SASSA Care Dependency Grant – Eligibility, Application Process & More!

The Sassa Care Dependency Grant provides financial support to the primary caregiver of a child with mental or physical disabilities, in this case, the child must be getting full-time care at his home rather than in any other Social institution.

The primary goal of the Care Dependency grant is to assist children with disabilities of any kind from birth until age eighteen. To enable the impaired child to receive full-time care at home, it is important to make sure the doctor has examined the child and verified that they qualify for it.

SASSA Care Dependency Grant 2024

In this post, we will tell you about its Eligibility Criteria, how a person can pass an SASSA means test, how many easy methods there are through which you can easily apply for the SASSA Care Dependency Grant, and the detailed discussion that how to collect your Grant payment.

SASSA Care Dependency Grant Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for a Sassa grant, all applicants must confirm that they fit the eligibility requirements, which are listed below.

  • The primary caregiver must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
  • You must be a parent, a primary caregiver designated by law, or a foster parent of a kid under the age of eighteen.
  • The child or children in need of care cannot be kept in a state institution on a long-term basis. 
  • Both the Child and caregiver must be residents of South Africa.
  • The applicant must submit the medical statements, proving the permanent and severe disability of a child.
  • Except for foster parents, the candidate and spouse must fulfill the means test conditions. 
  • You shouldn’t make more than R249 600 (or R20 800 a month) a year. If married, the combined yearly income cannot exceed R499 200 (or R41 600 monthly). The foster parents are exempt from this requirement.

Reasons why you can not get a Care Dependency grant 

After reviewing all of the eligibility conditions for the grant, you also need to be aware of the reasons why you are not eligible for an SASSA grant. 

Reasons why you can not get a Care Dependency grant
  • someone who receives payment to watch the child,
  • The applicant is not the kid’s primary caregiver, 
  • the child is already receiving funding from someone else,
  • The applicant or the child may not meet the eligibility criteria set by SASSA. 

The stipend is only available to those whose financial position falls below a predetermined threshold. 

What is the Means Test for the SASSA Care Dependency Grant?

One of the most important tools available to a Sassa application for a Care Dependency Grant (CDG) is the Means test, which measures the caregiver’s eligibility and confirms their right to financial assistance from the SASSA social agency Grant payments.

Means Test Criteria: 

  • As of April 1, 2023, if you are single, your annual income must exceed R249,6000 to be eligible for the means test. 
  • If married, the combined yearly income cannot exceed R499 200.

Remember that these Means Test Criteria do not apply to the foster parents as they do not need to follow this specific rule, and if the Foster Child grants applicant wants to receive financial aid from this grant then they can easily apply for it.

Just like this, every Other SASSA Social grant has its eligibility criteria for the mean test that must be checked before applying for the SASSA Srd R 350 Online Application or any other grant.

What is the amount for the Care Dependency Grant in 2024?

As soon as you check your Sassa Care Dependency Status Online and receive a message of approval, your monthly payment of the Grant will start from the same month.

Amount for the care dependency grant

SASSA New Payment Increase April 2024

From April 1st the Sassa Care Dependency Grant has increased by R100 and this increment has been split into two parts:

  • In April 2024, the care dependency Grant will be paid R2,180 instead of R2,090.
  • In October 2024, the amount is going to grow by an additional R10 to R2,190.
FROM R2090TOR2190

It should be remembered that the Grant is only accessible to the needy and eligible people, and people with higher private income may not be eligible for the Scheme.

How Much Does that Care Dependency Grant Cost?

If you are concerned about the money invested in the SASSA Care Dependency then remember that there is no cost associated with applying for SASSA Care Dependency grants, and there is no service charge.

How to Apply for the Care Dependency Grant?

One of the very important steps for SASSA applicants is that the Disable Child must be accessed by the Doctor assigned by the SASSA official team, for the medical verification reports of a Child’s severe disability. After completing the Doctor’s examination, You can easily apply for the SASSA Care Dependency grant by visiting your nearest SASSA Center or if you want to apply for it Online then you can visit the SASSA Service portal from your browser and follow the steps provided there to apply through the Internet.

Note: For those who cannot visit the SASSA Office by themselves

If you are too elderly, too unwell, or have any kind of impairment, you can have a friend or trusted family member apply on your behalf. A letter from you and a note from your doctor justifying your inability to visit the SASSA office personally should be provided to the person applying on your behalf.

Procedure to fill out the application form at the SASSA Office

  • The application forms must be filled out in front of the SASSA official and are available at SASSA offices.
  • You may complete the application on your own. (The officer will assist you in filling out the application form if you are having trouble doing so on your own.)
  • They will also record your interview (or that of the person you have designated). 
  • Once the interview is over, you will be notified if you are eligible for the grant.

