The Care Dependency Grant is a monthly payment provided by the South African government to parents, foster parents, or primary caregivers who take care of a child under the age of 18 with a mental or physical disability. The child must require full-time care and receive permanent home care instead of being in a state-funded institution.
To be eligible for the grant, both the applicant child and you must be residents of South Africa. You must also have legal responsibility for the child as a parent/guardian etc. In some cases, a court order may require you to care for the child.
It’s important to note that you cannot receive both the Child Support Grant and the Care Dependency Grant for the same child. However, you can receive a Care Dependency Grant and a Foster Child Grant for the same child. As of October 1, 2023, the value of the Care Dependency Grant is R2,090 per child per month.
Criteria
The following are the criteria that you need to fulfill if you want to receive a Care Dependency Grant:
You need to be a South African citizen.
You should be a parent, or primary caregiver of a child under 18 years old.
The child shouldn’t be receiving permanent care in a state-funded institution.
Both you and the child must live within South Africa.
You must provide evidence that the child has a severe disability and receives ongoing care or support.
You and your spouse (excluding foster parents) must meet certain financial requirements.
The means test determines if your income and assets fall within the specified limits.
You’ll need to gather relevant documents like IDs, proof of residence, and medical reports.
Complete the necessary forms and submit them to the officials.
SASSA will review your application, ask for additional information, or conduct a home visit.
The grant amount can vary, so it’s important to stay updated on the latest information.
The grant needs to be renewed periodically, and you may need to provide updated information and documentation.
Documents Required for Care Dependency Grant Application
These are the documents/alternative documents that you need for the application of the Care Dependency Grant.
Child’s ID Document or Birth Certificate: This document is required to verify the identity of the child to whom the grant is being applied. If the child does not have an ID document, an affidavit can be submitted as an alternative to confirm their personal information.
Yours and your spouse’s ID Documents: These documents are needed to verify the identity of the applicants. If either you or your spouse do not have ID documents, you can submit an affidavit to confirm your personal information. The affidavit serves as a substitute for the missing ID document and contains a sworn statement confirming your identity.
Proof of household income: This is required to assess the financial situation of the household. Depending on your employment status, you will need to provide different forms of proof. If you are employed, you can submit pay slips as evidence of your income. If you are receiving UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund), you will need to provide your UIF card. If you are unemployed, an affidavit can be submitted to confirm your unemployment status. If you receive a pension, you will need to provide the pension receipt
Proof of spousal relationship: This is required to establish the marital status of the applicants. Depending on your situation, you will need to provide different forms of proof. If you are married, you will need to provide a marriage certificate.
Additional documents: In certain circumstances, additional documents may be required. For example, if you are a foster parent, you will need to provide a court order proving your foster parent status. If you are the child’s primary caregiver but not the parent, you may need to provide an affidavit from the police, biological parent, school, or a social worker’s report.
Medical or assessment report: This is required if the child is severely disabled due to a physical or mental disability and receives permanent care or support services. A report from a doctor
Proof of residence: You will need to provide documentation that verifies your current residential address. This can include utility bills (such as water or electricity bills), a lease agreement, or an official letter from the municipality or a recognized institution. The document should clearly display your name and address and should be recent (usually within the last three months).
Bank account details: To receive the grant payments, you will need to provide your bank account details. This includes the bank name, branch code, and account number. It’s important to ensure that the account is in your name or in the name of the primary caregiver of the child.
Proof of guardianship: If you are not the biological parent of the child, but you are the legal guardian or caregiver, you will need to provide documentation that proves your legal status. This can include court orders, social worker reports, or any other official documentation that establishes your guardianship.
Reasons for Suspension of Care Dependency Grant
The following are the possible reasons for the suspension of the grant.
Changes in the child’s circumstances: If there are significant changes in the child’s situation, such as a change in custody, income, or living arrangements, the grant may be suspended until the new circumstances are assessed.
Unfavorable review outcome: During periodic reviews, if it is determined that the child no longer meets the eligibility criteria or if there are discrepancies in the information provided, the grant may be suspended.
Failure to cooperate during the review: If you fail to provide requested documentation or information during the review process, the grant may be suspended until the necessary details are provided.
Fraud or misrepresentation: If it is discovered that you have intentionally provided false or misleading information to obtain or maintain the grant, it can lead to immediate suspension and potential legal consequences.
Error in grant approval: If there was an administrative error or mistake in the initial approval of the grant, it may be suspended until the issue is resolved and corrected.
Non-compliance with program requirements: Failure to comply with the program’s rules and regulations, such as not attending required appointments or not adhering to reporting obligations, can result in grant suspension.
Overpayment: If it is determined that you have received more funds than you were entitled to, either due to an error or intentional actions, the excess amount may need to be repaid, and the grant may be suspended until the matter is resolved.
Care Dependency Grant Application Process
To apply for the care dependency grant, you will need to follow these steps:
Gather the necessary documents: You will need the applicant’s birth certificate, your ID, proof of income, and a medical report from a healthcare professional.
Complete the application form: You can obtain the application form from your nearest South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office or download it from their website.
Fill out the form: Provide accurate and complete information in the application form, including the applicant’s details, medical information, and your personal information.
Attach the required documents: Make sure to include all the necessary documents mentioned earlier, such as the birth certificate, ID, proof of income, and medical report.
Submit the application: Take the completed application form and the supporting documents to your nearest SASSA office. They will assist you with the submission process.
Follow up on the application: After submitting the application, you can inquire about the status of your application by contacting SASSA or visiting their office. They will provide updates on the progress of your application.
Reasons for Rejection of Care Dependency Grant Application
Possible reasons for the rejection of a care dependency grant application:
Not providing all the required documents, such as the birth certificate, ID, proof of income, or medical report, can lead to application rejection.
If the applicant does not meet the specific eligibility criteria set by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), the application may be rejected.
The medical report provided may not adequately demonstrate the care dependency or the severity of the condition, leading to rejection.
Any mistakes or inconsistencies in the application form or supporting documents can result in rejection.
If the application is submitted after the specified deadline, it may be rejected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Parents or primary caregivers of children under the age of 18 who have severe disabilities and require full-time care and support may be eligible to apply for the Care Dependency Grant. The child’s disability must be assessed and confirmed by a medical professional.
As of September 2023, the monthly amount for the Care Dependency Grant is R2,090. This amount is subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check with SASSA for the latest information.
To apply for Grant, you need to complete an application form available at your nearest SASSA office or on their website. You will need to provide supporting documents, including the child’s birth certificate, your ID, proof of income, and a medical report from a healthcare professional.
The processing time for the Care Dependency Grant application can vary. It typically takes around 3 months for SASSA to process and finalize the application. However, this timeline can be subject to change, so it’s best to check with SASSA for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, if your Care Dependency Grant application is rejected, you have the right to appeal the decision. You can submit an appeal within 90 days of receiving the rejection notice. It’s important to provide any additional information or documentation that may support your appeal.
Yes, you may be eligible to receive other social grants in addition to the Care Dependency Grant, depending on your circumstances. Some common grants that can be received alongside the Care Dependency Grant include the Child Support Grant and the Disability Grant.
