✅ Updated June 2026 — Official SASSA InformationCare Dependency Grant 2026 — R2,400/Month for Caregivers
Complete guide to the SASSA Care Dependency Grant — current R2,400 monthly amount, eligibility for caregivers of severely disabled children, required documents, and step-by-step application guide.
R2,400
Per month — April 2026 confirmed amount
The Care Dependency Grant is a SASSA social grant that pays R2,400 per month to the primary caregiver of a child under 18 who has a severe permanent disability requiring full-time care. It is one of the highest-paying SASSA grants available in 2026 and is completely free to apply for in person at any SASSA office.
How Much Is the Care Dependency Grant in 2026?
The Care Dependency Grant pays R2,400 per month from April 2026, following the 3.5% above-inflation increase announced in the 2026/27 National Budget. This applies to all approved caregivers across South Africa.
Effective From
1 April 2026
Child Age Limit
Under 18 years
Single Income Limit
R277,200/year
Married Income Limit
R554,400/year
Medical Assessment
Mandatory
Application Cost
Free — always
Processing Time
Up to 3 months
What Is the Care Dependency Grant?
The SASSA Care Dependency Grant (CDG) is a monthly payment to the primary caregiver of a child under 18 years who has a severe physical or mental disability that requires permanent full-time care. The grant recognises that caring for a severely disabled child involves significant ongoing costs including medical treatment, therapy, special equipment, transport, and professional care services.
Unlike the Child Support Grant which supports general childcare, the Care Dependency Grant specifically targets children whose disability is so severe that they cannot function independently without continuous assistance. The current grant amount is R2,400 per month effective from 1 April 2026.
✅ Important Note from SASSA: A foster child who is care dependent may qualify for both the Foster Child Grant and the Care Dependency Grant simultaneously. The income of foster parents is excluded from the Means Test when applying for a Care Dependency Grant on behalf of a fostered child.
What Does “Care Dependency Grant” Mean?
The name comes from two concepts: “care” — referring to the ongoing, permanent daily assistance the child requires — and “dependency” — meaning the child cannot function or survive without that care from another person. A child who is care-dependent is one whose physical or mental disability is so severe that they rely entirely on a caregiver for daily activities such as eating, bathing, dressing, mobility, and communication.
SASSA created this grant specifically because the cost and time demands of caring for a severely disabled child go far beyond what ordinary childcare requires. The grant helps caregivers — whether parents, grandparents, or foster parents — to meet those extra costs without having to sacrifice their own income or livelihood.
In simple terms: if your child has a severe disability and cannot look after themselves, and you are their full-time caregiver, this is the grant designed for your situation.
Who Qualifies for the Care Dependency Grant?
Both the caregiver and the child must meet specific requirements set by SASSA. These are taken directly from the official SASSA qualifying criteria.
The Caregiver Must:
✅ Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or recognised refugee residing in South Africa
✅ Reside in South Africa along with the child
✅ Be the primary caregiver of a child under 18 years who requires permanent care due to a disability
✅ Submit clinical information or a referral form as a baseline for assessment
✅ If previously rejected on medical grounds, provide a referral form completed by a treating facility or practitioner
✅ Meet the requirements of the Means Test — applicable to the applicant and spouse, but NOT applicable to foster parents
The Child Must:
✅ Be under 18 years of age
✅ Be a South African citizen or recognised refugee
✅ Have a severe physical or mental disability confirmed by medical or functional assessment
✅ Require permanent full-time care — unable to function independently without continuous assistance
✅ Not be permanently cared for in a state-funded institution such as a psychiatric hospital or special care centre
✅ Have a valid birth certificate provided by the caregiver
✅ If of school-going age — proof of school attendance must be provided where possible (failure to submit will NOT result in refusal)
You Do NOT Qualify If:
❌ The child is permanently cared for in a state-funded institution
❌ The child is 18 years or older
❌ The caregiver’s income exceeds R277,200 per year (single) or R554,400 per year (married)
❌ The disability is temporary or minor and does not require full-time permanent care
⚠️ Means Test Exception for Foster Parents: If you are a foster parent applying for a Care Dependency Grant on behalf of a fostered child, the Means Test does NOT apply to your income. This is an important exception that many caregivers are not aware of.
