SASSA Care Dependency Grant | Eligibility, Application, Process

The SASSA Care Dependency Grant is intended to support families or caregivers who are responsible to look after feeble children. It helps reduce the financial burdens associated with caring for children with special needs. Read more if you are intrested about the application process and eligibility of this SASSA Grant.

What Is The Eligibility Criteria For Care Dependency SASSA Grant?

The eligibility criteria for the SASSA Care Dependency Grant in South Africa include the following:

Child’s Age

The child for whom the grant is being applied must be under the age of 18.

Severe Disability

The child must have a severe disability that limits their ability to function and perform daily activities. This disability needs to be confirmed by a medical professional.

Caregiver

This SASSA R350 grant is generally awarded to the primary caregiver of the child, who may be a parent, legal guardian, or another family member. The caregiver is answerable for the day-to-day care of the child with a severe disability.

Means Test

Caregivers must meet certain income and means test criteria. It means that there are financial eligibility requirements that caregivers need to qualify for the grant.

Permanent Residency

The caregiver and the child must be South African citizens or permanent residents to be eligible for the grant.

It’s important to note that the specific eligibility criteria for the SASSA Care Dependency Grant can change over time. To get the most accurate and latest information on the grant’s eligibility requirements, keep in contact with SASSA.

SASSA Care Dependency Grant Mean Test

The means test for the SASSA Care Dependency Grant checks the caregiver’s income to determine eligibility. This means that the test is used to ensure that the grant is directed to those who need financial help in caring for a child with a severe disability. Here’s a basic explanation of the means test:

The means test assesses the caregiver’s income, financial resources, and financial situation.
The size of the caregiver’s household is taken into account. This includes the number of people dependent on the caregiver, including other children in the household.
SASSA sets specific income thresholds or limits. If the caregiver’s income falls below these thresholds, they are more likely to be eligible for the Care Dependency Grant.
Certain expenses related to the care of a child with a severe disability may also be considered. These expenses may be used to reduce the caregiver’s total income for means testing purposes.

How Much Is Sassa Care Dependency Grant?

The exact amount of the SASSA Care Dependency Grant varies with the condition of disability. It means that the grant amount is not a fixed or uniform figure. It takes into account the level of care required by the child and the caregiver’s financial situation.

SASSA determines the grant amount after the child’s medical test. SASSA evaluates the severity of the child’s disability and the child’s care-related expenses. The grant covers the extra costs, including medical expenses and special equipment.

Any child that fulfills the eligible criteria can receive R2,090 monthly, which will increase by R10 per month from April 1, 2024.

What Is The Procedure For Applying for the SASSA Care Dependency Grant

Here’s a general procedure for applying for the grant:

Gather Required Documents

Before starting the application process, gather all the necessary documents. These may include the child’s medical reports and records, your ID card, proof of income, and any other supporting paperwork.

Visit the Nearest SASSA Office

Locate your nearest South SASSA office. Visit the office in person to start the application process.

Request an Application Form

At the SASSA office, request an application form for the Care Dependency Grant. SASSA staff will provide you with the necessary forms and guide you through the application process.

Complete the Application Form

Fill out the application form with accurate information. Be sure to give all the details about the child’s disability and the caregiver’s financial information.

Attach Supporting Documents

Submit all the supporting documents, including medical reports and ID cards. Make sure these documents are in order and complete.

Submit Your Application

Return the completed application form and all the supporting documents to the SASSA office. The staff will review your application to ensure it is complete and accurate.

Interview and Assessment

You may be required to attend an interview or assessment with SASSA officials. During this process, the severity of the child’s disability and the caregiver’s means may be evaluated.

Wait for a Response

After submitting your application, you will need to wait for SASSA to review your case. The agency will assess your eligibility based on the information provided.

Notification of Grant Approval

After the approval of your application, you will receive an official notification from SASSA. It includes all the details about the grant amount and the frequency of payments.

Grant Payment

Once approved, the Care Dependency Grant will be paid into the caregiver’s bank account. SASSA will provide information on how and when you can expect to receive the payments.

Required Documents For SASSA Care Dependency Grant

When applying for the SASSA Care Dependency Grant, you will need to provide various documents to support your application. Here is a list of required documents:

The completed application form for the SASSA Care Dependency Grant.
Proof of identity for both the caregiver and the child, such as valid South African identity documents or birth certificates.
Submit medical tests from a healthcare professional confirming the child’s severe disability. These reports should describe the nature and extent of the disability.
Documentation of the caregiver’s financial means, which may include payslips, employment letters, or bank statements.
Evidence of your current address, such as utility bills or official correspondence.
If you are not the child’s biological parent, you may need to provide legal documents proving your legal guardianship or custody of the child.
If applicable, provide marriage or divorce certificates to verify family relationships.
You will need to provide your bank account details where the grant payments will be deposited.
SASSA may request further documentation or information specific to your case.

Application Processing Time For SASSA Care Dependency Grant

The processing time for the Care Dependency Grant application can vary depending on several factors. Here’s a general overview of the application processing timeline:

Application Submission
Assessment
Verification
Approval or Rejection
Notification of Grant Payment
Grant Payment Initiation

The processing time can vary from a few weeks to 3 months, depending on the complexity of your case and the SASSA office’s workload. But keep in mind that SASSA SRD makes efforts to process applications possible, but there can be delays due to high demand or other factors.

