South Africa · Care Dependency Grant · 2026/2027
Independent informational guide · Last reviewed July 2026
The Care Dependency Grant currently provides R2,400 per month for an eligible child who requires full-time and special care.
The grant is administered by the South African Social Security Agency, commonly known as SASSA. Approval depends on the caregiver, child, medical assessment and financial requirements being met.
This guide explains how payments work, which documents may be requested, how applications are handled and what can cause the grant to be reviewed, suspended or stopped.
Current amount from April 2026 · Continued payment remains subject to SASSA assessment
Check the requirements first
Not sure whether the medical, caregiving and household requirements apply to your circumstances? Review the Care Dependency Grant eligibility criteria →
How the money is paid
Official Care Dependency Grant payment methods
SASSA may pay the grant using one of the following methods:
Make sure that banking, identification and contact information is recorded accurately. Contact SASSA when these details change.
Monthly payment schedule
When the grant is normally paid
Social grants are generally paid early in the month and staggered over several days. Older Persons Grants are normally paid first, followed by Disability Grants and then children’s grants.
The exact date can change because of weekends, public holidays and operational requirements.
Application process
How the Care Dependency Grant application works
Applications are handled by SASSA. The child must undergo the required medical assessment before the grant can be approved.
- 1 Gather your identity and supporting documents.
- 2 Visit the SASSA office nearest to where you live.
- 3 Follow the medical assessment process. SASSA will refer the child for assessment by a state medical officer.
- 4 Complete the application form in front of a SASSA officer.
- 5 Keep the application receipt. It is proof that the application was submitted.
- 6 Wait for the official decision. Processing may take up to three months.
Documents and information
What you may need to bring
The exact documents depend on the caregiver’s circumstances. Commonly requested information includes:
- ✓ Caregiver’s South African identity document.
- ✓ Child’s birth certificate.
- ✓ Medical or assessment report confirming the child’s disability and care needs.
- ✓ Proof of marital status.
- ✓ Salary slips, recent bank statements, pension slips or other proof of income.
- ✓ Proof that you are the primary caregiver when you are not the child’s parent.
- ✓ Court placement or refugee documentation where applicable.
Continued payment
The grant may be reviewed
Approval does not mean that the grant will continue automatically under every future circumstance. SASSA may review the grant and request updated information.
Payment may be suspended or stopped when
- ✗ The child’s circumstances change.
- ✗ The caregiver does not cooperate with a required review.
- ✗ Fraud, incorrect information or misrepresentation is identified.
- ✗ The child enters permanent care in a state-funded institution.
- ✗ The grant is not claimed for three consecutive months.
- ✗ The child turns 18, leaves South Africa or passes away.
When the child turns 18
The Care Dependency Grant ends at age 18. The young adult may separately be assessed for the Disability Grant when its requirements are met. Read how Disability Grant eligibility is assessed →
If the application is unsuccessful
Ask for the reason before taking the next step
SASSA should communicate the reason when an application is not approved.
An applicant who disagrees with the decision may appeal to the Minister of Social Development. The appeal should be submitted within 90 days of receiving the unsuccessful decision.
Frequently asked questions
Verify current information
Grant amounts, requirements and payment dates can change. Confirm important details through an official government source before applying or travelling.
Official Care Dependency Grant information → Official 2026/2027 amounts and payment schedule →