Check SASSA Care Dependency Grant Status Online

Are you raising a child with severe disabilities while waiting for crucial financial support? The uncertainty of your SASSA Care Dependency Grant application status adds stress to your already challenging situation. Finding out where your application stands shouldn’t be another burden on your shoulders.

How to Check Your SASSA Care Dependency Grant Status Online?

To check your SASSA Care Dependency Grant status quickly:

1. Visit the official SASSA status check website at https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status
2. Enter your 13-digit South African ID number in the designated field
3. Type the cell phone number you provided during your application
4. Click the “Submit” button
5. Your current application status will appear on screen immediately

Important security tip: Always use the official SASSA website to protect your personal information from scammers who might create fake websites to steal your details.

What is the SASSA Care Dependency Grant?

The Care Dependency Grant is a monthly payment from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) designed to help parents, primary caregivers, or foster parents who care for children with severe disabilities requiring full-time and special care.

This grant serves a critical purpose: supporting families with the extra expenses that come with raising a child who has special needs. The financial assistance helps cover medical care, therapy, special equipment, and daily living costs that can quickly add up when caring for a child with severe disabilities.

Who Qualifies for the SASSA Care Dependency Grant?

To qualify for the SASSA Care Dependency Grant in 2025, you must meet these requirements:

Requirements for Caregivers

• Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
• Be the parent, primary caregiver, or court-appointed foster parent of the child
• Live in South Africa
• Pass the means test (income limits detailed below)
• Not be caring for the child in a state institution that receives government funding

Requirements for the Child

• Be younger than 18 years old
• Have a severe disability requiring full-time and special care
• Not be permanently cared for in a state institution
• Live in South Africa

A state medical officer must assess the child and confirm the disability before the grant is approved.

Means Test for SASSA Care Dependency Grant

SASSA applies a means test to determine if you qualify financially for the grant. The current thresholds as of 2025 are:

Status	Income Limit (per year)
Single	R223,200
Married	R446,400 (combined)

Note: Foster parents are exempt from the means test, meaning they can qualify for the Care Dependency Grant regardless of their income.

How Much is SASSA Care Dependency Grant in 2025?

As of April 2025, Care Dependency Grant recipients receive R2,310 per month per eligible child. This amount is subject to periodic reviews and may change, so check the SASSA website regularly for updates.

Payment Methods for the Care Dependency Grant

Once approved, SASSA offers several payment options:

1. Direct Bank Deposit: Funds transferred directly to your bank or Postbank account
2. Cash Payment: Collection at designated SASSA pay points on specific dates
3. Institutional Payment: Funds paid to an institution acting as the grant administrator

If you’re unable to collect the payment yourself, you can appoint a procurator at the SASSA office or give someone power of attorney to collect on your behalf.

How to Apply for the SASSA Care Dependency Grant?

The application process involves these key steps:

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

You’ll need:

• Your South African ID book or card
• The child’s birth certificate
• A medical/assessment report confirming the child’s disability (less than 3 months old)
• Proof of your marital status (marriage certificate, divorce papers, or spouse’s death certificate)
• Proof of income and assets
• Bank statements if you have a bank account
• If you’re not the biological parent, proof that you’re the child’s primary caregiver

Step 2: Visit Your Local SASSA Office

• Request the Care Dependency Grant application form
• Complete the form with assistance from a SASSA officer if needed
• The child will be referred for assessment by a state medical officer

Step 3: Submit Your Application

• Hand in your completed form with all supporting documents
• The SASSA officer will review your application for completeness
• You’ll receive an interview to confirm your eligibility

Step 4: Get Your Receipt

• SASSA will give you a receipt as proof of application
• Keep this document safe for future reference

Step 5: Wait for Processing

• Applications typically take up to 3 months to process
• If approved, payments start from your application date
• SASSA will notify you about the outcome

What Happens After You Apply?

After submitting your Care Dependency Grant application:

• SASSA reviews your application thoroughly
• They verify your eligibility and the authenticity of your documents
• A state medical officer assesses the child’s disability
• Processing takes up to 3 months
• If approved, you’ll receive payment backdated to your application date

What If Your Application Is Declined?

If SASSA declines your Care Dependency Grant application:

1. You’ll receive a letter explaining why
2. You have the right to appeal within 90 days
3. Submit your appeal to the Minister of Social Development
4. Include new or additional information supporting your case
5. Keep copies of all appeal documents

The appeal process involves these steps:

1. Write a formal appeal letter explaining why you believe the decision was incorrect
2. Attach supporting documents (including the original decline notification)
3. Submit your appeal to the Minister of Social Development’s office
4. Wait for the appeal review (usually a few weeks to months)
5. If necessary, escalate to the Social Assistance Tribunal for further review

How to Check Your SASSA Care Dependency Grant Balance?

Besides checking your application status online, you can verify your Care Dependency Grant balance through:

1. USSD: Dial *120*3210# or *120*69277# from your mobile phone
2. ATM: Check your balance at any ATM (standard bank charges may apply)
3. WhatsApp: Send a message to 082 046 8553
4. Call Centre: Phone the toll-free number 0800 601 011

Regular balance checks help you manage your finances and ensure you receive the correct amount.

When is the Care Dependency Grant Reviewed?

SASSA periodically reviews grants to ensure recipients still qualify. You’ll receive notification three months before any scheduled review.

During the review, SASSA reassesses:

• The child’s continued need for full-time care
• Their medical condition
• Your living situation
• Whether you still meet all eligibility requirements

Prepare by having an updated medical report ready when your review date approaches.

When Might Your Grant Be Suspended or Cancelled?

Your Care Dependency Grant payments could stop if:

• The child’s medical condition improves significantly
• Your financial situation changes and you exceed the income limits
• You move the child to a state institution
• You fail to respond to a review notification
• You provide false information on your application
• The child turns 18 years old
• The child passes away
• The child leaves South Africa
• You don’t claim the grant for three consecutive months

If your circumstances change, inform SASSA immediately to avoid problems with your grant.

Need More Help?

If you need more information or assistance with your Care Dependency Grant:

• Call the SASSA helpline: 0800 60 10 11 (toll-free)
• Email SASSA: [email protected]
• Visit your nearest SASSA office
• Check the official SASSA website: www.sassa.gov.za

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happens when my child turns 18?

A: When your child turns 18, the Care Dependency Grant ends. However, they might qualify for a Disability Grant if they still have a severe disability. You should apply for this at least three months before your child’s 18th birthday.

Q: Can I receive more than one grant for the same child?

A: Foster parents may receive both a Foster Child Grant and a Care Dependency Grant for the same child. However, biological parents or primary caregivers cannot receive multiple grants for the same child.

Q: What if I move to a different area?

A: If you move, inform SASSA right away. Visit the SASSA office in your new area to update your address and payment details.

Q: Is there an application fee?

A: No, applying for the Care Dependency Grant is completely free. Don’t pay anyone who offers to help with your application for a fee.

Conclusion

The SASSA Care Dependency Grant provides crucial support for families caring for children with severe disabilities. By checking your status online regularly, you can stay informed about your application progress and payment details without the hassle of visiting a SASSA office.

Remember that this grant exists to help ease the financial burden of caring for a child with special needs. The application process might seem complex, but the financial support is valuable for those who qualify.

Always use official SASSA channels when checking your status or seeking information about your grant to protect your personal details and ensure you receive accurate information.