SASSA Care Dependency Grant FAQ
Last updated: 14 April 2026
Frequently asked questions about the SASSA Care Dependency Grant (CDG) — eligibility, medical assessment, required documents, application process, and grant amount.
What is the Care Dependency Grant?
The Care Dependency Grant (CDG) is a monthly social grant provided by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to parents or caregivers of children under 18 who have a severe mental or physical disability and require permanent home care. The grant helps cover the additional costs of caring for a child with a disability, including medical expenses, special equipment, and full-time supervision.
How much is the Care Dependency Grant in 2026?
The Care Dependency Grant is R2 400 per child per month (from April 2026, per the National Budget). The amount is reviewed annually by the Minister of Finance during the national budget speech and typically increases each year to account for inflation. The grant is paid monthly, either into a bank account or via a SASSA gold card at designated pay points.
Who qualifies for the Care Dependency Grant?
To qualify, you must be the parent, primary caregiver, or foster parent of a child under 18 who has a severe mental or physical disability requiring permanent home care. You must be a South African citizen or permanent resident and pass the means test (income under R23 100 per month for single applicants or R46 200 per month for married couples, as set by SASSA). The child must be assessed by a SASSA-appointed medical officer who confirms the disability and care dependency. Both the applicant and the child must be residing in South Africa.
What is the medical assessment for the Care Dependency Grant?
SASSA arranges a medical assessment for the child by an appointed medical officer or panel doctor. This assessment determines whether the child has a severe disability requiring permanent home care. The assessment is free of charge — SASSA pays for it. Private medical reports can support your application but are not a substitute for the SASSA medical assessment. The assessment considers the child's ability to perform daily activities independently.
What documents do I need to apply for the Care Dependency Grant?
You need your South African ID (green ID book, Smart ID card, or temporary ID certificate), the child's unabridged birth certificate, proof of residential address (utility bill or affidavit), banking details (bank statement not older than 3 months), proof of income or a sworn statement declaring unemployment, and any medical reports or referral letters about the child's condition. If married, bring your marriage certificate.
Where do I apply for the Care Dependency Grant?
You apply in person at your nearest SASSA office. You cannot apply online or by phone — SASSA requires your fingerprints, original documents, and a medical assessment of the child. To find your nearest office, call the SASSA toll-free number 0800 60 10 11 or visit the SASSA website (sassa.gov.za). Arrive early as offices can have long queues.
How long does it take to get approved for the Care Dependency Grant?
SASSA aims to process applications within 30 to 90 days of submission, but CDG applications may take longer due to the required medical assessment. You will receive an SMS notification of the outcome. If your application is declined, SASSA will provide the reason in writing and you have 90 days to appeal the decision through the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA).
What types of disabilities qualify for the Care Dependency Grant?
The CDG covers severe mental or physical disabilities that require permanent home care. This includes conditions such as cerebral palsy, severe intellectual disability, Down syndrome, severe autism spectrum disorder, blindness, deafness, quadriplegia, and other conditions that prevent the child from performing daily activities independently. The SASSA medical officer makes the final determination based on the severity of the disability and the level of care required.
Can I receive both the Care Dependency Grant and the Child Support Grant?
No. You cannot receive both the CDG and the Child Support Grant (CSG) for the same child. The CDG replaces the CSG because it is a higher-value grant specifically for children with severe disabilities. However, if you care for multiple children, you can receive the CDG for the disabled child and the CSG for other qualifying children.
What happens when the child turns 18?
The Care Dependency Grant stops when the child turns 18 years old. However, the child may then qualify for the Disability Grant (also administered by SASSA) if they still have a severe disability. You should apply for the Disability Grant before the child turns 18 to avoid a gap in payments. The Disability Grant has its own assessment process and means test.
Is the CDG medical assessment a once-off or is it repeated?
The CDG is reviewed periodically. SASSA may require a follow-up medical assessment to confirm the child still qualifies. For permanent conditions (e.g. Down syndrome, cerebral palsy), the review period may be longer. For conditions that may improve, SASSA typically sets a shorter review period (e.g. 12-24 months). You will be notified when a review assessment is due.
What if my CDG application is rejected after the medical assessment?
If SASSA rejects your application because the medical assessment found the child does not meet the care dependency criteria, you have 90 days to appeal. You can request a review of the medical assessment and submit additional medical evidence from the child's treating specialists. Appeals are handled by the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA). Visit your SASSA office to lodge the appeal.
Can foster parents apply for the Care Dependency Grant?
Yes. Foster parents with a valid court order can apply for the CDG if the foster child has a severe disability requiring permanent home care. You will need to provide the court order in addition to the standard CDG application documents. Note that foster parents may also qualify for the Foster Child Grant — but you cannot receive both the CDG and the Foster Child Grant for the same child.
Is my personal data safe when using FillMeIn to fill the affidavit?
Yes. FillMeIn processes all your data entirely on your device. Your ID number, income information, child's disability details, and all other form entries never leave your phone or computer — nothing is sent to our servers or stored in the cloud. This privacy-first approach means your sensitive personal, medical, and financial information stays under your control at all times.