Care Dependency Grant
The Care Dependency Grant supports parents and caregivers of children with severe disabilities who require permanent care and support.
The Care Dependency Grant (CDG) is a monthly payment made by SASSA to parents or caregivers of children under 18 who have severe mental or physical disabilities. The grant recognizes that caring for a child with a severe disability requires significant additional resources and support.
This grant provides substantially more than the Child Support Grant because children with severe disabilities often require specialized care, therapy, medical equipment, and full-time supervision. The grant helps families meet these additional expenses while ensuring the child can remain in a home environment.
The Care Dependency Grant is one of the highest-value grants for children in South Africa, reflecting the government's recognition of the challenges faced by families caring for children with severe disabilities.
Current Grant Amount
R2,400 per month
To qualify for the Care Dependency Grant, the child must have a severe disability that requires permanent care. This includes:
- Severe mental disabilities (intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders)
- Severe physical disabilities (cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida)
- Chronic illnesses requiring constant care (severe epilepsy, cancer, HIV/AIDS with complications)
- Multiple disabilities affecting daily functioning
- Sensory impairments (blindness, deafness) when combined with other disabilities
Key requirement:The child must require and receive permanent home care due to their disability. A SASSA medical assessment will determine if the child's condition qualifies for the grant.
Child Requirements:
- Must be under 18 years of age
- Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Must have a severe mental or physical disability
- Must require permanent home care
- Must not be cared for in a state institution on a 24-hour basis
Caregiver Requirements:
- Must be the primary caregiver of the child
- Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Must reside in South Africa
- Must meet the means test requirements
Means Test Thresholds (2026)
Single Caregiver: Annual income below R259,200 (R21,600/month)
Married Caregiver: Combined annual income below R518,400 (R43,200/month)
A medical assessment is required to confirm the child's disability and care needs:
- 1
Gather Medical Reports
Collect all existing medical reports, diagnoses, and documentation from doctors and specialists
- 2
Apply at SASSA
Submit your application at your nearest SASSA office with all required documents
- 3
SASSA Medical Assessment
A SASSA-appointed medical officer will assess the child's condition and care needs
- 4
Assessment Outcome
SASSA will notify you whether the child qualifies and if the grant is permanent or temporary
Care Dependency Grant payments are made on the same dates as Children's Grants. Here are the confirmed payment dates for 2026:
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January 2026 | 8 January 2026 |
| February 2026 | 5 February 2026 |
| March 2026 | 5 March 2026 |
| April 2026 | 8 April 2026 |
| May 2026 | 8 May 2026 |
| June 2026 | 5 June 2026 |
| July 2026 | 6 July 2026 |
| August 2026 | 7 August 2026 |
| September 2026 | 4 September 2026 |
| October 2026 | 6 October 2026 |
| November 2026 | 6 November 2026 |
| December 2026 | 4 December 2026 |
Required Documents:
- Your South African ID document
- Child's birth certificate or ID document
- Medical reports confirming the child's disability
- Proof of residence
- Proof of income (if employed)
- Bank statement or proof of banking details
Important
Both the caregiver and the child must be present at the SASSA office for the application. The medical assessment may be conducted at a later appointment.