SASSA Care Dependency Grant – Eligibility and Application

ByJabulani Zondo

Reviewed by Thabo Mashaba
Fact Check by Pumi Dlamini

It is very difficult for parents to see their child suffering. And when children become dependent on their parents for their entire life due to a disability, it deeply affects the parents emotions. Not only does it impact their social life, but also their financial situation worsens.

Considering such situations, SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) has arranged a Care Dependency Grant for parents of children who are under 18 years old, mentally or physically disabled, and require constant care and attention. 

This grant is not just limited to real/biological parents, but is also provided to foster parents, caregivers, and legal guardians so that they can take full-time care of the affected children under their supervision.

If you have such children or want to take care of someone, and also want to know the criteria for the Care Dependency Grant, how to apply for it, and what processes are involved in getting the grant approved, then read through the entire article.

Who is Eligible for the SASSA Care Dependency Grant?

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides various grants to support vulnerable individuals and families, including the Care Dependency Grant which assists caregivers looking after children with severe disabilities. To get this grant, you must meet certain rules.

Eligibility Criteria for the SASSA Care Dependency Grant

Citizenship and Residency

To qualify for the Care Dependency Grant, applicants must be:

  • A South African citizen
  • A refugee
  • Someone with permanent residency in South Africa

Child’s Age and Care

  • The child must be 17 or younger. 
  • The child cannot live in a government-run facility for a long time.
  • You must be the child’s parent, legal caregiver, or foster parent.

Proof of Child’s Disability

  • You need to show that the child has a severe disability.
  • The child must need full-time care at home.

Income Limits

  • To qualify as a single person, your total income for the year cannot be higher than R249,600 (which comes out to R20,800 per month)
  • while married couples have an income cap of R499,200 per year.
  • These income limits do not apply to prospective foster parents.

You can apply for the SASSA Care Dependency Grant if you meet all these rules. This grant provides financial help to support children with severe disabilities who need special care at home.

Means Test for the SASSA Care Dependency Grant

The means test allows SASSA to check if you qualify for the Care Dependency Grant based on your income. This test ensures the grant goes to people who need it.

Income Limits as of 1 April 2023

Starting from 1 April 2023, the income limits for the means test have been updated:

  • If you are single and applying for the grant, your total annual income cannot exceed R249,600. You cannot earn more than this amount from all sources, like your job, business, or other grants.
  • If you are married and applying for the grant, your combined income with your spouse for the year cannot be more than R499,200. This total includes all the money you and your spouse earn together.

Exception for Foster Parents

If you are a foster parent applying for the Care Dependency Grant, you do not need to pass the means test. This means your income does not matter when applying for the grant as a foster parent.

List of Necessary Documents for the Care Dependency Grant Application

When you want to get the Care Dependency Grant from SASSA, you must show them some important papers. You can bring the real papers or copies that are stamped as true. When applying tell:

Who You Are

Take your 13-digit barcoded ID (or refugee ID and status permit), the child’s birth certificate with ID number, and your marriage certificate if applicable.

If the child’s birth certificate or your own ID are unavailable, you can:

  • Sign a special form called an affidavit at the police station or in front of someone who can take oaths, but not at SASSA. SASSA can give you this form, or you can print it from their website.
  • Show a letter from Home Affairs that says you asked for an ID or birth certificate.
  • Bring a temporary ID card from Home Affairs if you have one.
  • Show the child’s baptism or school paper if you have them.
  • Bring the child’s clinic card if you can.

If You Are Married or Not

  • If you are married, bring your marriage paper.
  • If you are divorced, show your divorce paper.
  • If your husband or wife died, bring the death certificate.

Money and Help for the Child

  • If you are married, show papers that say how much money you and your partner make. Foster parents don’t need to do this.
  • Bring papers from your job that show how much you earn or bank papers from the last three months.
  • If you get money because you don’t have a job, show the card they gave you.
  • If you had a job before, bring the paper your old boss gave you when you left or the paper that shows you asked for money because you lost your job.
  • If you get a pension, show the paper that says how much you get.
  • Show any papers that say you get money just for the child or that you tried to get money for the child from their real parents.
  • Show proof if the child gets any money.

