidavit form online here:

Step 1: Obtain the Affidavit Form
Start by downloading the official affidavit form from a trusted source online. Make sure you have the correct version accepted by SASSA.

Step 2: Visit a Commissioner of Oaths
Take the form to a Commissioner of Oaths. These officials are available outside SASSA offices and other public locations. You will complete the affidavit in their presence, and they will verify your signature.

Step 3: Clearly Describe Your Situation
In the affidavit, provide a detailed explanation of why your child does not have an ID. Be honest and specific to avoid delays in processing.

Step 4: Include a Supporting Statement
You also need a signed statement from a trusted community member who knows your child, such as:

  • A religious leader familiar with your family
  • Your child’s school principal
  • A local ward councillor or community representative
  • A social worker involved with your family
  • A traditional leader, if relevant

Step 5: Submit with Your Application
Attach the completed affidavit and supporting statement to your grant application. This will act as a valid replacement for your child’s ID during processing.

3. Medical Report for the Child

To qualify for the Care Dependency Grant, your child must have a severe disability and need special care or treatment. You must submit a medical report from a doctor or clinic. This report should:

  • Describe the child’s disability clearly
  • Confirm that the child needs permanent care or support
  • Be signed by a registered medical professional

4. Pass the Means Test

You have to pass the means test for this grant. Here are the requirements for the means test:

  • Single Parent: Must be earning less than R223 200 a year.
  • Married Parent: The combined income should be less than R446 400 a year.

5. Child Age

The child should be below 18 years to qualify for the R2 315 payment.

6. Residency and Citizenship

Both the child and the parents should have South African citizenship and reside in South Africa.

Note: Make sure all documents are originals or certified copies and up-to-date. With the correct paperwork, you will be one step closer to getting the support your child needs.

Fill Out the Application Form at the SASSA Office

Finally, you can fill out the SASSA grant application form at the SASSA office.

  1. Open Google Maps on your smartphone and type “SASSA near me” and search.
  2. You will find all the SASSA offices near your location.
  3. Choose one office and visit it during the public service hours.
  4. Tell the SASSA staff that you are there for the SASSA Care Dependency Grant application.
  5. Get a form from the staff and fill it out with the help of a staff member.
  6. Now staple all the attested copies of your documents to the form.
  7. Take a minute to read the form and find any typos or other mistakes, and correct them.
  8. Submit the form to the staff member and get your reference number from them.

How to Download the SASSA Care Dependency Grant Application Form Online?

You can download the PDF file of the SASSA Care Dependency grant application form online. Here is the link to the PDF application form to download and fill out.

SASSA Care Dependency or Caregiver Grant for Adults

No, the SASSA Care Dependency Grant is not intended for adults. This grant is specifically designed to support children who have severe disabilities and require extra care and attention from their parents or caregivers. The purpose of the grant is to provide financial assistance to help cover medical needs, therapy, special equipment, and daily care for these children. It ensures that caregivers can focus on their child’s development and well-being without facing overwhelming financial strain.

For adults with disabilities, SASSA offers a different type of support called the Disability Grant. This grant is aimed at adults who have a physical or mental disability that prevents them from earning a regular income. To qualify, the disability must be long-term, typically lasting more than six months, or be permanent. Applicants must undergo a medical assessment to verify the severity and duration of the disability.

The Disability Grant provides financial assistance to help cover living costs, medical expenses, and other necessities for adults who are unable to support themselves. Unlike the Care Dependency Grant, which is focused on children, this grant ensures that adults with disabilities also receive the support they need to maintain a basic standard of living.

The Care Dependency Grant is exclusively for children with severe disabilities, while the Disability Grant is for adults who cannot work due to their disability. Both grants aim to ease financial burdens, but they cater to different age groups and needs, ensuring that vulnerable individuals, whether children or adults, receive the proper assistance.

What Disabilities Are Eligible for Care Dependency Grant Payment?

Children with severe disabilities may be eligible for the SASSA Care Dependency Grant. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Cerebral Palsy – conditions affecting movement and muscle coordination.
  • Down Syndrome – significant developmental and physical challenges.
  • Severe Autism Spectrum Disorder – cases requiring intensive care and support.
  • Epilepsy – uncontrolled or frequent seizures that impact daily life.
  • Muscular Dystrophy – progressive muscle weakness affecting mobility.
  • Spina Bifida – serious spinal defects that limit physical function.
  • Severe Intellectual Disabilities – significant cognitive impairments.
  • Quadriplegia / Paraplegia – paralysis affecting movement and independence.
  • Profound Hearing Impairment – severe or total deafness.
  • Visual Impairment – blindness or severe loss of vision.
  • Severe Asthma – life-threatening conditions that limit daily activities.
  • Congenital Heart Disease – serious heart conditions restricting normal life.
  • Advanced HIV/AIDS – with complications affecting health and mobility.
  • Cystic Fibrosis – serious respiratory and digestive limitations.
  • Severe Developmental Delays – affecting physical, mental, or social development.

This grant is intended for children whose conditions require constant care and supervision. Each case is assessed individually to ensure that the child truly needs support.