Care Dependency Grant

Why Was Care Dependency Grant Issued?

Caring for a child with severe disabilities is a significant challenge, both emotionally and financially. The South African government introduced the Care Dependency Grant to provide financial support to parents, foster parents, or primary caregivers of children who require full time care due to severe disabilities. The grant helps cover the high costs associated with medical care, therapy, and specialized support.

Many families struggle to afford the necessary resources to care for a child with special needs. These children often require round the clock care, special schooling, medical treatments, and assistive devices, all of which can be incredibly expensive. The grant was created to alleviate this financial burden, ensuring that children with disabilities receive the care they need while allowing their caregivers to manage day to day expenses.

Who Are the Beneficiaries?

The primary beneficiaries of the Care Dependency Grant are children under the age of 18 who have been medically assessed as having severe disabilities and require full time care. The grant is given to parents, legal guardians, foster parents, or caregivers who are responsible for the child’s well being.

Unlike the Child Support Grant, which is aimed at general child welfare, this grant is specifically for children with profound disabilities that prevent them from attending regular schools without special support. It ensures that caregivers can provide the necessary medical attention, special education, and living conditions required for the child’s quality of life.

The Cost of Raising a Child with Disabilities in South Africa

Raising any child comes with financial responsibilities, but when a child has a severe disability, the costs are significantly higher. Here are some key expenses that parents and caregivers face:

• Medical Expenses: Doctor visits, hospital stays, therapy sessions, and medications can be expensive, even with public healthcare options.
• Assistive Devices: Wheelchairs, hearing aids, special beds, and other mobility aids are costly but essential.
• Special Education: Many children require specialized schools, which charge tuition fees and have additional transport costs.
• Home Modifications: Some children need home adjustments, such as ramps, widened doorways, or accessible bathrooms.
• Caregivers and Support Services: Some families need to hire professional caregivers or nurses to assist with daily tasks.

These rising costs make the Care Dependency Grant essential for many South African families, as it provides much needed financial relief to ensure a disabled child receives proper care.

👶 Note: If you have more than one child under care, check out how the Foster Child Grant differs from Care Dependency.

How Much Is the Grant and When Is It Paid?

As of 2024, the Care Dependency Grant provides R2,180 per month per child. This amount is subject to periodic reviews and may increase based on inflation and government budget allocations.

The grant is paid monthly, usually within the first week of the month, through the following methods:

• Direct deposit into a bank account
• Cash collection at designated pay points
• Withdrawals from SASSA linked retailers and ATMs

How to Apply

Applying for the Care Dependency Grant requires medical and legal documentation to prove the child’s condition and the caregiver’s eligibility.

Applying In Person at a SASSA Office

1. Gather Required Documents:
   • The child’s birth certificate (certified copy)
   • The caregiver’s valid South African ID (certified copy)
   • Medical assessment report from a registered doctor confirming the child’s severe disability
   • Proof of income (for means test purposes)
   • Proof of residence
2. Visit the Nearest SASSA Office:
   • Request and complete the Care Dependency Grant application form.
3. Submit the Application:
   • Provide all required documents to a SASSA officer.
4. Receive an Acknowledgment Receipt:
   • This serves as proof that your application is being processed.
5. Wait for Approval:
   • SASSA evaluates the application, which can take up to 90 days.
6. Receive Payment:
   • If approved, payments will start, including back pay from the date of application.

Applying Online

SASSA is working on making online applications possible. Applicants should check www.sassa.gov.za for updates on digital application methods.

Common Issues and Reasons for Rejection

Not all applications are approved. Here are some common reasons for rejection:

• Medical Assessment Issues: If the doctor’s report does not confirm a severe disability requiring full time care, the application may be declined.
• Income Threshold Exceeded: If the caregiver’s income exceeds the means test limit, they may not qualify.
• Missing or Incorrect Documentation: Any errors or missing documents can lead to delays or rejection.
• Failure to Renew Medical Assessment: In some cases, follow up medical assessments are required.

Government’s Perspective: Past and Future

The Care Dependency Grant has been an essential part of South Africa’s social welfare system. The government acknowledges the growing need for better support for disabled children, and while the grant amount has been adjusted over time, there are still concerns about whether it is sufficient given the rising costs of medical care and living expenses.

Future plans include:

• Expanding the availability of special schools and support services.
• Digitalizing the application process for faster approvals.
• Increasing financial support to align with inflation.
• Strengthening fraud prevention measures to ensure funds reach legitimate beneficiaries.

Facts About Care Dependency Grant

• More than 150,000 children in South Africa currently receive this grant.
• The grant is one of the few SASSA grants that requires a medical assessment.
• Unlike the Child Support Grant, this grant does not automatically continue after 18 years old—applicants must apply for a Disability Grant when the child reaches adulthood.

Hard Truths and Challenges

While the Care Dependency Grant is a lifeline for many, it does have challenges:

• Lengthy Approval Process: Applications can take up to three months, leaving caregivers in financial distress.
• Limited Awareness: Many eligible families do not know about this grant or struggle with the application process.
• Insufficient Coverage: R2,180 per month may not be enough to cover all medical and educational expenses for a child with severe disabilities.

How Is It Different from Other Grants?

• Unlike the Child Support Grant, which is for general child welfare, the Care Dependency Grant is specifically for children with severe disabilities.
• Unlike the Disability Grant, which is for adults, this grant only applies to children under 18.
• If a child is in a foster home, they may also receive the Foster Child Grant alongside the Care Dependency Grant.

Check SASSA Status

After applying, you should check your SASSA grant status to track approval and payment updates. Here’s how:

1. Online Check:
   • Visit SASSA’s website and enter your details.
2. Call SASSA Helpline:
   • Dial 0800 60 10 11 and follow the instructions.
3. Visit a SASSA Office:
   • Speak to an official in person to get the latest updates on your application.

Final Thoughts

The Care Dependency Grant is a vital support system for families caring for children with severe disabilities. While it provides much needed financial relief, there are still gaps that need to be addressed, such as increasing the grant amount, reducing application waiting times, and raising awareness about eligibility.

If you are caring for a child with a severe disability, this grant can make a significant difference in your ability to provide them with the best possible care.

Disclaimer:

We are not an official source and do not represent SASSA or any government agency and We do not collect or store any personal data. This information is compiled from official SASSA sources. For the latest updates and verification, please visit www.sassa.gov.za.