Proving You Take Care of the Child

Non-biological primary caregivers must submit one of the following as proof of primary caregiver status:

  • A paper from the police station that says you take care of the child.
  • A letter from a social worker.
  • A letter from the child’s real parent says you should care for the child.
  • A letter from the child’s school principal.
  • A paper from the court that says you are the child’s foster parent (only for foster parents).

Doctor’s Report

You must show a report from a doctor that says the child has a disability and that they need someone to take care of them at home all the time.

When you bring all these papers to SASSA, they can look at your application for the Care Dependency Grant faster and easier.

How to Apply for the Care Dependency Grant

Follow these steps to apply for the Care Dependency Grant from SASSA:

How to Apply for the Care Dependency Grant

1. Get a Doctor’s Assessment

Before applying, a doctor SASSA chooses must check the child’s health. This is called a medical assessment. The doctor will see how the child’s disability affects their daily life.

2. Visit Your Nearest SASSA Office

After the doctor’s assessment, visit the SASSA office closest to you. The application form must be completed in the presence of a SASSA officer. If you prefer, you can also apply online through the SASSA website.

3. Ask Someone to Help You Apply

If you are too old, ill or disabled to apply personally, a trusted relative or friend can do so on your behalf with a letter from you and a doctor’s note explaining why you cannot visit the SASSA office.

4. Fill out the application

You can get the application form at the SASSA office. Fill it out there with the help of a SASSA officer. If you can’t fill it out yourself, the officer will help you. They will also ask you questions about your situation to see if you qualify for the grant.

5. Keep Your Receipt

After you finish the application and answer the officer’s questions, they will give you a receipt with the date and their name. keep the receipt of your application as proof, even if they indicate you may not qualify. Processing takes up to 3 months.

If you have trouble with the application process, just ask the friendly SASSA officers for help. 

Application Processing Duration for SASSA Care Dependency Grants

When you apply for the SASSA Care Dependency Grant, it can take up to 3 months for them to review your application and decide if you can get it. If they say yes, you will get money from when you first requested the grant. If your Care Dependency Grant application is denied, SASSA will provide written notification detailing the reasons for the rejection. This letter will also include information on how to request a reconsideration of the decision and have your application reviewed once more.

How to Check Your SASSA Care Dependency Grant Application Status

After you send in your application for the Care Dependency Grant, you might want to know what’s happening with it. You can check the status of your application to see if SASSA has said yes or no or to find out how far along it is. Here are some ways to do a SASSA Care Dependency Grant status check:

Checking the Status of Your SASSA Care Dependency Grant Application

Use Our Quick Tool

If you want to know right away, please use our easy tool. Just click on onlinesassastatuscheck.co.za, and you’ll get the answer you need.

Check on the SASSA Website

You can also go to the official SASSA website by clicking here. Look for the section about checking your application status on the website and follow the steps.

Use the Moya App (Data-Free)

If you have the Moya app on your phone, you can check your status without using any data. Open the app and look for the SASSA section to see where your application is at. Have A look at :Moya App SASSA 350 Status Check

Send an SMS to SASSA

Another way to check is by sending an SMS to the SASSA number 082-046-8553. Ask about your application status in your message, and they will reply.

Chat with SASSA on WhatsApp

You can also use WhatsApp to talk to SASSA about your application. Send a message to 082-046-8553 on WhatsApp, and they will help you find out where things stand. Read more details about how to Check SASSA R350 Grant Status via WhatsApp

Call the SASSA Toll-Free Number

If you prefer to talk to someone directly, call the SASSA toll-free number at 0800-601011. The person on the phone will assist you in checking the status of your Care Dependency Grant application.

It’s important to keep tracking your application status and payment dates so you always know what’s going on with your grant.