You will also receive a dated stamp receipt with the name of the Sassa officer who helped you with the application after finishing the application and interview. Keep this receipt as proof of application even if you are not qualified as this also contains the SASSA reference number in it.  

However, if you have lost your SASSA reference number then you can easily recover it by following the steps given in the above link.

Required Documents to Apply for Care Dependency Grant

Here is the list of the most important documents that must be with you when visiting the Sassa office to apply for a Care Dependency Grant:

Required Documents to Apply for Care Dependency Grant
  • Your child’s birth certificate (which needs to contain an ID number) and your original 13-digit bar-coded ID (identification document). If neither your child’s birth certificate nor an ID are with you:
  • It is necessary that you complete the affidavit form found on the SASSA standard affidavit template, and that you do it in front of an independent Oaths Commissioner. 
  • You need to obtain official documents from the Department of Home Affairs attesting to the fact that you started the process of applying for a birth certificate or identification.
  • A temporary identity document card was provided by the Department of Home Affairs. (if applicable).
  • Baptismal certificate, if you have it.
  • A school certificate, if available
  • Road to Health Clinic (RTHC) Card, if you can provide it.
  • The child’s disability is verified by a medical assessment report, which also attests to the fact that he is receiving ongoing care or assistance at home.
  • Evidence of your status as married: 
  • Marriage Certificate: if you are married.
  • Divorce Decree: In case of a dissolved marriage.
  • Death Certificate: if your spouse is deceased.
  • If you are married, please submit any documents that list your income as well as that of your spouse. (Foster parents are not subject to this requirement.)
  • such as bank statements from the previous three months or pay slips if you have a job.
  • whether you are eligible for UIF benefits, or your UIF card.
  • If you were employed, you must submit a copy of your previous employer’s termination letter or proof of your Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) membership.
  • pension receipt if you receive one.
  • Evidence of any financial assistance you were given expressly for the child, or a statement indicating you attempted to obtain financial support from the child’s biological parents but were unsuccessful.
  • If you are not the child’s biological parent, you must show that you are the child’s primary caregiver by presenting one of the following documents:
  • the sworn declaration that was collected from a police station.
  • letter from the principal of the child’s school.
  • A child’s biological parent’s written consent designates you as the child’s caregiver.
  • The social worker’s report.

Processing Time for the Application of Care Dependency Grant

It takes 90 days which is three months to process the SASSA Care Dependency grant then after reviewing your application they send you the message of approval so that from the month when your SASSA Care application is approved you will receive your grant payment by your SASSA New Card from the date you submit your application.

If your application is denied, SASSA will send you a letter explaining why the grant isn’t approved. After that, you can apply for the Sassa reconsideration form to review your application so that this time they can go through your eligibility criteria and approve your registration for the SASSA beneficiary.

SASSA Care Dependency Grant Status Check

To stay informed about your SASSA Grant Payment, you must check the status of your care dependency grant application frequently after submitting your Sassa application. 

SASSA Care Dependency Grant Status Check

The greatest advantage is that it’s simple to track down by using a status check to find out whether your application was accepted or rejected and what its current status is. Once your Care Dependency grant is approved by Sassa then you can also view the current status of your care dependency grant payment through the SASSA Status check. SASSA Care Dependency grant status check can be done through the following methods:

Through the Moya APP Using the Data Free Method

Through the SASSA Official Website by Clicking Here

Through SMS To SASSA Number 082-046-8553

Through SASSA WhatsApp 082-046-8553

Contacting on SASSA Toll-Free No. 0800-601011

What should you do if your SASSA Care Dependency Grant application is denied?

If your SASSA Care Dependency Grant application is declined then you have the opportunity to apply for an SASSA reconsideration application, but if in case your SASSA reconsideration request is also denied then you have the choice to appeal the decision of SASSA to the Ministry of Social Development at the National Department of Social Development.

Important note: Within 90 days of the application’s submission, the appeal must be submitted.

To reach a decision, the Ministry of Social Development will examine your appeal. If they find it in your favor, they will reverse the SASSA’s decision and you will begin to get your grant money. You will receive a written explanation of the decision if your appeal is rejected.

Understanding the SASSA Care Dependency Grant Payment Process

Once your SASSA Care Dependency grant application is approved you will start receiving your SASSA payment from the date you applied, the date of your Payments is not fixed, however every month SASSA announces the new SASSA Payments dates.

Don’t be concerned if you’re wondering how Sassa will deliver your grant payments; I’ve covered the three crucial ways that SASSA Beneficiaries get their grant payments each month. (You can opt for any One)

Designated Pay Points:

SASSA supports cash payments at designated pay sites in some circumstances, particularly in remote regions. Beneficiaries can receive their cash grants at these places.

