SASSA Care Dependency Grant 2024 – How to Apply, Requirements, and Benefits

South African Social Security Agency plays a crucial role to providing financial support to vulnerable individuals and families. One of the grant which is provided by SASSA is care dependency grant. Which is given to the caregivers who look after children with severe disabilities. If you are receiving this grant or going to apply for this grant, it is most important to know, how to check the status of this grant and existing grants.

What is care dependency grant?

The care dependency grant is for parents, foster parents, or primary caregiver of a child under the age of 18, who requires full time care due to a physical or a mental disability. This child receives permanent care from home not be receiving care at a state funded institution. The Foster Child Grant is another program that is different from it.

How much grant a caregiver receive?

The care dependency grant is to increase to R2, 090 in October 2023. The care dependency grant is given to caregivers of the children who need full time care because of disability. The child and the caregiver must the citizen of South Africa. You and child must be reside In South Africa. The child must be medically disabled by a medical officer. The child must be under the age of 18. The child must not be cared in an institute. The grant is set to increase by an additional R10 per child per month, starting on April 1, 2024.

Who is eligible for care dependency grant?

To qualify for the care dependency grant, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship Status: Be a South African citizen, recognized refugee, or possess permanent residency.
Caregiver Role: Act as a parent, legally appointed primary caregiver, or foster parent for a child below 18 years.
Institutional Care: Ensure the child is not receiving long-term care in a state institution.
Residency: Both the applicant and the child must reside in South Africa.
Disability Evidence: Provide proof that the child has a severe disability and is under full-time home care.
Means Test: Satisfy the means test requirements with the applicant’s and spouse’s (if married) annual income not exceeding specified limits.
Income Limits: For an individual, the annual income should not exceed R249,600 (R20,800 per month). For married couples, the combined annual income should not surpass R499,200 (R41,600 per month). Foster parents are excluded from this income condition.

How can you apply for SASSA care dependency Grant?

The application can be submitted online and a person as well. You can choose the method that you think is more convenient for you.

Starting the Process

Before applying, you need to make sure your child qualifies for the care dependency grant. A doctor assigned by SASSA will do an assessment.

Choose How to Apply

Choose the way that works best for you – either visit your local SASSA office or apply online on their website.

Help for Those Facing Challenges

If you can’t make it to the SASSA office because of age, illness, or disability, ask a family member or friend to apply for you. They’ll need a note from you and a doctor’s explanation.

Guidance at the SASSA Office

You can get application forms easily from nearest SASSA offices. They are easy to fill out by yourself or you can get help from a SASSA officer. They’ll also have a chat with you to see if you qualify.

Keep a Record

Once you finish the application and talk with the SASSA officer, they’ll give you a receipt with a date stamp. Hold on to it – even if you don’t qualify, it’s proof you applied.

How to check SASSA Care Dependency Grant Status Online

Once you have applied for SASSA Care Dependency Grant, it is necessary to stay up date about your grant. You can check your status online by following these steps:

Easiest Methods

Visit SASSA Website

You can check Your Aplication status on Official Website.

Using Moya App in Mobile

Intall Moya App and check application status using data free method.

Through SMS to SASSA official Contact

You can message at 082-046-8553 to know your application status

Through WhatsApp

Message on SASSA WhatsApp 082-046-8553 and share your Details to know Application status

SASSA Toll Free Number

You can contact Toll-Free No. 0800-601011 from your mobile

Documents Needed for Care Dependency Grant Application:

When applying for a care dependency grant through SASSA, ensuring you have the necessary documents is crucial. Here’s a complete list of the required original or certified copies to bring to the SASSA office:

Identity Documents:

Your original 13-digit bar-coded ID (Identity Document).
If recognized as a refugee, provide your status permit and refugee ID.
Child’s birth certificate with a valid ID number.

If ID or Birth Certificate is Unavailable:

Complete the SASSA standard affidavit form in front of an independent Oaths Commissioner.
Documentation from the Department of Home Affairs confirming initiation of an ID or birth certificate application.
Temporary identity document card (if applicable).
Baptismal certificate (if available).
School certificate (if applicable).
Road to Health Clinic (RTHC) Card (if available).

Proof of Marital Status:

Marriage certificate (if married).
Divorce decree (if applicable).
Death certificate (if spouse is deceased).
For married individuals, provide documents indicating both spouses’ earnings.

Financial Documentation:

Payslips or bank statements for the last 3 months.
UIF card (if receiving UIF benefits).
Proof of employment history or UIF membership.

Pension Receipt:

Provide if receiving a pension.