How Much Must I Earn to Qualify for the Care Dependency Grant?
SASSA applies a Means Test to the Care Dependency Grant. Your income must fall below these thresholds to qualify:
| Applicant Status | Maximum Annual Income | Maximum Monthly Income |
|---|
| Single caregiver (not married) | R277,200 per year | R23,100 per month |
| Married caregiver (combined) | R554,400 per year | R46,200 per month |
| Foster parent caregiver | No limit — Means Test does NOT apply | No limit |
ℹ️ Important: If your income is just above the threshold due to a temporary payment such as a bonus, inheritance, or family gift, you can submit an affidavit explaining the source. SASSA may still approve your application if your regular income is below the limit.
The Medical Assessment — What to Expect
A medical or functional assessment confirming the child’s disability is mandatory for all Care Dependency Grant applications. The assessment must be conducted by a state doctor or SASSA-appointed practitioner.
1
Obtain clinical information or a referral formGet a referral letter from the child’s treating health practitioner. This letter must contain clinical information about the child’s condition and the level of care required — used as a baseline for the SASSA assessment.
2
SASSA refers child for medical assessmentSASSA will refer the child to a state doctor or SASSA-appointed practitioner for a formal assessment confirming the severity and permanence of the disability.
3
Temporary disabilities may be approvedIf the child’s disability is expected to be temporary, SASSA may approve a temporary Care Dependency Grant that must be renewed with a new medical assessment when it expires.
4
Previously rejected on medical groundsIf your application was previously rejected on medical grounds, you must provide a new referral form completed by a treating facility before reapplying.
ℹ️ Cannot afford a private doctor? SASSA can arrange a free medical assessment by a state doctor. Visit your nearest SASSA office and ask for an assessment referral. Call the toll-free helpline on 0800 60 10 11 for assistance.
Required Documents for Application
These documents are taken directly from the official SASSA Care Dependency Grant leaflet. Bring original or certified copies as specified below.
🪪Certified copy of 13-digit barcoded ID or Smart ID card for the applicant and spouse (if married)
🛂Certified copy of a valid Section 24 refugee permit (if applicable)
📄Certified copy of the child’s unabridged birth certificate
🏦Bank account confirmation letter OR 3 months bank statements for the payment account
💍Proof of marital status — marriage certificate, death certificate, decree of divorce, or affidavit of desertion
💰Latest payslip (not older than 3 months) for both the applicant and spouse
🏧3 months bank statements for all accounts — both applicant and spouse
🏥Referral letter with clinical information from the treating health practitioner confirming the child’s disability
🏫Proof of school attendance if child is of school-going age (failure to submit will NOT result in refusal)
⚠️ Note from SASSA: Additional documents may be requested during one-on-one screening at the SASSA office. Always keep certified copies of all submitted documents for your own records.
How to Apply for the Care Dependency Grant — Step by Step
Applications must be made in person at a SASSA office. The application is completely free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
1
Collect a referral letter from the child’s doctorBefore visiting SASSA, obtain a referral letter or clinical report from the child’s treating health practitioner describing the child’s condition and level of permanent care required.
2
Gather all required documentsCollect certified copies of your ID, the child’s birth certificate, bank statements, payslips, proof of marital status, and the medical referral letter.
3
Visit your nearest SASSA officeGo Monday to Friday between 07:30 and 16:00. Ask for the Care Dependency Grant application form. Arrive early as queues can be long.
4
Complete the application form with a SASSA officerThe SASSA officer will assist you. You will receive a stamped receipt — keep this as proof of your application date and for follow-up queries.
5
Child undergoes medical assessmentSASSA will refer the child to a state doctor or SASSA-appointed practitioner to confirm the severity and permanence of the disability.
6
Biometric verificationYour fingerprints and photograph will be captured for identity verification. This is mandatory for all 2026 applications.
