SASSA Care Dependency Grant 2026: Amount & Eligibility

The SASSA Care Dependency Grant 2026 provides monthly financial support to caregivers of children under 18 who have a permanent and severe disability and need permanent care or support. From April 2026, the grant amount is R2,400 per month.

SASSA checks the child’s disability, the caregiver’s circumstances, the means test and the required documents before approving an application. This guide explains the latest Care Dependency Grant requirements, amount, medical assessment, means test, documents, application process, payment dates and appeal options.

What Is the SASSA Care Dependency Grant?

The SASSA Care Dependency Grant (CDG) is a social grant for the caregiver of a child under 18 who has been assessed as permanently and severely disabled.

The child must require and receive permanent care or support because of a severe physical or mental disability.

The caregiver can be:

A parent
A primary caregiver
A foster parent

The child must live in South Africa with the applicant and must not be permanently cared for in a state-funded institution.

SASSA Care Dependency Grant Amount 2026

The Care Dependency Grant is R2,400 per month from April 2026.

The Department of Social Development confirmed the increase as part of the 2026/27 social grant adjustments.

Grant	Monthly amount from April 2026
Care Dependency Grant	R2,400

The amount applies to eligible beneficiaries. SASSA may announce future changes to social grant values.

Who Qualifies for the Care Dependency Grant?

SASSA has specific requirements for both the caregiver and the child.

Caregiver Requirements

The applicant must:

Be a South African citizen, permanent resident or recognised refugee.
Live in South Africa.
Live with the child in South Africa.
Be the child’s primary caregiver.
Meet the applicable means-test requirements.
Provide the required supporting documents.

If the applicant is married, the applicant and spouse are subject to the means test. Foster parents are treated differently under the means test.

Child Requirements

The child must:

Be under 18 years old.
Have a permanent and severe disability.
Require permanent care or support.
Undergo the required medical or functional assessment.
Have a valid birth certificate.
Not be permanently cared for in a state-funded institution.

If the child is of school-going age, SASSA also lists proof of school attendance among the required information.

SASSA Care Dependency Grant Means Test 2026

The means test helps SASSA determine whether an applicant has enough financial resources to support themselves and their household. SASSA assesses income and assets when applying the means test.

For the 2026/27 financial year, the stated annual income limits for the Care Dependency Grant are:

Applicant status	Annual income limit
Single	R226,800
Married	R453,600

These figures are listed by the Department of Social Development for the Care Dependency Grant.

What Financial Information May Be Required?

SASSA may ask for proof such as:

Three months of bank statements
Salary or wage slips
Proof of investments
Pension or annuity income
Rental income
Other sources of income
Proof of assets
Spouse’s financial information, where applicable

Means Test for Foster Parents

Foster parents have a special rule.

The income of a foster parent is not taken into consideration when applying the Care Dependency Grant means test for a foster child.

Medical Assessment for the Care Dependency Grant

A medical or functional assessment is required for the Care Dependency Grant. The assessment helps SASSA confirm that the child has a permanent and severe disability and needs permanent care or support. Applicants should provide clinical information or a referral form as a basis for the assessment.

If an application was previously rejected on medical grounds, SASSA may require a referral form completed by the treating facility or healthcare practitioner.

How to Book a Medical Assessment

Applicants using SASSA Services can make a medical assessment booking after completing the required questionnaire or application form.

The process allows you to:

Select your province.
Select your district.
Choose an available SASSA assessment site.
Select an available date.
Confirm the booking.

SASSA sends a notification after the booking is made.

Documents Required for the Care Dependency Grant

Having the correct documents can help prevent unnecessary delays.

Common supporting documents include:

Applicant’s South African ID
Child’s valid birth certificate
Spouse’s identification document, where applicable
Proof of marital status
Proof of income
Three months of bank statements
Proof of assets, where applicable
Medical or clinical information
Medical assessment or referral form
Proof of school attendance, where applicable
Refugee permit, where applicable
Banking details

SASSA also provides specific forms for the Care Dependency Grant, including the affidavit and medical assessment referral form.