What to Do if SASSA Doesn’t Approve Your Care Dependency Grant

If SASSA rejects your Care Dependency Grant application, don’t lose hope. You can take steps to try and change their decision:

Understand the Rejection

Ask SASSA why they didn’t approve your application. Use this to figure out what went wrong.

Review and Correct Your Application

Make sure your application is filled out completely and correctly. If you find any, fix them and resubmit the application to SASSA.

Appeal the Decision

If you believe SASSA made a mistake, you can appeal to the Ministry of Social Development within 90 days of receiving the rejection letter.

Provide Additional Information

If SASSA requests more documents or proof, provide them as quickly as possible to support your application.

Seek Legal Assistance

If you’re struggling with the appeal process, consider getting help from a legal expert who can guide you.

Follow Up Regularly

After submitting your appeal or providing additional information, check in with SASSA to show your commitment and stay informed about your application status.

Remember, the appeal process may take time, and there’s no approval guarantee. However, if you reapply within 90 days of rejection, your chances of acceptance may be higher.

Understanding the SASSA Care Dependency Grant Payment Process

After SASSA approves your Care Dependency Grant application, they will send you money from the date you applied. SASSA doesn’t have a fixed payment schedule each month. Instead, they announce the dates at the beginning of every month. You can check your next payment date by visiting the SASSA payment schedule link.

Choosing Your Payment Method

SASSA offers three ways to receive your grant money:

  1. You can have money sent straight to your bank account or Postbank account. There might be fees from the bank for this service.
  2. You can take out cash from stores partnered with SASSA, such as Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Boxer, Checkers, Usave, and Spar.
  3. Payment through old age homes, disability centres, or non-profit organizations

Setting Up Bank Payments

If you want to get your grant money directly deposited into your bank account, you need to complete the “Consent Form for Bank Payment of SASSA Grant” and submit it with the following:

  • Proof of who you are, like your ID card, birth certificate, or driver’s license
  • provide your bank account number, and make sure the account is under your name
  • Bank statements from the last three months showing your name and account number

Changing Your Payment Method

If you want to change your bank details or payment method, visit your local welfare office and complete the necessary form. The change will take effect the following month after SASSA has verified the information.

How to Check Your SASSA Care Dependency Grant Balance?

It’s crucial to monitor the balance of your Care Dependency Grant to know how much money you have remaining. This way, you can plan how to use the money and make good choices. After SASSA approves your grant and you start getting payments, you should check your balance often. Some simple methods to accomplish that.:

How to Check Your SASSA Care Dependency Grant Balance

Using Your Phone

  • Dial _120_3210# or _120_69277# on your cell phone. This is called a USSD code, and it will tell you how much money is still in your grant account.

At the ATM

  • You can also check your balance at any ATM. Just remember that the bank might charge you a small fee for this.

WhatsApp

  • Send a message via the social media app “WhatsApp” using the number 082 046 8553. They will help you find out your grant balance.

Call SASSA

  • Call the SASSA toll-free number 0800 601 011 if you prefer to talk to someone. The person on the phone will assist you in checking how much grant money you have left.

By using these simple methods, you can always know how much money is in your Care Dependency Grant account.

Important Dates for Receiving Your SASSA Care Dependency Grant

To get your SASSA Care Dependency Grant, check the payment dates on the SASSA website. Search for the most recent schedule covering April 2023 to March 2024 and locate the Care Dependency Grant table. Knowing when you’ll receive the money helps you plan your finances and ensure timely payments.

How Much is Care Dependency Grant

The SASSA disability grant increased to R2,090 per person starting October 1, 2023. The money you get varies based on your income, as SASSA follows a sliding scale system. To ensure eligibility, keep your bank balance below R1,080. If you have questions about the grant amount or application process, visit your nearest SASSA office for assistance. The disability grant aims to support those with disabilities who struggle financially.

What to Do if Your SASSA Disability Grant is Suspended or Stops?