How To Check SASSA Care Dependency Grant Status

To check the status of your SASSA Care Dependency Grant application or payments, you can use the following methods:

Contact the SASSA Call Center

You can call the SASSA toll-free helpline to inquire about the status of your Care Dependency Grant application or payments. The helpline number is available on the official SASSA website or through local SASSA offices. Be prepared to provide your application reference number or other relevant information for them to assist you.

Visit a Local SASSA Office

You can visit your local SASSA office in person to check the status of your grant. SASSA officials at the office can provide you with updates and information about your application or payment status. Be sure to bring your identification and any relevant documents with you.

Online SASSA Portal

SASSA may have an online portal or website where you can check the status of your grant application or payments. You can log in to your account on the SASSA website if this service is available. If an online portal is offered, you will likely need to create an account and provide your application details to access your grant information.

SMS Notifications

SASSA often sends SMS notifications about the status of your grant application and payments. Ensure that your contact information, including your mobile phone number, is up-to-date with SASSA so that you receive these notifications.

SASSA Mobile App

SASSA may offer a mobile application that allows you to check the status of your grant and receive notifications. If such an app is available, download it and follow the instructions to access your grant information.

Bank Statements

If you receive your Grant payments through a bank account, you can check your bank statements to verify the deposit of grant payments. This can provide information on the timing and consistency of grant disbursements.

What To Do If SASSA Care Dependency Grant Will Not Accepted

If your SASSA Care Dependency Grant application is not accepted, it can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take to address the situation and have your application reconsidered. Here’s what you can do if your grant application is not accepted:

Understand the Reason for Rejection
Review and Correct Errors
Appeal the Decision
Provide Additional Information
Seek Legal Assistance
Follow Up
Contact SASSA for Assistance

Remember that the appeal process can take time, and there are no guarantees of approval. After rejection, if you reapply within 90 days, there are maximum chances of approval. Be patient as you work through the process of seeking the financial support you need to look after a child with a severe disability.

SASSA Care Dependency Grant Payment Process

The payment process for the SASSA Care Dependency Grant includes several steps. Here’s an overview of the payment process:

Approval of the Grant Application

After approval, you will receive an official notification of approval. This notification will include details about the grant amount and the frequency of payments.

Grant Amount Determination

The SASSA decides the amount of grant on a child’s disability and the caregiver’s financial situation. The purpose of this grant is to cover the expenses of a child with a severe disability.

Payment Schedule

SASSA will establish a payment schedule that specifies the dates on which the grant will be disbursed.

Bank Account Information

To receive the Care Dependency Grant payments, you need to have a valid bank account. SASSA will need your bank account number and branch code to transfer the payment.

Payment Method

Grant payments are usually made through electronic funds transfer (EFT) into the caregiver’s bank account. This is the most common method used to disburse the grant.

Payment Notification

SASSA may send notifications via SMS or other communication channels to inform you of the upcoming grant payments. These notifications will provide details about the payment amount and the payment date.

Receipt of Grant Payments

On the specified payment date, the Care Dependency Grant amount will be deposited into your designated bank account. You can verify the deposit by checking your bank statement.

Regular Review

Reviews are necessary to ensure that the child still meets the disability criteria and that the caregiver’s financial situation has not changed. Grant recipients may be required to reapply or provide updated information during these reviews.

Notification of Changes

If there are any changes in the child’s condition or the caregiver’s circumstances, notify SASSA. As your circumstances change, the amount of the grant will also change.

Balance Check For SASSA Care Dependency Grant

To check the balance of your SASSA Care Dependency Grant or to verify the remaining grant funds, you can use the following methods:

Bank Statements
Contact SASSA
SASSA Online Portal (if available)
SMS Notifications
Mobile App (if available)

To get updated information, it’s advisable to contact your local SASSA office or visit their official website for guidance and balance inquiries.

Reasons For SASSA Care Dependency Grant Suspension and Restoration

Your care dependency grant may be suspended if:

Your financial situation changes (except for foster parents).
Your child’s situation changes, either financially or medically.
You provide wrong information or committed fraud.
You did not cooperate with a grant review.
The grant review results in a suspension.
Your child’s grant was approved by mistake.

But if your grant is suspended by mistake, then reapply within 90 days or contact SASSA for further guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is A Sassa SRD Care Dependency Grant?

The SASSA SRD Care Dependency Grant is a financial assistance program provided by SASSA to parents, foster parents, or primary caregivers of children with severe physical or mental disabilities who require full-time home care. The grant is intended to help parents and caregivers meet the additional costs associated with caring for a child with a disability.

How Much Increase For Sassa Care Dependency Grant?

The SASSA Care Dependency Grant increased from R1980 to R2090 per month on October 1, 2023. This is an increase of R10 per month.

How Do I Check My Sassa Dependency Grant Balance?

There are two ways to check your Sassa dependency grant balance:

You can check your balance on the SASSA website or app.
You can go to a SASSA office and ask a staff member to check your balance for you.

Can I Apply For the Sassa Dependency Grant Online?

Yes, you can apply for a Sassa dependency grant online. To do this, you will need to create an account on the SASSA website. Once you have created an account, you can start the application process.

Here are the steps to apply for a Sassa dependency grant online:

Go to the SASSA website and click on “Apply for a grant.”
Select “Care Dependency Grant”.
Create an account or log in to your existing account.
Complete the application form and submit it.

Final Words

The SASSA Care Dependency Grant in South Africa is a crucial social assistance program designed to provide financial support to caregivers responsible for children with severe disabilities. This grant is aimed at helping families cope with the extra financial burdens associated with caring for a child with special needs.