The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Care Dependency Grant provides financial assistance to qualifying parents, foster parents and primary caregivers of children with severe disabilities who require permanent care or support.
For the 2026/2027 financial year, the Care Dependency Grant increased from R2,320 to R2,400 per month, effective from 1 April 2026.
This represents an increase of R80 per month, providing additional financial assistance to families caring for children with significant support needs.
The grant is particularly important for households facing additional expenses associated with caring for children with severe disabilities, including transport to medical appointments, specialised care and other daily needs.
Here is everything beneficiaries need to know about the SASSA Care Dependency Grant amount for 2026/2027, including payment information, eligibility requirements and how to apply.
How Much Is the SASSA Care Dependency Grant in 2026/2027?
The SASSA Care Dependency Grant amount is R2,400 per month for qualifying beneficiaries.
The increase took effect on 1 April 2026, following the government’s 2026 Budget announcements.
| Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Previous monthly grant amount | R2,320 |
| New monthly grant amount | R2,400 |
| Monthly increase | R80 |
| Annual increase at the new monthly rate | R960 |
| Total over 12 months at R2,400 | R28,800 |
| Effective date | 1 April 2026 |
The increase is approximately 3.45% compared with the previous monthly amount.
The Care Dependency Grant is paid to an eligible caregiver on behalf of a qualifying child.
Will the Care Dependency Grant Increase Again in October 2026?
Not every SASSA grant receives a second increase during the financial year.
Although some grant categories may receive adjustments at different times, beneficiaries should not assume that the Care Dependency Grant will increase again in October 2026.
The amount of R2,400 per month remains the relevant 2026/2027 rate unless government officially announces a further adjustment.
Beneficiaries should rely on official SASSA and National Treasury communications for any changes.
Who Qualifies for the SASSA Care Dependency Grant?
The Care Dependency Grant is intended for qualifying caregivers of children with severe disabilities who require permanent care or support.
Applicants generally need to meet the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident or recognised refugee, subject to the applicable grant rules.
- Be the child’s parent, foster parent or qualifying primary caregiver.
- Have a child who is younger than 18 years.
- Ensure the child meets the medical eligibility requirements for the grant.
- Meet the applicable means-test requirements where these apply.
- Ensure that the child is not permanently cared for in a state institution.
A medical assessment is an important part of the application process.
Important: A disability diagnosis alone does not automatically guarantee approval. SASSA must establish whether the child meets the specific Care Dependency Grant criteria.
What Is the Age Limit for the Care Dependency Grant?
The Care Dependency Grant is intended for qualifying children under the age of 18.
The grant generally lapses when the child reaches 18 years of age.
If the person continues to have a qualifying disability after turning 18, they may be eligible to apply for a Disability Grant under the rules applicable to adults.
However, the transition is not automatic. The person must meet the relevant eligibility and medical assessment requirements.
Families should contact SASSA before the child’s 18th birthday to understand the next steps.
How to Apply for the SASSA Care Dependency Grant
Applications for the Care Dependency Grant are generally made through a SASSA office.
The process involves confirming the applicant’s circumstances and assessing whether the child meets the qualifying medical requirements.
Applicants should:
- Contact or visit a SASSA office for information about the application and medical assessment process.
- Prepare their identification documents and the child’s birth certificate.
- Provide any required proof of income or other supporting documents.
- Follow SASSA’s instructions for the child’s medical assessment.
- Complete the application process with the assistance of a SASSA official.
- Keep the receipt or acknowledgement issued for the application.
- Wait for SASSA’s decision.
Applying for a SASSA social grant is free. Applicants should never pay anyone who promises to guarantee approval.
What Documents Are Needed to Apply?
Applicants should prepare the necessary documents before visiting a SASSA office.
Depending on their circumstances, SASSA may require:
- The caregiver’s South African identity document or other accepted identification.
- The child’s birth certificate.
