SASSA care dependency grant: who qualifies and how to check your status
The care dependency grant is a monthly payment for the parent or primary caregiver of a child under 18 with a severe mental or physical disability that requires full-time care.
| Criteria / detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Who qualifies | A South African citizen or permanent resident who is the parent, primary caregiver or court-appointed foster parent of the child |
| Child | Under 18 with a severe mental or physical disability that needs permanent care or support |
| Medical proof | A report or assessment dated within about 3 months of the application |
| Other grants | Cannot already receive another social grant; the child must not be cared for in a government-funded institution for full-time care exceeding six months |
| Means test | Family income and assets must be below the set thresholds |
| Processing | Processing time can vary; the outcome is sent by SMS |
| Check status | Use the SASSA status tool with your ID and registered phone number |
| Reviews | Grants are reviewed, and bank or institutional beneficiaries usually submit a life certificate each year |
The monthly amount and the means-test thresholds are set in the national budget and change each year, so confirm the current figures with SASSA before applying.