Care Dependency Grant 2025 | How to Apply, Eligibility & What to Know

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Care Dependency Grant

Caring full-time for a child with a severe disability takes incredible strength and often extra financial pressure. The Care Dependency Grant (CDG), given by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), is designed to help parents, guardians or foster-parents manage this responsibility. In this guide you’ll find the 2025 details: who qualifies, how to apply, what to expect, and what to do if your situation changes. I’ve written it in simple language so you don’t need a legal dictionary to follow along.

Who is eligible For Care Dependency Grant?

To qualify for the Care Dependency Grant, you must meet the following:

  • You must be the child’s parent, primary caregiver or court-appointed foster-parent.
  • You must be a South African citizen, permanent resident or refugee, living in South Africa.
  • The child must be under 18 years old, not permanently cared for in a state institution, and have a severe disability requiring full-time care at home.
  • A means-test applies: If you’re single, your annual income must not exceed approximately R223 200; if married, joint income must not exceed roughly R446 400. Foster-parents may be exempt.

How much do you get & how is payment made?

  • The grant amount is reviewed every year and may vary. For example, in official SASSA references it is stated as R2,310 per month for children under the grant.
  • You can receive payment via cash at a SASSA pay-point, electronic deposit to a bank or Postbank account, or via an institution overseeing the grant.

How to apply Care Dependency Grant – step by step

Here’s a simple checklist you can follow:

  • Gather these documents: your ID (bar-coded), the child’s birth certificate, a medical/assessment report confirming the child’s severe disability.
  • If you are a foster parent, bring the court order placing the child in your care.
  • Bring proof of income / marital status (if applicable) and any previous receive slips or medical records.
  • Visit your nearest SASSA regional office or grant office and complete the CDG application form in the presence of a SASSA official or visit srdgrantsassa.co.za. You will receive a receipt for your application.
  • Wait for SASSA’s decision. Processing may take several weeks.

After approval Care Dependency Grant what to know & review

  • Once approved, keep your bank account or payment method details up to date.
  • SASSA may review your grant periodically to confirm your situation still meets requirements. Changes in your income, the child’s status or institution placement can trigger review.
  • The grant stops when the child turns 18, dies, or is admitted to a state-run institution full-time. Also it may stop if you fail to claim for three months, or misrepresent facts.

Common mistakes & how to avoid them

  • Submitting incorrect or incomplete medical reports: Make sure the disability assessment clearly shows the child’s condition and need for full-time home care.
  • Not updating SASSA when your income changes or when you become a foster parent: This can cause suspension or rejection.
  • Thinking the grant is automatic: Approval isn’t guaranteed just because you meet the criteria documentation and application matters.
  • Missing the means test threshold, if applicable. Double-check the latest income limits.
  • Failing to go for reviews when requested: If SASSA asks for further information and you don’t respond, your payments may stop.

FAQs

Q: Can I apply online for the Care Dependency Grant?
 A: Most applications are done at a SASSA office in person because of the required medical assessment and identity verification.

Q: Does the child need to attend a special school to qualify?
 A: No, attending a special school isn’t a requirement what matters is the child’s disability and home care needs.

Q: My application was declined can I appeal?
 A: Yes. If SASSA declines your CDG application, you have the right to appeal within a set timeframe and you should include medical reports and reasons why you believe you qualify.

Conclusion

The Care Dependency Grant can be a lifeline for caregivers supporting children with severe disabilities. By knowing who qualifies the application process and what happens after approval you can approach this grant with confidence. Take your time gathering documents check your eligibility carefully and don’t hesitate to ask SASSA for help if you’re unsure. With the right preparation Care Dependency Grant can help you focus more on caring and less on counting the costs.

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