The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides a range of social grants to South African citizens, permanent residents, and refugees who meet certain eligibility criteria. One such grant is the Care Dependency Grant, which is intended to assist parents, primary caregivers, or foster parents who are responsible for the care of a child with a severe disability.
To be eligible for the Care Dependency Grant, the child must be under the age of 18 and require full-time care due to a physical or mental disability. The grant is means-tested, which means that the applicant’s income and assets will be taken into account when determining eligibility. The amount of the grant is R2,080 per month, and it is paid directly to the caregiver.
Applying for the Care Dependency Grant involves submitting a medical report that confirms the child’s disability and the need for full-time care. The application process can be completed online or at a SASSA office, and applicants will need to provide various documents, including proof of identity, proof of income, and proof of residence. Once the application has been approved, the grant will be paid on a monthly basis for as long as the child remains eligible.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Sassa Care Dependency Grant, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Age Requirement
The child must be under the age of 18 years and must not be receiving permanent care in a state-funded institution.
Health Status
The applicant must submit a medical/assessment report confirming permanent, severe disability of the child. The child must have a disability that requires full-time care and supervision from a caregiver.
Residency Status
The applicant and child must both reside in South Africa. The applicant must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee with valid papers.
Additionally, the primary caregiver must meet the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee with valid papers
- Reside in South Africa
- Be the primary caregiver of the child
- Not earn more than R223,200 a year if single. Combined income should not exceed R446,400 a year if married. Note: This income limit does not apply to foster parents.
It’s important to note that meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee approval of the grant. The application will undergo a thorough review process to ensure that the applicant meets all the requirements.
Application Process
Required Documents
To apply for the Sassa Care Dependency Grant, applicants need to submit the following documents:
- A medical or assessment report confirming the child’s permanent and severe disability. The report should be issued by a medical practitioner or a registered nurse.
- The applicant’s South African ID or passport, or a refugee permit.
- Proof of residence in South Africa, such as a utility bill or a letter from a traditional leader.
Application Procedure
There are two ways to apply for the Care Dependency Grant:
- Online Application: Applicants can apply for the grant online by visiting the Sassa services website. To apply online, applicants need to register on the portal, capture the child’s and disability details, upload the required documents, and submit the completed application.
- In-Person Application: Applicants can also apply for the grant in person by visiting a Sassa office close to them. Applicants should bring the required documents with them and complete the application form at the office.
After submitting the application, Sassa will assess the application and notify the applicant of the outcome. If approved, the grant will be paid to the applicant through one of the following methods:
- Cash at a specific pay point on a particular day
- Electronic deposit into the applicant’s bank or Postbank account (the bank may charge for the service)
- An institution acting as administrator of the grant, such as welfare organizations.
It is important to note that the grant is subject to a means test, which means that the applicant’s income and assets will be assessed to determine their eligibility for the grant.
Grant Amount
The Care Dependency Grant is a monthly financial assistance program provided by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to individuals who are responsible for the care of a child with a severe and permanent disability. As of October 1, 2023, the value of the grant is R2,090 per child per month, an increase of R10 from April 1, 2023.
The grant amount is uniform nationwide and does not vary geographically. Multiple qualifying children can be claimed, and the monthly amount increases slightly annually in line with inflation.
SASSA pays the grant through one of the following methods: cash at a specific pay point on a particular day or electronic deposit into a bank or Postbank account. However, the bank may charge for the service.
To qualify for the Care Dependency Grant, the applicant must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee, and the applicant and child must be resident in South Africa. The child must be under the age of 18 years, and the applicant must submit a medical/assessment report confirming the child’s permanent, severe disability.
In conclusion, the Care Dependency Grant provides financial assistance to caregivers of children with severe disabilities. The grant amount is uniform nationwide, increases annually in line with inflation, and is paid through either cash or electronic deposit. To apply, the applicant must meet specific requirements and submit a medical/assessment report confirming the child’s permanent, severe disability.
Payment Method
The Care Dependency Grant is paid out by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) through various methods. These methods include:
- Cash Payment: The grant can be paid in cash at a specific pay point on a particular day. The beneficiary must present their ID book or card to receive payment.
- Electronic Deposit: The grant can be electronically deposited into the beneficiary’s bank or Postbank account. However, the bank may charge a fee for this service.
- Institutional Payment: The grant can be paid to an institution acting as the administrator of the grant. This can include welfare organizations and other relevant institutions.
It is important to note that the payment method chosen by the beneficiary is final and cannot be changed without prior notice to SASSA. Beneficiaries are advised to choose a payment method that is most convenient for them.
For more information on the Care Dependency Grant payment methods, please visit the SASSA website.