Child-Related Documentation:

Proof of any financial support received or attempts to obtain support from biological parents.
Income proof of the child.

For Non-Biological Parents:

Affidavit from a police station.
Report from a social worker.
Written permission from the biological parent.
Letter from the child’s school principal.
Court order designating you as the legal foster parent (for foster parents).

Medical Assessment Report:

Confirming the child’s disability and permanent care or support at home.

SASSA care dependency Grant Application Processing Time

Typically, the processing period for care dependency grant applications spans around three months. Payments commence post-approval of your application. Upon successful processing and approval, you will receive payments retroactively from the date of your initial application submission. If, unfortunately, your application is rejected, SASSA will dispatch a letter detailing the reasons for non-approval along with an explanation.

What to do if care dependency grant Application is not Approved?

If your grant application gets declined and you think it’s an error, you can ask SASSA for a reconsideration. If that’s also turned down and you still disagree, you have the right to appeal to the Ministry of Social Development within 90 days of applying. The Ministry will review your appeal, and if they side with you, they can overturn SASSA’s decision, allowing your grant payments to start. On the other side, if the appeal is denied, you’ll receive a written explanation from the appeal board.

Balance Check For SASSA care dependency Program

Utilizing the SASSA balance check service is a convenient way to stay informed about the remaining balance of your grant, facilitating effective financial management and informed decision-making. Once your care dependency grant application is approved, and you start receiving grant payments, it’s advisable to regularly check your balance through various channels.

You can dial the USSD code 1203210# or 12069277# on your cellphone, visit any ATM (subject to normal bank charges), reach out to SASSA via WhatsApp at 082 046 8553, access the information on the official SASSA website, or call the toll-free SASSA call center at 0800 601 011. These diverse methods offer flexibility and accessibility to ensure you stay up-to-date with your grant funds.

Reasons of Grant Suspensions

Care dependency grant suspension may occur due to various reasons, including:

Change in Circumstances: Suspension may result if there are significant changes in your circumstances affecting eligibility.
False Information or Fraud: Providing false information or engaging in fraudulent activities can lead to grant suspension.
Non-Cooperation During Review: Failure to cooperate during the grant review process may result in suspension.
Review Outcome: Suspension may be initiated based on the outcomes of a periodic review of your grant status.
Mistaken Approval: If the grant was approved in error, it may be suspended upon realization of the mistake.

Reverting Reasons of care dependency Grant

Your care dependency grant may cease under the following conditions:

Decease: Grant termination occurs upon the recipient’s passing.
Failure to Prove Vitality: If unable to provide proof of being alive during annual reviews, the grant may lapse.
Non-Collection of Payments: If grant payments remain unclaimed for three consecutive months, reinstatement is possible within this period. Beyond 90 days, a new grant application is required.
Government-Funded Institution Admission: Entry into a fully government-funded institution, like a hospital or jail, results in grant cessation.
Extended Overseas Stay: Being outside the country for over 90 days without notice leads to grant termination.
Improved Financial Status: If income and/or assets surpass the means test criteria, rendering the recipient ineligible, the grant may be discontinued.
State Institution Admission: Grant reduction to 25% occurs when admitted to a state institution for over four months, reinstating to the maximum amount upon discharge.

Must Keep In Mind

Things to Consider as Beneficiary

As a SASSA grant holder, you bear certain responsibilities to ensure the smooth processing of your grants

Update Personal and Financial Changes

It is essential to inform SASSA promptly about any alterations in your personal and financial circumstances to maintain accuracy in your records.

Timely Notification of Address or Contact Changes

Instantly update SASSA regarding any changes in your physical address or contact details to avoid any interruption or suspension in your grants.

Provide Accurate Information

Always furnish correct information, as SASSA does not tolerate fraudulent activity. Providing accurate details ensures the integrity of the grant system.

Avoid Grant Interruption

Keeping SASSA informed about changes in the scenarios mentioned above is crucial to prevent any disruption in your grants.

SASSA communicates notices and updates to the address submitted in your application. Failure to update your address or contact information may lead to the suspension of your grants, as SASSA relies on this information to reach you.

Contact SASSA

Feel free to use any of these channels to get additional information or clarification on any aspect of your application or the care dependency grant process.

SASSA offices

Visit SASSA Office Near You

Sum Up

To get accurate and correct information about your grant, connecting the social welfare department or their official website. They can provide you with correct information of the grant and they will guide you through the process. By using online tools you can ensure the status of your SASSA care child dependency grant. It is necessary to stay update about your status. Keep checking your status so that you can get latest information provided by SASSA. By doing that you will be up date about your grant.