Apply For SASSA Care Dependency Grant Online 2025
The SASSA Care Dependency Grant provides financial aid to parents, primary caregivers, or foster parents of children with severe disabilities who require full-time and special care. This grant supports children from birth until they turn 18 years old.
Who Qualifies for the Care Dependency Grant?
To be eligible for the Care Dependency Grant, both the caregiver and the child must meet specific criteria:
Caregiver Eligibility:
- Must be the parent, primary caregiver, or a court-appointed foster parent.
- Must be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
- Income:
- If single, your annual income must not exceed R223,200.
- If married, your combined annual income must not exceed R446,400.
- Note: These income limits do not apply to foster parents.
Child Eligibility:
- Must be under 18 years old.
- Must have a severe disability requiring full-time and special care.
- Cannot be cared for permanently in a state institution.
- Both the child and caregiver must reside in South Africa.
Important Note: A state medical officer must assess the child’s disability before the grant can be approved.
How to Apply for the Care Dependency Grant Online
Visit the SASSA website at services.sassa.gov.za. If you don’t have an account, register by providing your personal details. You’ll receive an OTP on your mobile to complete registration. Once registered, you can access SASSA services.
Select “apply for a grant” and choose the grant type “Care Dependency Grant”. Fill in the application form with accurate information from your ID and complete the generated affidavit. Click “continue to next step.”
You’ll be taken to the document upload page, where you can see the required documents and any missing ones. After uploading, click “submit.” You’ll receive a confirmation SMS and email with a reference number for future inquiries.
Processing Time:
It may take up to 3 months to process your application. SASSA will notify you once the application has been approved or if additional documents are required.
How Much Does the Grant Provide?
In March 2025 budget speech, SASSA social grants amount increased with R130. The Care Dependency Grant is now R2320 for financial year 2025/26.
How to Check Status of Grant Application?
Log in to the SASSA online services website. On the homepage, you’ll see a table displaying all your active applications along with their current status. SASSA will also send notifications whenever there is a change in the status of your application.
What Happens if Your Application is Denied?
If your application is not approved, you will receive written notification explaining the reason. You can appeal the decision to the Minister of Social Development at the Department of Social Development’s national office.
How to Use the SASSA Care Dependency Grant
The funds can be used for:
- Medical treatments, therapies, or consultations.
- Special equipment like wheelchairs, hearing aids, or assistive devices.
- Transportation for medical appointments or specialized care.
- Everyday needs such as food, clothing, and education for the child.
Make sure the funds are spent on the child’s care to avoid any disputes during reviews.
When Is the Grant Reviewed?
SASSA may review the grant periodically based on the caregiver’s declared income. You will be notified three months in advance if your grant requires a review.
Grant Suspension: The grant may be suspended for:
- Changes in the child’s circumstances.
- Results of a grant review.
- Non-cooperation during a review process.
- Fraud or misrepresentation.
- Errors in the original approval of the grant.
Grant Lapse Conditions: The grant will end if:
- The child passes away.
- The child is placed in a state institution.
- The caregiver does not claim the grant for three consecutive months.
- The child leaves South Africa.
- The child turns 18 years old.
