SASSA Care Dependency Grant 2026 — Amount, Eligibility & How to Apply
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Check Status Now →The SASSA Care Dependency Grant supports families caring for a child with a severe disability who requires permanent and full-time care. It pays R2 190 per month in 2026.
Care Dependency Grant Amount 2026
| Grant | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| Care Dependency Grant | R2 190 |
Amount increased from 1 April 2026.
Who Qualifies?
The caregiver (parent or legal guardian) must:
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Be the primary caregiver of the child
- Pass the means test
The child must:
- Be between 1 and 18 years of age
- Have a severe physical or mental disability that requires full-time care
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
Means Test 2026
| Status | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|
| Single caregiver | R89 160 per year |
| Married couple | R178 320 per year |
Note: The child’s assets and income are not assessed, only the caregiver’s.
How to Apply
You must apply in person at a SASSA office — no online application is available.
- Visit your nearest SASSA office
- Bring all required documents
- A SASSA-appointed medical officer will assess the child’s condition
- SASSA will process the application within 90 days
Documents needed:
- Caregiver’s South African ID
- Child’s birth certificate
- Medical report from a registered medical doctor confirming the disability and need for full-time care
- Proof of caregiver’s income or bank statements
- Bank account details for payment
What Counts as “Full-Time Care”?
SASSA requires medical evidence that the child:
- Cannot perform daily activities without assistance
- Requires constant supervision or nursing care
- Has a condition that is permanent or long-term
Conditions that typically qualify include severe cerebral palsy, profound intellectual disability, severe autism, and physical conditions requiring constant medical management.
Care Dependency Grant vs Disability Grant
| Care Dependency Grant | Disability Grant | |
|---|---|---|
| Who receives it | Caregiver (parent/guardian) | The person with disability |
| Age | Child aged 1–18 | Person aged 18–59 |
| Amount | R2 190 | R2 190 |
| Medical assessment | Required | Required |
Adults with disabilities aged 18–59 should apply for the SASSA Disability Grant instead.
Renewal
The Care Dependency Grant requires periodic medical review. SASSA will notify you when a review is due. Ensure you attend the review to avoid grant suspension.
For queries call SASSA toll-free: 0800 60 10 11
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