SASSA Care Dependency Grant 2026 — Amount, Eligibility & How to Apply

The SASSA Care Dependency Grant is R2,400 per month from April 2026. It is for parents or caregivers of children with severe disabilities or chronic illnesses who require full-time care. At R2,400, it is the highest grant available for caregivers of children — significantly more than the Child Support Grant (R580).

Care Dependency Grant Amount 2026

Who Qualifies for the Care Dependency Grant?

Both the caregiver and the child must meet specific requirements.

Child Requirements

Caregiver Requirements

What Conditions Qualify a Child?

SASSA assesses each child individually — there is no fixed list of qualifying conditions. Common qualifying conditions include:

• Cerebral palsy
• Down syndrome
• Severe autism requiring full-time care
• Blindness or deafness (where full-time care is required)
• Severe intellectual disability
• Serious chronic illness requiring continuous nursing or supervision

The key criterion is that the child’s condition requires full-time care — not just regular medical treatment or support.

Care Dependency Grant vs Child Support Grant

For the same child, you receive one grant or the other — not both. If your child has a severe disability requiring full-time care, the Care Dependency Grant (R2,400) is the appropriate grant, not the Child Support Grant.

How to Apply for the Care Dependency Grant

Documents to bring:

Steps:

1. Obtain a medical report from your child’s doctor or treating hospital.
2. Visit your nearest SASSA office with all documents.
3. SASSA will refer the child to a designated medical officer for an independent assessment.
4. Complete the Care Dependency Grant application form.
5. If approved: payments start within 3–4 weeks.

What Happens When the Child Turns 18?

The Care Dependency Grant stops when the child turns 18. If the young adult continues to need significant care due to their disability, the caregiver or the young adult themselves may apply for the Disability Grant in their own name — which also pays R2,400/month.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the Care Dependency Grant in 2026?

R2,400 per month from April 2026. This is the same amount as the Older Persons and Disability Grants, and significantly more than the Child Support Grant (R580).

What disability qualifies for Care Dependency Grant?

Any severe disability or chronic illness that requires full-time care. This includes cerebral palsy, severe autism, Down syndrome, severe intellectual disability, and serious chronic illnesses. SASSA’s designated medical officer assesses the child’s condition individually.

Can I get Care Dependency Grant and Child Support Grant for the same child?

No. You can only receive one grant per child. If your child has a severe disability requiring full-time care, apply for the Care Dependency Grant (R2,400) — not the Child Support Grant (R580). These grants are mutually exclusive for the same child.

Does the Care Dependency Grant stop at age 18?

Yes. The grant stops when the child turns 18. At that point, you can apply for the Disability Grant in the young adult’s own name if they still cannot support themselves due to their disability.

Is the Care Dependency Grant means-tested?

Yes. The caregiver’s income must meet SASSA’s means test thresholds. The exact income limit is aligned with standard SASSA grant means test criteria. See the SASSA means test guide for details.