If your SASSA disability grant gets suspended or stopped for any reason, don’t panic. Here’s what you can do:

  • If your SASSA disability grant is suspended or stopped:
  • Provide any additional information or documents SASSA requests
    • This may include proof of disability, income, or other circumstances
    • Give the needed info quickly so they can look at your case faster.
  • Be patient while SASSA investigates your case
    • Keep checking in with them for updates
    • If you’re still eligible, SASSA will work on restarting your payments.

Always remember that SASSA is there to help you with your disability grant.

Why Your SASSA Care Dependency Grant Might Stop or Pause?

Sometimes, your Care Dependency Grant from SASSA might end or get suspended. All this due to the following reasons:

  • The grant will stop if:
    • The child passes away (on the last day of that month)
    • The child lives in a state institution (after six months)
    • You or the main caregiver don’t collect the money for three consecutive months
    • The child is not in South Africa
    • The child turns 18 (on the last day of their birthday month)
  • The grant might be paused if:
    • Your financial situation changes (doesn’t apply to foster parents)
    • The child’s health or financial situation changes
    • You provided false information or tried to cheat the system
    • You didn’t cooperate during a grant review
    • The review finds a reason to pause the grant
    • SASSA approved the grant by mistake

If your grant stops or is paused, contact SASSA immediately. They will guide you on restarting the grant if you are still eligible.

When Does the Care Dependency Grant Stop?

The Care Dependency Grant helps you take care of a child with a severe disability. But there are times when the grant will come to an end. Let’s know the reasons:

  • The child turns 18
  • The child passes away
  • The child is admitted to a state institution
  • You or the child aren’t refugees anymore

Inform SASSA if any of these situations occur. SASSA will adjust your grant payments accordingly. The money is only for South Africans, people who can stay here forever, and refugees who are known, who are taking care of kids under 18 who are really sick.

What to Do if Someone is Scamming Your Care Dependency Grant?

If someone has applied for your SASSA grant without your permission or is using your grant money, you need to act fast. Follow these steps to report the fraud and get your grant back:

  • Call SASSA at 0800 60 10 11 or go to a SASSA office
  • Report to the Post Office if your SASSA card or bank details are stolen
  • Inform the police (SAPS) if the fraud is a serious crime
  • Contact the National Anti-Corruption Hotline at 0800 701 701 if other steps don’t work

Provide detailed information when reporting fraud. Only use official SASSA contact information and reporting methods. Don’t share personal information through unofficial channels.

Responsibilities of Care Dependency Grant Beneficiaries

If you are getting the Care Dependency Grant from SASSA, there are some important things you need to do:

  • Keep SASSA informed about changes in your life or your child’s life
    • Update them about your financial situation and your child’s health
    • This ensures you receive the correct grant amount
  • Tell SASSA if you move or change contact details
    • SASSA sends important letters and updates to the address you provided
    • If they can’t reach you, your grant payments may be stopped
  • Always provide truthful information to SASSA
    • Fraud or lying is not allowed
    • Giving false information can lead to trouble and losing your grant

Stay in touch with SASSA and be honest to keep your Care Dependency Grant running smoothly.

Conclusion

The SASSA Care Dependency Grant provides crucial support for children with severe disabilities and their caregivers. By understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and payment details, you can ensure you receive the assistance you need. Remember to inform SASSA of any changes in your circumstances and report any suspected fraud immediately.

If you encounter any issues with your grant, don’t hesitate to contact SASSA for guidance. By staying informed and proactive, you can make the most of this valuable resource and provide the best possible care for your child.

Frequently Asked Questions

The processing time for a Care Dependency Grant application is typically up to 3 months. If approved, you will receive back pay from the date of application.

As of April 2023, the Care Dependency Grant provides R1,990 per month. This amount is subject to change annually.

If your application is rejected, SASSA will explain the denial. You can appeal the decision within 90 days of receiving the rejection letter. Gather any additional supporting documents and submit your appeal to SASSA.

If you suspect fraud, report it immediately to SASSA by calling their toll-free hotline at 0800 60 10 11 or visiting your nearest SASSA office. You may also need to report the fraud to the Post Office and, in some cases, the South African Police Service (SAPS).