Care Dependency Grant in 2024 | Eligibility, Amount, Dates
Care Dependency Grant is the money given to parents, foster parents, or primary caregivers by SASSA for taking care of their children who have extreme mental and physical disabilities that require special types of home care on a full-time basis.
We will be discussing what is Care Dependency Grant and who qualifies for it, how to apply among others in this detailed manual.
What is the Care Dependency Grant?
South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides Care Dependency Grant, it is a critical financial aid scheme due to its importance in helping families who look after children with severe disabilities or chronic illness. It promotes the provision of necessary care and support for such kids and also helps their families supplement associated expenses.
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Who Qualifies for the Care Dependency Grant?
To qualify for the Care Dependency Grant, the following criteria must be met:
- Age of the Child: The child must be under the age of 18.
- Disability Assessment: The child must undergo a medical assessment to confirm the severity of the disability.
- Means Test: The household income must meet the criteria set by SASSA.
What is the Means Test for the SASSA Care Dependency Grant?
The SASSA means test is a process used to assess the income of applicants for the Care Dependency Grant. This test ensures that only those who genuinely need financial assistance receive the grant. To be eligible, a single applicant’s annual income must not exceed R249,600. For married applicants, the combined annual income must be under R499,200.
Foster parents are exempt from the means test requirement, meaning they do not need to meet this income criterion. Foster child grant recipients can also apply for the Care Dependency Grant if their foster child has a severe disability.
Different types of grants have distinct criteria for the means test to determine the financial eligibility of applicants.
How Much is Care Dependency Grant in 2024
As of 2024, the Care Dependency Grant amount is R1,890 per month. This amount is subject to periodic reviews and adjustments based on inflation and other economic factors.
How to Apply for the Care Dependency Grant
Applying for the Care Dependency Grant involves several steps:
- Visit a SASSA Office: Go to your nearest SASSA office to obtain the application form.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill in the necessary details on the application form. Ensure that all information is accurate to avoid delays.
- Submit Required Documents: Provide all required documentation, including the child’s birth certificate, medical assessment report, and proof of household income.
- Await Processing: SASSA will review your application and may conduct a home visit as part of the verification process.
- Receive Outcome: You will be notified of the outcome of your application. If approved, you will start receiving the monthly grant payments.
Supporting Documentation for the Application
When applying for the Care Dependency Grant, ensure you have the following documents:
- The child’s birth certificate.
- The child’s medical assessment report.
- Your South African ID.
- Proof of income for the household (e.g., salary slips, bank statements).
- Proof of guardianship (if applicable).
SASSA Care Dependency Grant Status Check
Following the submission of your application, you have the ability to monitor the advancement of your application by conducting a status check to determine whether it has been approved or declined, or to ascertain its current status.
If approval of your application, it is essential to consistently verify the status of your forthcoming grant payments and their respective dates in order to stay informed. The SASSA care dependency grant status check can be performed using the methods outlined below:
- Check via SASSA Website
- Check via Moya AppÂ
- Check via SMS To SASSA Number 082-046-8553
- Check via SASSA WhatsApp 082-046-8553
- Contacting on SASSA Toll-Free No. 0800-601011
What to Do if Your SASSA Care Dependency Grant Application is Rejected
If your grant application is turned down and you believe it’s wrong, you can ask SASSA to review it again. If they still deny your request, you can appeal to the Ministry of Social Development. You need to start this appeal within 90 days of the denial.
The Ministry will look at your appeal and decide. If they agree with you, they will overturn SASSA’s decision, and you will receive your grant. If your appeal is denied, you will get a written explanation of why.
SASSA Care Dependency Grant Balance Check
The SASSA balance check service lets you see how much money you have left from your grant. By checking your balance, you can keep track of your funds and make good decisions about spending your grant money. Once your care dependency grant is approved and you start receiving payments, you can check your balance regularly using these methods:
- Dial the USSD code 1203210# or 12069277# on your cellphone.
- Check at any ATM (normal bank charges may apply).
- Use the SASSA WhatsApp number 082 046 8553.
- Call the SASSA call center at 0800 601 011 (toll-free).
Renewal and Review of the Grant
The Care Dependency Grant is subject to periodic reviews to ensure that recipients continue to meet the eligibility criteria. SASSA may require updated medical assessments or proof of income during these reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Disability Grant?
As of 2024, the Disability Grant amount is R1,890 per month.
Who qualifies for the SASSA Disability Grant?
Individuals aged 18 to 59 with a permanent disability, as confirmed by a medical assessment, and who meet the means test requirements, qualify for the SASSA Disability Grant.
What is the Care Dependency Grant?
The Care Dependency Grant is a financial assistance program for caregivers of children under 18 with severe disabilities who require full-time care.
How much is the Care Dependency Grant?
In 2024, the Care Dependency Grant amount is R1,890 per month.
How do I apply for the SASSA Disability Grant?
To apply for the SASSA Disability Grant, visit your nearest SASSA office, complete the application form, submit the required documents, and await the outcome.
What does the Care Dependency Grant cover?
The Care Dependency Grant helps cover additional costs associated with caring for a child with a severe disability, such as medical expenses, special equipment, and other necessary care services.
SASSA Grant Extension
In some cases, caregivers of adults with disabilities can also receive financial assistance through the SASSA Caregiver Grant extension. This grant provides additional support to caregivers who are responsible for adults needing full-time care.
Conclusion
The Care Dependency Grant is an essential support mechanism for South African families caring for children with severe disabilities. By understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and required documentation, caregivers can ensure they receive the financial assistance they need.