Check Your Documents Before Applying

Before submitting your application:

Make sure names are spelled correctly.
Check that ID numbers are correct.
Use a valid birth certificate for the child.
Make sure bank details are accurate.
Upload clear copies of documents.
Provide the required medical information.
Keep copies of everything you submit.

SASSA states that supporting documents uploaded through its Services system should be certified.

How to Apply for the SASSA Care Dependency Grant

You can use the SASSA Services Portal or get assistance from SASSA.

Step 1: Register for SASSA Services

If you are applying online, create a SASSA Services profile.

Registration requires:

A mobile phone number for verification
An email address for notifications
Your personal information

SASSA sends a one-time PIN to verify the registration.

Step 2: Complete the Application

Provide information about:

Yourself
The child
Your household
Marital status
Income
Assets
Banking details

Use accurate information that matches your supporting documents.

Step 3: Upload Supporting Documents

After completing the application, SASSA provides the required document options. You can upload the requested documents through your application on the SASSA Services Portal.

Step 4: Complete the Medical Assessment

The child must undergo the required medical or functional assessment. The assessment is used to determine whether the child’s disability meets the Care Dependency Grant requirements.

Step 5: Wait for the Assessment

SASSA reviews the application and supporting information.

Possible application statuses include:

Application Submitted
Application Assessed
Application Documents Outstanding
Application Pending
Application Incomplete

If documents are missing, SASSA can request the outstanding information.

Can You Apply for the Care Dependency Grant Online?

Yes. SASSA provides an online Services Portal for grant applications.

The portal can be used to:

Register an account
Apply for a grant
Upload supporting documents
View application information
Check application status
Receive notifications
Book a medical assessment
Submit certain grant support requests

If you cannot complete the online application, you can contact or visit SASSA for assistance.

How Long Does the SASSA Application Take?

Processing time can vary from one application to another.

The application may take longer when:

Documents are missing.
Medical assessment is delayed.
Financial information needs verification.
SASSA needs additional information.
Application details require further checking.

There is no single processing time that guarantees approval for every applicant. The best way to avoid delays is to submit complete and accurate information.

How Is the Care Dependency Grant Paid?

Once your application is approved, SASSA pays the grant using the registered payment method.

Applicants can provide banking details for payment.

If you do not have a bank account, SASSA’s FAQ states that you can still qualify for a grant, although having a bank account is encouraged for payment.

Keep your banking information secure and never give your PIN or other confidential banking details to an unknown person.

SASSA Care Dependency Grant Payment Dates 2026

The Care Dependency Grant falls under the children’s grant payment schedule.

For the 2026/27 financial year, the Department of Social Development lists these children’s grant payment dates:

Month	Children’s Grant Payment Date
April 2026	8 April 2026
May 2026	7 May 2026
June 2026	4 June 2026
July 2026	6 July 2026
August 2026	6 August 2026
September 2026	4 September 2026
October 2026	2 October 2026
November 2026	5 November 2026
December 2026	3 December 2026
January 2027	7 January 2027
February 2027	4 February 2027
March 2027	4 March 2027

SASSA says grant payments are staggered over three days, with older persons generally paid first, followed by disability grants and then children’s grants. If you experience a payment problem, SASSA advises beneficiaries to report it at their nearest SASSA office.

What Happens When the Child Turns 18?

The Care Dependency Grant is for children under 18.

When the child reaches the age limit:

The Care Dependency Grant does not continue as the same child grant.
The family should check whether another social grant may apply.
An adult disability grant has separate eligibility requirements.

Do not assume that a Care Dependency Grant automatically changes into a Disability Grant.

Can Foster Parents Get the Care Dependency Grant?

Yes. A foster parent can apply for the Care Dependency Grant when the child meets the qualifying requirements.

SASSA specifically states that:

The foster child must meet the disability requirements.
The child must be under 18.
The foster parent can apply as the caregiver.
Foster-parent income is excluded from the Care Dependency Grant means test.
A foster parent may apply for both the Foster Child Grant and Care Dependency Grant for the same child.