Appeal Process
If an applicant’s application for the Care Dependency Grant is rejected, they have the right to appeal the decision within 90 days. The appeal process gives SASSA the chance to re-evaluate the application if the applicant believes they still meet the eligibility criteria.
To lodge an appeal, the applicant must submit an appeal form. The form can be obtained from any SASSA office or downloaded from the SASSA website. The form must be completed in full and submitted to the nearest SASSA office.
The applicant must also provide supporting documents with the appeal form. These documents may include a medical or assessment report confirming the child’s permanent, severe disability, as well as any additional information that may support the appeal.
Once the appeal has been lodged, the application will be re-evaluated by SASSA. If the appeal is successful, the applicant will receive the Care Dependency Grant. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the applicant will be notified in writing of the decision.
If the applicant disagrees with the decision, they can appeal to the Minister of Social Development at the national office of the Department of Social Development, explaining why they disagree. The appeal must be lodged within 90 days of being notified that the application was unsuccessful.
It is important to note that the appeal process may take some time, and it is recommended that applicants keep in contact with SASSA to check on the progress of their appeal.
Termination of Grant
The Care Dependency Grant is paid until the child turns 18 years old, after which it is terminated. If the child’s condition improves before they turn 18, the grant may also be terminated. In such cases, the primary caregiver must inform SASSA of the improvement in the child’s condition.
It is also important to note that the primary caregiver must reapply annually and supply updated medical assessments to continue receiving the grant. Failure to do so may result in the termination of the grant.
When the child reaches 18 years old, they can apply for a Disability Grant instead of the Care Dependency Grant. However, the Disability Grant has its own set of eligibility criteria and requirements that must be met.
In cases where the grant is terminated due to the child’s condition improving or the primary caregiver failing to reapply or supply updated medical assessments, the caregiver can appeal the decision with SASSA. The appeal must be made within 90 days of receiving the notice of termination.
Overall, it is important for primary caregivers to stay up-to-date with the eligibility criteria, requirements, and application processes for the Care Dependency Grant to avoid any interruptions or termination of the grant.
Reapplication Procedure
If an applicant’s request for a Care Dependency Grant is rejected, they can apply for a reapplication. SASSA provides a step-by-step guide on how to correctly submit a grant reapplication request on their website.
The first step in the reapplication process is to receive an initial written rejection notice from SASSA. This notice will detail the reasons for the rejection. Once an applicant has received this notice, they can begin the reapplication process.
The second step is to gather all the necessary documents. Applicants must submit a medical/assessment report confirming the child’s permanent, severe disability. They must also provide proof that the applicant and child are South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees, and that they are both residents in South Africa. The child must be under the age of 18 years.
The third step is to complete the application form in the presence of a SASSA officer. Only the applicant or a SASSA official can complete the application form. Once the application form is complete, the applicant will be given a receipt, which they should keep as proof that they have applied.
The fourth step is to wait for the application to be processed. SASSA will notify the applicant of the outcome of their reapplication request. If the application is approved, the grant will be paid from the date of the reapplication. If the application is rejected again, the applicant can appeal the decision.
It is important to note that applicants can also apply for a review of the decision if they believe that the rejection was unfair or incorrect. The review process involves an independent review of the decision by a SASSA official who was not involved in the initial decision. Applicants must submit a written request for a review within 90 days of receiving the rejection notice.
Overall, the reapplication process for the Care Dependency Grant can be straightforward if applicants follow the steps outlined by SASSA and provide all the necessary documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the amount of the Sassa care dependency grant?
The amount of the Sassa care dependency grant is determined by the applicant’s income and assets. As of October 2023, the maximum amount of the grant is R1,860 per month.
How do I apply for the Sassa care dependency grant?
To apply for the Sassa care dependency grant, applicants must visit their nearest Sassa office with the required documents. The documents required for the application include the applicant’s ID, proof of income, and proof of residence.
Who qualifies for the Sassa care dependency grant?
To qualify for the Sassa Care Dependency Grant, the applicant must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee. The applicant and child must be resident in South Africa, and the child must be under the age of 18 years and severely disabled.
What are the benefits of the Sassa care dependency grant?
The Sassa care dependency grant provides financial assistance to caregivers who are responsible for severely disabled children. The grant can be used to cover the cost of medical expenses, transportation, and other necessities.
How can I check the status of my Sassa care dependency grant?
Applicants can check the status of their Sassa care dependency grant by visiting the Sassa website or by contacting their nearest Sassa office.
What are the different types of grants available in South Africa?
In addition to the Sassa care dependency grant, there are several other grants available in South Africa. These include the child support grant, the disability grant, the foster child grant, and the old age grant, among others. Each grant has its own set of eligibility criteria and application process.
Sassa Disability Grant-Eligibility Criteria and Application Process