How to Apply for the Care Dependency Grant

The SASSA Care Dependency Grant provides essential financial support to caregivers of children with severe disabilities who require permanent care. Understanding the application process, medical assessment requirements, and necessary documentation is crucial for a successful application. This comprehensive 2026 guide walks you through everything you need to know about applying for the Care Dependency Grant in South Africa.

What is the Care Dependency Grant?

Grant Overview

The Care Dependency Grant is a monthly social assistance payment provided by SASSA to caregivers of children with severe disabilities who require permanent care and supervision. The grant helps families meet the additional costs of caring for children with severe disabilities.

Grant Amount (2026)

• Monthly Amount: R2,080 per month (as of 2026)
• Payment Frequency: Monthly
• Payment Method: Bank transfer, SASSA card, or Post Office collection
• Annual Review: Amount may be adjusted annually

Purpose of the Grant

The grant is designed to:

• Support caregivers of children with severe disabilities
• Help meet additional care costs
• Reduce financial burden on families
• Improve access to care and support services
• Support children's well-being and development

Eligibility Requirements

Child Eligibility Requirements

Child Must:

• Be under 18 years old
• Have a severe disability requiring permanent care
• Require permanent care and supervision
• Be in the applicant's primary care
• Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee

Severe Disability Definition:

• Disability is severe enough to require permanent care
• Child cannot care for themselves independently
• Requires constant supervision and assistance
• Medical assessment confirms severe disability

Caregiver Eligibility Requirements

Caregiver Must:

• Be the primary caregiver of the child
• Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
• Live in South Africa
• Meet the means test (income threshold)
• Not be receiving other grants for the same child (in most cases)

Who Can Apply:

• Biological parents
• Adoptive parents
• Foster parents
• Grandparents
• Other relatives
• Legal guardians

Means Test (Income Requirements)

Income Threshold (2026):

• Single Caregiver: Monthly income must be R6,000 or less
• Married/Coupled Caregiver: Combined monthly income must be R12,000 or less

Income Calculation:

• All income sources are considered
• Both spouses' income (if married)
• Regular income, not one-time payments
• Average income if income varies

Required Documents

Essential Documents

1. Child's Medical Assessment

• Comprehensive medical assessment from approved doctor
• Must confirm severe disability
• Must indicate permanent care requirement
• Recent assessment (typically within 3 months)
• Detailed medical report

2. Child's Birth Certificate

• Original and certified copy
• Unabridged birth certificate preferred
• Must show child's full name and date of birth
• Age must be clearly visible (under 18)

3. Child's Identity Document (if 16+ years old)

• South African ID (if available)
• Or birth certificate with ID application proof

4. Caregiver's South African ID

• Original and certified copy
• Green barcoded ID or smart ID card
• Must be valid and not expired

5. Proof of Income

• Bank statements (last 3 months)
• Payslips (if employed)
• Proof of other income sources
• Affidavit if no income

6. Proof of Address

• Utility bill (water, electricity)
• Lease agreement
• Municipal account
• Affidavit from landlord (if no formal proof)

7. Proof of Caregiver Status

• Affidavit confirming you're the primary caregiver
• Court order (if applicable)
• Letter from social worker (if applicable)
• Proof of relationship to child

8. Marriage Certificate (if married)

• For combined income assessment
• Original and certified copy

9. Banking Details

• Bank account number
• Bank name and branch code
• Proof of account (bank statement)
• Account must be in your name

Medical Assessment Documents

Required Medical Information:

• Medical report from approved doctor
• Diagnosis of severe disability
• Severity assessment
• Impact on child's ability to care for themselves
• Permanent care requirement confirmation
• Treatment history
• Prognosis

Who Can Provide Medical Assessment:

• State hospital doctors
• Approved private doctors
• Specialist doctors (if applicable)
• Medical assessment may need to be from specific approved doctors

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Medical Assessment

Before Applying:

1. Obtain medical assessment from approved doctor
2. Ensure medical report confirms severe disability
3. Get permanent care requirement documented
4. Ensure assessment is recent (within 3 months typically)
5. Keep original and copies of medical documents

Medical Assessment Process:

1. Visit approved doctor or state hospital
2. Undergo medical examination of child
3. Get severe disability assessed and documented
4. Obtain comprehensive medical report
5. Ensure report includes all required information

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Prepare All Documents:

1. Medical assessment/report (comprehensive)
2. Child's birth certificate
3. Your South African ID
4. Proof of income
5. Proof of address
6. Proof of caregiver status
7. Marriage certificate (if married)
8. Banking details
9. Any other required documents

Document Preparation:

• Make certified copies of originals
• Organize documents in order
• Ensure all documents are current
• Bring originals and copies

Step 3: Apply at SASSA Office

Step 1: Find Nearest SASSA Office

1. Visit www.sassa.gov.za
2. Use office locator to find nearest office
3. Note office hours and contact information
4. Plan your visit (avoid month-end if possible)

Step 2: Visit SASSA Office

1. Arrive during office hours
2. Take a number or join queue
3. Wait for your turn
4. Be patient (offices can be busy)

Step 3: Complete Application

1. Inform staff you want to apply for Care Dependency Grant
2. Provide your ID and child's medical assessment
3. Complete application form with staff assistance
4. Provide all required information
5. Submit all documents

Step 4: Receive Confirmation

1. Get application receipt
2. Note your reference number
3. Ask about processing timeline
4. Keep all documents safe

Step 4: Medical Assessment Review

SASSA Medical Review:

• SASSA may request additional medical assessment
• May refer child to state doctor for assessment
• Medical review is part of application process
• Cooperate with medical assessment requests

What to Expect:

• Additional medical examination may be required
• State doctor may assess child's disability
• Medical review helps determine eligibility
• Processing may take longer due to medical review

Medical Assessment Process

Understanding Medical Assessment

Purpose of Assessment:

• Confirm child has severe disability
• Assess severity of disability
• Determine if permanent care is required
• Evaluate child's ability to care for themselves
• Make eligibility determination

Assessment Criteria:

• Severity of disability
• Impact on child's independence
• Need for permanent care and supervision
• Impact on daily functioning
• Medical prognosis

Medical Report Requirements

Report Must Include:

• Diagnosis of severe disability
• Severity assessment
• Impact on child's ability to care for themselves
• Permanent care requirement confirmation
• Treatment history
• Prognosis
• Doctor's recommendation

Processing Timeline

Expected Processing Times

Standard Processing:

• Application Submission: Immediate confirmation
• Medical Review: 20-40 business days
• Initial Review: 10-15 business days
• Full Processing: 60-120 business days total
• First Payment: 7-14 days after approval

Factors Affecting Processing

May Cause Delays:

• Medical assessment review required
• Additional medical information needed
• Missing documents
• High application volume
• Complex medical cases

To Avoid Delays:

• Submit complete application
• Provide comprehensive medical report
• Ensure all documents are included
• Respond promptly to requests
• Cooperate with medical assessments

After Application Submission

Checking Application Status

Methods to Check:

1. SASSA Website: www.sassa.gov.za
2. WhatsApp: 082 046 8553
3. USSD: 1347737#
4. Call Centre: 0800 60 10 11
5. Visit Office: Return to SASSA office

Information Needed:

• Your ID number
• Application reference number

If Additional Information is Required

SASSA May Request:

• Additional medical assessments
• Updated medical reports
• Clarification of medical information
• Additional documents
• Medical specialist reports

What to Do:

• Respond promptly
• Provide requested information
• Cooperate with medical assessments
• Use official channels
• Keep records of communication

Application Outcomes

Possible Outcomes:

• Approved: Application successful, payments scheduled
• Declined: Application unsuccessful (can appeal)
• Pending: Still under review
• Additional Medical Assessment Required: More medical information needed

If Application is Approved

What Happens Next

Approval Notification:

• You'll receive SMS notification
• Status will update on website
• Payment will be scheduled
• First payment date provided

Payment Information:

• Payment method (bank, card, Post Office)
• Payment amount (R2,080 per month)
• Payment date
• How to access payment

Maintaining the Grant

Ongoing Requirements:

• Child must remain under 18
• Child must continue to require permanent care
• Must continue to meet means test
• Update SASSA if circumstances change
• Participate in periodic reviews
• May need periodic medical reassessments

When Grant Continues:

• Grant continues until child turns 18
• Or until child no longer requires permanent care
• Regular payments continue
• Amount may increase annually

If Application is Declined

Understanding the Decline

Common Decline Reasons:

• Disability not severe enough
• Medical assessment doesn't confirm permanent care need
• Income above threshold
• Missing or incorrect documents
• Incomplete medical information

What to Do:

• Understand the decline reason
• Review your eligibility
• Gather required documents
• Appeal if decline was incorrect
• Or reapply when eligible

Appealing a Decline

Appeal Process:

1. Submit appeal within 90 days
2. Provide supporting documentation
3. Include additional medical evidence if needed
4. Explain why decline was incorrect
5. Wait for appeal decision (30-45 days)

For More Information:

• See our guide on appealing SASSA decisions
• Contact SASSA for assistance
• Visit SASSA office for help

Tips for Successful Application

Before Applying

1. Get Medical Assessment: Obtain comprehensive medical assessment from approved doctor
2. Verify Eligibility: Ensure you and child meet all requirements
3. Gather Documents: Collect all required documents beforehand
4. Calculate Income: Verify you meet means test
5. Prepare Information: Have all details ready

During Application

1. Be Accurate: Provide correct, complete information
2. Bring Originals: Always bring original documents
3. Medical Report: Ensure medical report is comprehensive
4. Be Patient: Office visits and medical reviews can take time
5. Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask for clarification
6. Keep Records: Save all confirmations and reference numbers

After Application

1. Check Status: Monitor application status regularly
2. Respond Promptly: Provide additional information quickly
3. Cooperate with Medical Reviews: Attend all medical assessments
4. Update Information: Notify SASSA of any changes
5. Be Patient: Processing takes time, especially with medical reviews
6. Follow Up: Contact SASSA if no response after expected timeframe

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the Care Dependency Grant in 2026?

The Care Dependency Grant is R2,080 per month in 2026. This amount may be adjusted annually.

What is considered a severe disability?

A severe disability is one that requires the child to have permanent care and supervision, and the child cannot care for themselves independently. Medical assessment determines severity.

What is the age requirement for the child?

The child must be under 18 years old. The grant continues until the child turns 18.

Do I need a medical assessment?

Yes, a comprehensive medical assessment from an approved doctor is required. The assessment must confirm the child has a severe disability requiring permanent care.

How long does the application take?

Applications typically take 60-120 business days to process, depending on various factors including medical assessment requirements.

What is the income threshold for 2026?

For 2026, single caregivers must earn R6,000 or less per month, and married/coupled caregivers must have combined income of R12,000 or less.

Can I apply if I'm already receiving Child Support Grant?

Generally, you cannot receive both Care Dependency Grant and Child Support Grant for the same child. However, you may receive Care Dependency Grant if the child has a severe disability requiring permanent care.

What if my application is declined?

If your application is declined, you can appeal the decision within 90 days, or address the decline reason and reapply when eligible.

How do I update my information after approval?

You can update information through the SASSA website, WhatsApp, by calling the call centre, or by visiting a SASSA office.

Does the grant continue when the child turns 18?

The Care Dependency Grant ends when the child turns 18. At that point, the child may be eligible for the Disability Grant if they meet the requirements.

Conclusion

Applying for the Care Dependency Grant requires careful preparation, especially regarding medical assessments. Understanding the requirements, gathering comprehensive medical documentation, and following the application process correctly increases your chances of a successful application. The grant provides essential financial support for caregivers of children with severe disabilities, helping ensure these children receive the care and support they need.

For more information about medical assessments, payment dates, or maintaining your grant, explore our other comprehensive Care Dependency Grant guides.

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Related Articles:

• Care Dependency Grant Requirements (2026)
• Care Dependency Grant Amount (2026)
• Disability Grant Application Guide (2026)
• Child Support Grant Requirements (2026)

Official Resources:

• SASSA Official Website
• SASSA Care Dependency Grant Information
• SASSA Call Centre