What it is
The Care Dependency Grant helps parents and caregivers cover the extra costs of raising a child with a severe disability who needs permanent or special care. AllSASSA provides independent information only and cannot process applications.
Amount (from April 2026): R2,400 per month, according to the Budget figures published with the SASSA/DSD schedule. Verify on official channels.
Who qualifies
- You are the parent, primary caregiver, or foster parent of the child.
- The child is under 18 and has a severe disability requiring permanent or special care.
- A state-appointed medical assessment confirms the care need.
- You and the child are South African citizens or permanent residents, or qualify refugees.
- Your household income falls within the means test thresholds.
Confirm current rules and thresholds on sassa.gov.za before applying.
The medical assessment
SASSA refers your child to a state medical officer. The assessment looks at whether the child needs permanent care or special care because of the disability. Bring any existing clinic or hospital reports to the assessment. They help, but the state assessment is what SASSA uses for the decision.
Declined after assessment? You can request SASSA to reconsider. See our declined / appeal guide for the general process.
What to bring
- Your 13-digit bar-coded ID document or smart ID card.
- The child's birth certificate.
- Any medical or hospital records about the child's condition.
- Proof of income where requested for the means test.
Applications are done in person at a SASSA office. See our how to apply guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Care Dependency Grant from April 2026?
The Care Dependency Grant increased to R2,400 per month from April 2026 according to the Budget figures published with the SASSA/DSD schedule. Confirm the current amount on sassa.gov.za.
Who is the Care Dependency Grant for?
It is for a parent, primary caregiver, or foster parent of a child with a severe disability who needs full-time and special care. A state medical assessment is required.
How does the medical assessment work?
A SASSA-appointed state doctor assesses whether the child needs permanent care or special care. The assessment report goes to SASSA, which makes the final decision.
Is the Care Dependency Grant means tested?
Yes. Your household income is assessed against SASSA thresholds. Confirm the current thresholds on sassa.gov.za before applying.
When is the Care Dependency Grant paid?
It is paid in the children's grants batch each month; see the payment dates page for the exact day per month of 2026/2027.