7
Await the outcomeProcessing takes up to 3 months. Once approved, payments are backdated to your application date. Check your status by calling 0800 60 10 11.
When Is the Care Dependency Grant Paid?
The Care Dependency Grant is paid together with the Children’s Grants on the third day of the three-day permanent grant payment cycle each month.
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|
| July 2026 | Friday 4 July 2026 |
| August 2026 | Wednesday 5 August 2026 |
| September 2026 | Thursday 3 September 2026 |
| October 2026 | Monday 5 October 2026 |
| November 2026 | Wednesday 4 November 2026 |
| December 2026 | Thursday 3 December 2026 |
Common Reasons for Care Dependency Grant Rejection
Disability not severe enoughThe medical assessment found the child’s disability does not require permanent full-time care. Fix: Obtain additional specialist reports and appeal with stronger medical evidence.
Incomplete medical referralThe referral letter did not contain sufficient clinical information. Fix: Return to the treating doctor for a more detailed referral letter and resubmit.
Income above thresholdThe caregiver’s income exceeds R277,200/year (single) or R554,400/year (married). Fix: If income was temporary, submit an affidavit explaining the circumstances.
Child in state institutionThe child is permanently cared for in a state-funded institution. Fix: Apply once the child returns to home care.
Incomplete documentsMissing birth certificate, referral letter, or proof of marital status. Fix: Return to SASSA with all required certified documents and resubmit.
Identity verification failureCaregiver or child details do not match Home Affairs records. Fix: Correct details at Home Affairs first, then reapply.
🔴 How to Appeal a Declined Care Dependency Grant
If your Care Dependency Grant application was declined and you believe the decision was wrong, you have the right to appeal for free within 90 days of the decision.
1
Request written reasons for the decline — Ask SASSA to provide the specific reason for rejection in writing. You are legally entitled to this information.
2
Obtain stronger medical evidence — Get additional specialist reports, therapy assessments, or hospital letters that better document the severity of the child’s disability.
3
Submit your appeal within 90 days — Visit your nearest SASSA office or submit to ITSAA. Appeals submitted after 90 days will not be considered.
4
Await the tribunal decision — The ITSAA independently reviews your case. If successful, the grant is backdated to your original application date.
For full appeal guidance: How to Appeal a Declined SASSA Grant 2026 →
Frequently Asked Questions — Care Dependency Grant 2026
How much is the Care Dependency Grant in 2026?
The Care Dependency Grant is R2,400 per month in 2026, effective from 1 April 2026. It increased by 3.5% from the previous R2,320 following the 2026/27 National Budget announcement.
What is the care dependency grant meaning?
The Care Dependency Grant is a monthly SASSA payment for caregivers of children with severe permanent disabilities. “Care dependency” means the child is completely dependent on another person for daily care — they cannot eat, bathe, dress, or move without assistance due to a severe physical or mental disability.
Who qualifies for the care dependency grant?
To qualify, the caregiver must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or recognised refugee who is the primary caregiver of a child under 18. The child must have a severe physical or mental disability confirmed by medical assessment. The caregiver’s income must be below R277,200 per year (single) or R554,400 per year (married). Foster parents are exempt from the income test.
What is the care dependency grant amount for 2026?
The care dependency grant amount is R2,400 per month from April 2026, confirmed by SASSA following the 2026/27 National Budget. The amount increased from R2,320 in the previous period.
Can a grandmother or foster parent apply?
Yes. Any person who is the primary caregiver of the disabled child can apply, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and foster parents. Foster parents have an additional advantage — their income is excluded from the Means Test when applying for a Care Dependency Grant on behalf of a fostered child.
What happens to the grant when the child turns 18?
The Care Dependency Grant stops automatically when the child turns 18. At that point, if the person still has a severe disability, they may apply for the Disability Grant in their own name, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
How long does it take for the Care Dependency Grant to be approved?
Processing takes up to 3 months from the date of application. Once approved, payments are backdated to your application date so you will not lose money during the waiting period. Keep your stamped application receipt as proof of your submission date.
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