The SASSA Care Dependency Grant, also known as the disability child grant, provides financial support to parents, foster families, and primary caregivers of children with severe physical or mental impairments who require full-time or special home care. This grant ensures that these children receive the necessary care and support they need to live as comfortably as possible.

Who Can Apply?

Children with disabilities can apply for the grant from birth up to the age of 18. A doctor designated by SASSA must assess the child’s disabilities to determine eligibility. The child must require full-time home care but should not be receiving long-term care at any state institution.

How to Apply for the Care Dependency Grant

Before you can apply for the grant, a SASSA-assigned doctor will need to evaluate the child’s condition. Following this medical assessment, you can follow the instructions on the SASSA website to fill out the application for the care dependency grant online.

If you are unable to submit the application yourself due to illness, age, or disability, you can ask a trusted family member, friend, or relative to apply on your behalf. They will need a note from your doctor explaining why you cannot visit the SASSA offices.

SASSA provides application forms that must be filled out in front of a SASSA officer. If you are unable to fill in the form yourself, an officer can assist you. This officer will conduct your interview or take over the interview with your designated person and inform you if you qualify for the grant. You will be given a receipt bearing the date and the name of the SASSA officer who helped you with your application. This receipt serves as proof that you applied, even if you don’t qualify.

Required Documents for the Care Dependency Grant

When applying for the care dependency grant, you must bring the following original or certified copies:

  1. Identification Documents:
    • Original 13-digit barcode ID document.
    • For refugees, a refugee identification card and status permit.
    • Birth certificate of the child with a valid identification number.
    • If you don’t have an ID or birth certificate, SASSA will provide a form, or you can download the SASSA Affidavit.
    • Documentation from the Department of Home Affairs confirming you’ve applied for an ID or birth certificate.
    • Temporary identification document from the Department of Home Affairs (if applicable).
    • Baptismal certificate (if available).
    • School certificate (if available).
    • Road to Health Clinic Card (RTHC) (if available).
  2. Marital Status Documentation:
    • Marriage certificate (if married).
    • Divorce decree (if divorced).
    • Death certificate of your spouse (if widowed).
  3. Financial Documentation:
    • Proof of earnings for both you and your spouse (not required for foster parents).
    • Payslips or bank statements for the past three months if you are employed.
    • UIF card if you receive UIF benefits.
    • Certificate of termination from your previous employer or proof of UIF membership if previously employed.
    • Proof of pension receipt.
    • Proof of financial assistance received for your child or attempts to obtain financial aid from the parents if unsuccessful.
    • Proof of income for the child.
    • Affidavit from a police station.
    • Report by a social worker.
    • Permission from the biological parents to take care of the child.
    • A letter from the principal of the school where the child is enrolled.
    • Court order officially naming you as the legal foster parent (for foster parents only).
  4. Medical Documentation:
    • Medical assessment report certifying the child’s disability and confirming that the child receives full-time care at home.

Application Processing Time

The processing time for care dependency grants is approximately three months. Payments will begin from the date you submitted your application once it has been approved. If your application is rejected, SASSA will send you a letter explaining the reason for the rejection and guide you on the process to appeal the decision.

Eligibility Criteria for the Care Dependency Grant

To be eligible for the Care Dependency Grant, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a South African citizen, recognized refugee, or hold permanent residency status.
  • Be the parent or primary caregiver of a child under 18 years old.
  • The child must not be receiving long-term care in a state institution.
  • Both the applicant and the child must reside in South Africa.
  • The child must have a serious disability and receive full-time home care.
  • The applicant must meet the requirements of the means test if married.
  • For single applicants, the annual income should not exceed R249,600. For married applicants, the combined annual income should not exceed R499,200 (R41,600 per month).

The SASSA Means Test

The means test ensures that only eligible applicants receive the care dependency grant. It evaluates the financial situation of the applicant to determine eligibility.

  • Asset Limits: The applicant’s total assets should not exceed specific limits.
  • Income Limits: Single applicants should not earn more than R249,600 annually, and married couples should not have a combined annual income exceeding R499,200.

Conclusion

The SASSA Care Dependency Grant plays a crucial role in supporting children with severe disabilities and their caregivers. By understanding the application process, gathering the necessary documentation, and meeting the eligibility criteria, you can ensure that you receive the financial assistance needed to provide the best care for your child. SASSA’s support helps alleviate the financial burden, allowing caregivers to focus on the well-being of the children in their care.