The Care Dependency Grant (CDG) is a vital financial lifeline provided by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). It is specifically designed to assist parents, primary caregivers, or foster parents of children with severe mental or physical disabilities who require full-time, at-home care.
Unlike the standard Child Support Grant, the CDG accounts for the significantly higher costs associated with long-term disability care.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the this grant in 2026, several criteria must be met by both the caregiver and the child.
For the Caregiver
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Status: You must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or a legally recognized refugee.
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Residency: Both you and the child must be living in South Africa at the time of application.
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Relationship: You must be the biological parent, a court-appointed foster parent, or the primary caregiver.
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Means Test: Your annual income must fall below specific thresholds:
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Single person: Income must be below R223,200 per year.
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Married (combined income): Income must be below R446,400 per year.
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Note: Income limits do not apply to foster parents.
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For the Child
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Age: The child must be under the age of 18.
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Disability: The child must have a permanent, severe disability (mental or physical) requiring full-time special care.
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Housing: The child must not be living permanently in a state-run or state-funded institution (such as a psychiatric hospital or a government care center).
2. Grant Amount (2026)
As of early 2026, the Care Dependency Grant amount is R2,315 per month.
This amount is typically reviewed twice a year, in April and October. If you are a foster parent, you may be eligible to receive both the Foster Child Grant and the Care Dependency Grant for the same child, provided all criteria are met.
3. The Application Process
Applying for this grant is more intensive than others because it requires a formal medical validation.
Step 1: Medical Assessment
Before you visit a SASSA office, the child must be assessed by a State-appointed Medical Officer. This doctor will evaluate the child’s condition and issue a medical report confirming that the disability is severe enough to require full-time care. This report is valid for only 3 months.
Step 2: Documentation
You will need to bring original documents and clear photocopies of the following to your local SASSA office:
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Your 13-digit bar-coded ID or Smart ID card.
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The child’s birth certificate (with an ID number).
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The State Medical Officer’s assessment report.
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Proof of marital status (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree, or death certificate).
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Proof of income (3 months of bank statements, pay slips, or pension slips).
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For foster parents: The valid court order placing the child in your care.
Step 3: Submission
The application must be completed at a SASSA office. If you are physically unable to travel due to illness or age, a family member can apply on your behalf with a letter from you and a doctor’s note explaining your absence.
4. Grant Payments and Reviews
Once approved, you can choose to receive your money via:
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Direct Bank Deposit: The safest and most convenient method.
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Retail Outlets: Withdrawing cash at Checkers, Shoprite, Pick n Pay, or Boxer.
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Cash Pay Points: Specific locations managed by SASSA.
Reviews: SASSA may review the grant periodically to ensure the child is still alive, still in your care, and that your financial circumstances haven’t changed.
Why a Grant May Stop (Lapsing)
The grant will naturally end or be suspended if:
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The child reaches 18 years of age (they should then apply for an Adult Disability Grant).
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The child or the caregiver passes away.
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The child is admitted to a state-funded institution for more than six months.
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The caregiver’s income increases beyond the means test limit.
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The caregiver fails to collect the grant for three consecutive months.
What if Your Application is Denied?
If SASSA rejects your application, they will send you a letter explaining why. You have the right to request a reconsideration from SASSA. If you are still unsatisfied with that outcome, you can lodge an appeal with the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAAA) within 90 days of the decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for the Care Dependency Grant?
Parents, foster parents, or primary caregivers of children under 18 with permanent severe disabilities who meet the means test.
Is a medical assessment mandatory?
Yes, a SASSA-approved doctor must confirm that the child has a permanent severe disability.
What is the age limit for the Care Dependency Grant?
The child must be under 18 years old at the time of application.
What documents are required to apply?
You need your ID, the child’s birth certificate, medical assessment report, proof of income, and proof of residence.
How much is the Care Dependency Grant per month?
The grant amount is set by SASSA and reviewed annually, usually during the national budget announcement.
How long does the application process take?
Applications usually take up to 90 days to be processed, and payments are backdated if approved.
How do I apply for the Care Dependency Grant?
You can apply at your nearest SASSA office by submitting required documents and completing the application form.
The Care Dependency Grant is a vital safety net that recognizes the extraordinary emotional and financial demands placed on those caring for children with severe disabilities. While the application process—particularly the medical assessment—can feel daunting, it is a necessary step to secure a monthly stipend that helps cover specialized food, medical supplies, and the costs of constant care.