SASSA Care Dependency Grant 2025: Complete Guide

SASSA Care Dependency Grant 2025: Complete Guide for Caregivers of Children with Disabilities

A lifeline for families: Understanding eligibility, the means test, and the application process for the Care Dependency Grant.

Raising a child with a serious disability is exhausting and expensive. The SASSA Care Dependency Grant exists to take at least some of that pressure off, helping cover costs like medication, transport to clinics, and specialised equipment.

This 2025 guide walks you through everything you need to know, from who qualifies and how the means test works to common questions about diagnoses like autism and ADHD.

1. What Is the SASSA Care Dependency Grant?

It is a monthly cash grant paid to the caregiver of a child with a severe, permanent disability who needs full-time care at home.

  • It’s for children from birth until the day before they turn 18.
  • The disability must be severe and long-term, confirmed by a state-appointed medical officer.
  • The money helps with medication, therapies, transport, special equipment, and everyday basics.

2. Who Qualifies for the Care Dependency Grant in 2025?

2.1 Requirements for the Child

  • Be under 18 years old.
  • Have a severe, permanent disability (physical, intellectual, or both) confirmed by a state medical officer.
  • Need constant, full-time care at home.
  • Not be cared for in a wholly state-funded institution for more than six months.

2.2 Requirements for the Caregiver

  • Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or recognised refugee.
  • Be the primary caregiver (parent, foster parent, guardian, etc.).
  • Pass the means test (income test) — except if you are a foster parent.

Note on Foster Parents: Foster parents with a valid court order for the child are exempt from the standard means test for this grant.

3. Care Dependency Grant Means Test (2025)

This grant is means-tested based on income only; there is no asset test. The income threshold is tied to the grant amount.

Income Threshold Estimate (2025):

  • Single Caregiver: Can earn roughly up to R270,000s per year.
  • Married Couple (Combined): Can earn about double the single limit.

The exact Rand amount changes slightly with grant increases; always check the latest official SASSA circular for the current threshold.

4. Can You Get Care Dependency and Other Grants for the Same Child?

You generally cannot stack Care Dependency Grant and Child Support Grant for the same child, as the CDG already covers the child’s support.

  • You can receive Care Dependency Grants for multiple children, provided each qualifies.
  • If you, the caregiver, receive an Older Persons or Disability grant and need full-time help yourself, you may qualify for Grant-in-Aid on *your own grant* (separate from the child’s).

5. Documents You Need (Caregiver + Child)

For the Caregiver (Mandatory)

  • South African ID (or valid asylum/refugee documentation).
  • Proof of marital status (or affidavit if single).
  • Proof of income (payslips, bank statements, pension slips).
  • Proof of residence.

For the Child (Crucial)

  • Child’s Birth certificate.
  • Detailed medical report from a state doctor confirming severe, permanent disability and need for full-time care.
  • School report / Road to Health clinic card (if available).
  • Court order (if foster parent).

6. How to Apply for the SASSA Care Dependency Grant (Step by Step)

Applications for permanent grants must be done in person at a SASSA office.

  1. Go to Your Nearest SASSA Office: If you are too ill, authorise a trusted person to apply for you with a doctor’s note.
  2. Ask for the Application Form: A SASSA official will assist you in filling it out.
  3. Submit All Documents: Hand in the form and all supporting documents.
  4. Medical Assessment: SASSA will refer your child for a formal medical evaluation by a state doctor.
  5. Get a Receipt: Ensure you get a dated, stamped receipt. Keep this safe!
  6. Wait for the Outcome: Processing takes up to 90 days (3 months). If approved, payments are backdated to the date you applied.

7. Care Dependency Grant Amount & 8. Payment Dates (2025)

Maximum Grant Amount in 2025:

  • From 1 April 2025: Approximately R2,315 per month.
  • From 1 October 2025: Approximately R2,320 per month (after small additional increase).

Payment Schedule:

The grant is paid on the same day as Children’s Grants (Child Support, Foster Care), typically the 3rd working day of the monthly payment run.

9. How Will You Receive the Money?

You can choose:

  • Direct bank deposit (Safest and most convenient).
  • Cash at pay points (At designated SASSA or Postbank outlets).
  • Payment through an institution (If the child lives in a privately funded care centre).

10. Suspension, Lapse, and Restoration

Suspension (Temporary Stop)

  • Failing to cooperate with a review.
  • Change in circumstances (e.g., income up sharply).
  • Grant not collected for three consecutive months.
  • Restoration: Fix the issue and request restoration within 90 days.

Lapsing (Ends Completely)

  • The child turns 18 (must apply for Disability Grant then).
  • The child dies or leaves South Africa permanently.
  • The child is in a wholly state-funded institution for more than six months.

11. What If Your Application Is Rejected?

If declined, SASSA must notify you in writing with a reason. You have 90 days from the decision date to appeal to the Independent Tribunal (ITSAA).

How to Strengthen Your Appeal:

  • Submit a fresh, detailed medical report if the first one was vague.
  • Include letters from therapists/social workers confirming the child’s need for full-time care.
  • Provide updated income proof if that was the reason for the decline.

12. Common Questions About the Care Dependency Grant

Does autism / ADHD / epilepsy qualify?

SASSA does not use an “automatic” diagnosis list. The decision depends entirely on the severity of the condition and whether the child needs full-time care. For instance, severe autism requiring constant supervision usually qualifies, while mild ADHD might not.

1. Can a grandparent apply?

Yes, as long as the child lives with you and you are the primary caregiver (requires proof like police affidavits or social worker reports).

2. Can I apply for more than one child?

Yes, provided each child qualifies medically and you respect the limit of no more than six non-biological children.

3. Can I apply online?

No. Permanent grants like this require an in-person application at a SASSA office.

13. Final Thoughts

The Care Dependency Grant is a lifeline for families who have rearranged their entire lives around caring for a child with serious disabilities. You shouldn’t have to choose between staying home to care for your child or earning a stable income.

Claim Your Right to Support:

Gather your documents carefully (especially the medical report), apply promptly at your nearest SASSA office, and be persistent with reviews and appeals when necessary to ensure your child receives the support they are entitled to.

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