The relevant foster-care documents should be provided with the application.

Why Was My Care Dependency Grant Application Rejected?

There can be several reasons for a rejected application.

Common reasons include:

The child does not meet the medical requirements.
The medical assessment does not confirm the required disability.
The child does not meet the age requirement.
Required documents are missing.
Information cannot be verified.
The applicant does not meet the residence requirements.
The means-test requirements are not met.
The child is permanently cared for in a state-funded institution.
The applicant does not meet the caregiver requirements.

Read the rejection reason carefully before deciding what to do next.

How to Appeal a Rejected Care Dependency Grant

If SASSA rejects your application and you believe the decision is incorrect, follow the official appeal or reconsideration process available for your application.

Before appealing:

Check the reason for rejection.
Review the information you submitted.
Identify any missing documents.
Get updated medical information if required.
Submit the appeal through the official process.
Keep proof of your submission.

If the rejection was related to the child’s medical assessment, make sure the relevant clinical information is available before taking further action.

Do not pay anyone who promises guaranteed SASSA approval.

When Can SASSA Stop or Suspend the Grant?

SASSA can review a grant when the beneficiary’s circumstances change.

The grant may be affected when:

The child reaches the qualifying age.
The child’s care arrangements change.
The child is permanently placed in a state-funded institution.
The caregiver’s circumstances change.
Financial circumstances change.
Incorrect information is discovered.
Required information is not provided.

Keep SASSA informed when a major change affects the information used in your application.

Care Dependency Grant vs Child Support Grant

The Care Dependency Grant and Child Support Grant are not the same. The Care Dependency Grant is specifically for children with permanent and severe disabilities who need permanent care or support.

The Child Support Grant provides basic financial support for qualifying children and does not require the same disability assessment.

Feature	Care Dependency Grant	Child Support Grant
Main purpose	Support for a child with severe disability	Basic support for a qualifying child
Child’s age	Under 18	Under 18
Permanent severe disability	Required	Not required
Medical assessment	Required	Different requirements
Means test	Applies, except foster parents	Applies
Amount from April 2026	R2,400	R580

Choosing the correct grant depends on the child’s circumstances and the caregiver’s eligibility.

FAQs About SASSA Care Dependency Grant

How much is the SASSA Care Dependency Grant in 2026?

The Care Dependency Grant is R2,400 per month from April 2026.

Who can apply for the SASSA Care Dependency Grant?

A parent, primary caregiver or foster parent can apply when the child is under 18, has a qualifying permanent and severe disability, and the applicant meets SASSA’s other requirements.

Does the child need a medical assessment?

Yes. SASSA requires a medical or functional assessment confirming the child’s disability and care needs.

Can foster parents receive the SASSA Care Dependency Grant?

Yes. Foster parents can apply if the child qualifies. Their income is not considered under the Care Dependency Grant means test.

Can I receive the grant if I am working?

You can apply, but SASSA will assess the applicable financial requirements. Income and assets are considered under the means test.

Can I apply for the grant online?

Yes. SASSA provides an online Services Portal where applicants can register, submit applications, upload documents and manage application information.

What documents do I need?

You generally need identification, the child’s birth certificate, financial information, banking details and medical or clinical information. SASSA may request additional documents depending on the application.

What if my application is rejected?

Check the reason for rejection and follow the official appeal or reconsideration process. If the issue involves missing or medical information, provide the relevant supporting evidence.

What happens when the child turns 18?

The Care Dependency Grant is for children under 18. After the child reaches the age limit, check whether another form of social assistance may be available under its own eligibility rules.

Conclusion

The SASSA Care Dependency Grant 2026 gives eligible caregivers R2,400 per month to help support children under 18 who have permanent and severe disabilities and need permanent care or support.

To improve your chances of a smooth application, prepare the child’s birth certificate, medical information, financial documents and other required paperwork before applying. Check the application details carefully, complete the medical assessment and use the official SASSA Services Portal or a SASSA office when you need assistance.