Bank Payment through (EFT):

SASSA might use electronic funds transfer to deposit grants directly into eligible recipients’ bank accounts.

Payment through an institution:

An institution not funded by the State, such as a home for people with disabilities.

Now those people who want to receive their SASSA Payment through a Bank account, first they need to you will need to complete the Consent Form for Bank Payment of SASSA Grant and submit each of the following documents:

  • Identification documentation, such as a driver’s license, birth certificate, or identification document
  • Number of bank accounts; the account must be in your name
  • Your name and account number should be displayed on the three-month bank statement.

If in case you can not go by yourself to collect your SASSA Payment then you have an option to send someone else on your behalf to receive your SASSA Care Dependency grant Payment.

By completing a form at the welfare office, you can change your banking details or mode of payment at any time. However from the following month, once the verification is finished, the payments will be accepted using the new payment process.

SASSA Care Dependency Grant Balance Check

If you want to do your SASSA Balance check for your remaining Sassa grant payment then you will learn here a fast and easy way. Through the SASSA Balance check you can learn the amount of cash you have in your Sassa account and you can also be updated about your funds. Following the approval of your Care Dependency grant application and the release of grant payments, you might have to check your balance regularly by using the following methods: 

  • By dialing the USSD code *120*3210# or *120*69277# through your cellphone
  • At any ATM (normal bank charges may be applied)
  • Via SASSA WhatsApp number 082 046 8553
  • ­By calling the SASSA call center toll-free number 0800 601 011

SASSA Care Dependency Grant Reviews

The South African Social Security Agency reserves the right to examine the grant that you received, this is usually related to the statement of the income you have submitted to the SASAS during the time of submitting your application. Sassa review your status for the Care Dependency grant to confirm that you are still meeting the eligibility criteria for receiving financial aid and to also check if the child is still alive. 

Therefore you have to keep your SASSA application updated so that it can make your review process easier and ensure a smooth delivery of your SASSA Payment. Before the three-month review period or the deadline to submit your life certificate (documentation that you are still alive), SASSA will provide you written notice. The review’s date and place will also be specified in the written notification.

People who receive SASSA payments through banks or institutions, If you get your grant through a bank, organization, or agency, you must bring your child’s life certificate to the SASSA office every year. SASSA representatives will come to your home to review if you are bedridden. After your evaluation is complete, you will receive a compliance receipt.

Following the expiration of the applicant’s refugee status, the review procedure for applicants will begin.

Grant Suspension Reasons

Your Sassa grant may be suspended due to the following reasons:

  • If your situation changes.
  • You committed fraud or gave incorrect information.
  • You were uncooperative when the grant was being reviewed.
  • The review’s outcome.
  • if the grant was inadvertently approved. 

Restoration of the Grant

In case of your SASSA grant Suspension is unjustified and you believe that it is suspended in error then you have the choice to appeal to the Ministry of Social Development at the National Department of Social Development within 90 days of the suspension.

Consequences when the Care Dependency Grant is ceased or lapses 

Our disability grant may be suspended or terminated in the following situations:

  • Changes in your situation
  • SASSA review result Means Test
  • Cooperation failure throughout the review process
  • Illegal conduct or misrepresentation
  • Errors in the grant approval process
  • Passed away
  • Admission to a state university
  • Failure to file a claim for three months in a row
  • Leave the country

Responsibilities of the Beneficiaries

As the recipient of a SASSA Care Dependency Grant, you also have specific responsibilities to fulfill:

Honesty and Integrity in Application: Recipients of social grants are required to submit honest and truthful applications regarding their circumstances. Applications that are fraudulent or misleading may incur fines or forfeit benefits.

Reporting Changes in Circumstances: Recipients must notify SASSA of any changes to their circumstances as soon as possible, as this could impact their eligibility for the social grant. 

Compliance with SASSA Regulations: For social grants to be administered and distributed, recipients must abide by all guidelines established by SASSA. This could involve other procedural rules, documentation requirements, and application renewal deadlines.

South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Help Center:

If in case of any query or problem arise then you do not have to worry about it as SASSA provides one of the best social service platforms for their people so that they can get authentic guidance from the Sassa Management Staff. You can get information related to the dates of payment, all government grants must meet certain criteria, addresses and phone numbers for district offices, help with your application, and any incidents of fraud or corruption must be reported.

If you have additional questions, feel free to reach out to SASSA through the following channels:

  • Connect with the SASSA Toll-Free Call Centre at 0800 60 10 11
  • Contact the SASSA Head Office: 012 400 2322
  • Email your queries to the SASSA Head Office: [email protected]
  • Explore a list of SASSA offices across the country: SASSA Office near you