Care Dependency Grant: Status, Application, and Eligibility

The Care Dependency Grant is one of the important social grants regulated by SASSA to give financial help to all eligible parents in South Africa whose children have severe disabilities and require full-time care. Because of that, he is not able to support himself financially for the healthcare of his children. Those who meet all eligibility criteria can apply for a care dependency grant, and SASSA will check the eligibility criteria. If he meets the criteria, SASSA will provide him a monthly stipend. For the health care of children. All detail information about the care dependency grant, such as eligibility, application process, application status, amount of grant, duration, issue in the application, and frequently asked questions

Complete details about the Care Dependency Grant

• Is a monthly stipend provided by SASSA to all eligible caregivers of children with severe disabilities under the age of 18 years.
• It required some additional funds to care for the child’s high needs.
• It can be provided to foster parents, biological parents, or the primary caregiver of the disabled child.
• A child must need permanent house care because of a physical or mental disability.
• It will require a specialist doctor checkup report to confirm the disability of the child.
• In South Africa, more than 150,000 children benefit from the Care Dependency Grant.

Eligibility for the Care Dependency Grant by SASSA.

The most important eligibility criteria to qualify for a care dependency grant is given here. The applicant must pass all the criteria to get a grant from SASSA.

Requirements for parents.

• You must have citizenship (SA) and permanent residency.
• The applicant must be the primary caregiver of a disabled child.
• If you are a refugee, you have all your essential documents.
• The applicant must not be paid by any other social service.

These are all requirements for the parents. They must meet these requirements for a care dependency grant from SASSA.

Requirements for a Disabled Child.

• Children have (SA) citizenship and permanent residency in South Africa.
• The age of the child must be less than 18 years.
• If the child is a refugee, then the age criteria are the same.
• Doesn’t receive other grants from any other social agency.
• The child must not be cared for in a state institution.
• A child must require a primary caretaker for care.

Necessary Requirements for Disability

• Permanent care is necessary for disability.
• Specialist doctors report a severe disability.
• A child must not be able to do daily activities by himself.

Parents income requirements

It is more necessary to get a care dependency grant if the income of the disabled child’s parent is not more than that set by the SASSA for a care dependency grant. To qualify means to test 

check for other grants

How can I apply for the Care Dependency Grant?

Any South African citizen who meets all the eligibility criteria can apply for the Care Dependency Grant. There are two main ways in which a parent or child can apply for this grant: the first is online, and the second is in person by hand.

Apply online for a care dependency grant.

Procedures for applying for an in-person

Note: No matter whether you choose any method, you must provide all the information and documents (ID card, proof of income, disability proof certificate) with 100% accuracy. Do not use any other person’s information or documents. It is considered fraud. SASSA will reject your application and take legal action against you, according to the laws of SASSA.

Documents List for Care Dependency Grant.

It is necessary to submit an application form with all valid documents for the for the care dependency grant. The list of documents is given here.

Medical Assessment Report of the Care Dependency Grant

The most essential part of the Care Dependency Grant application is a detailed medical checkup report.

• The acceptable medical report of the registered clinic and by a specialist doctor for a particular disability.
• Provide comprehensive information about the disability, including its severity, limitations, and causes. Also included is the applicant’s history.
• Complete diagnosis reports, testing data, and prognosis details.
• Specify disability activities and prevention.
• The expected duration of recovery from disability or re-evaluation is being discussed.
• All the reports are not over three months; SASSA requires recent reports.

The amount for care dependency grants in 2024 is

SASSA’s care dependency grants for 2024 will be R2180 per month, starting in April 2024. It is the same for all regions of South Africa. A caregiver parent can claim for more than one child.

The fund aims to cover basic living costs and disability-related healthcare. The applicant may qualify for a grant-in-aid if the disability is too severe and the recipient requires a caretaker. The monthly payment increases annually in line with inflation. The applicant receives this amount within the first three days of each month.

The Method of Payment for the Care Dependency Grant

SASSA distributes the funds for disability grants in different ways. Here are some methods to receive monthly payments from SASSA for care dependency grants.

The applicant can choose any of the above methods that are more suitable for him. However, it is crucial to provide the SASSA with accurate account details. This allows for the direct transfer of funds into the account. Within expended time. No delay or fraud in payment

Care Dependency Grant Payment Dates 

Every month, the old-person grant, disability grant, and child grant are paid first, then the care dependency grant is paid out. The recipient’s account receives a payment deposit on the third day of each month, unless the third day is not a weekend or holiday. If the third is a weekend or holiday, it will not count. Only working days are counted.

Payment dates for grants in 2024/2025

The recipient should withdraw the complete payment within five working days. Cash collection points are always more busy because of the large number of people. You should go early to avoid long lines.

What is the duration of the Care Dependency Grant?

• The grant will paid out upto 18 years age of child.
• The caregiver must provide new reports and updates about disability each year to continue this grant.
• If the child recovers before the age of 18, the care dependency grant will be terminated.
• The recipient must visit SASSA before the grant expires and provide them with updated medical reports if the disability remains.
• If the age of the child reaches 18 and there is no improvement in disability, then he can apply for a disability grant.

How can I report any issues about the care dependency grant?

The applicant can report any issue with the care dependency grant to the SASSA properly. Here are some ways in which recipients can report issues:.

1. The applicant can visit the nearest SASSA office or service point and speak to the agent.
2. He may call the help center through the SASSA helpline number.
3. Recipients may visit the query section on SASSA’s official website.
4. Immediately report to the SASSA if payment is late, delayed, or missed.
5. Recipients must report corruption or fraud on disability grants and provide complete details.

After reviewing it in depth, SASSA will take immediate action regarding the legal issue.

The CDG’s Fraud Consequences

It is not legal to provide duplicate or some of the applicant’s details or documents during the submission of the application; this is unethical and includes the consequences of fraud. In case of any fraud. The application will be rejected and all the funds will be refunded to SASSA with an extra fine. He may be barred for 5–10 years, and that criminal record will impact his job application.

Conclusion

The SASSA provides essential financial support by giving care dependency grants to all needy and eligible caregivers of children. The child must have severe disabilities and need full-time health care. The aim of the SASSA behind this grant is to give a better life to those who are unable to support themselves financially.