- A medical assessment report confirming the child’s severe disability and care needs.
- Proof of marital status, where applicable.
- Payslips, bank statements or other proof of income, where required.
- Proof that the applicant is the child’s primary caregiver, if they are not the biological parent.
- A foster-care court order, if applying as a foster parent.
SASSA has alternative documentation procedures for certain applicants who do not have an ID or birth certificate. Applicants should ask a SASSA official for assistance rather than assuming they cannot apply. <Cite refs={[“turn298263search1″,”turn298263search5”]}/>
What Is the Income Limit for the Care Dependency Grant?
The Care Dependency Grant is means-tested for parents and primary caregivers, but the means test does not apply to foster parents.
SASSA considers the relevant household income when determining whether a parent or primary caregiver qualifies.
Income thresholds can be revised, so applicants should confirm the applicable limit when applying.
A foster parent caring for a qualifying child with a severe disability may also be eligible for both the Foster Child Grant and Care Dependency Grant for the same child, subject to the relevant requirements. <Cite ref=”turn298263search5″/>
How Long Does SASSA Take to Approve the Care Dependency Grant?
According to the government’s Care Dependency Grant guidance, an application may take up to three months to process.
If the application is unsuccessful, SASSA must inform the applicant of the decision and the reason.
Applicants who disagree with a declined decision may appeal within 90 days of receiving notification.
The grant application process is free. <Cite ref=”turn298263search1″/>
When Will the Care Dependency Grant Be Paid in 2026/2027?
SASSA pays the Care Dependency Grant according to its monthly social grant payment schedule. It is generally paid alongside disability-related grants.
Beneficiaries should check the official calendar because payment dates differ from month to month.
SASSA has confirmed that social grants will continue to be paid early in the month and staggered to reduce congestion at payment points. <Cite ref=”turn298263search3″/>
Beneficiaries who receive their grants through a bank account do not normally have to withdraw the money on the exact payment date.
Can the Care Dependency Grant Be Suspended?
Yes. SASSA may suspend a grant if circumstances change or the beneficiary no longer meets the relevant requirements.
Possible reasons include failure to cooperate with an official grant review, incorrect information, or changes affecting the child’s eligibility.
The grant may also lapse when the child turns 18, passes away or is permanently admitted to a state institution, among other circumstances specified in the grant rules.
Beneficiaries should respond promptly to legitimate review notices and inform SASSA of relevant changes. <Cite ref=”turn298263search1″/>
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Care Dependency Grant in October 2026?
The Care Dependency Grant is R2,400 per month in October 2026.
Did the Care Dependency Grant increase in April 2026?
Yes. The grant increased by R80, from R2,320 to R2,400, effective 1 April 2026. <Cite ref=”turn298263search0″/>
Will there be another Care Dependency Grant increase in October 2026?
No additional October 2026 increase was provided for the Care Dependency Grant in the published 2026 grant adjustment schedule. The October adjustment applies to the Foster Child Grant. <Cite ref=”turn298263search7″/>
Can a caregiver receive the Care Dependency Grant for more than one child?
A caregiver may qualify in respect of more than one child, provided each child and the applicant meet the relevant requirements.
Can foster parents apply for the Care Dependency Grant?
Yes. Qualifying foster parents can apply, and their income is not taken into account under the grant’s means test. <Cite ref=”turn298263search5″/>
What happens when the child turns 18?
The Care Dependency Grant generally lapses when the child turns 18. The person may then be assessed for a Disability Grant if they meet the adult grant requirements.
Will the Care Dependency Grant increase again in April 2027?
As of October 2026, the amount for April 2027 has not yet been confirmed. Beneficiaries should wait for the government’s 2027 Budget announcements.
Where to Contact SASSA
For help with Care Dependency Grant applications, medical assessments, reviews or payment enquiries, use SASSA’s official channels.
SASSA toll-free number: 0800 60 10 11
SASSA website: https://www.sassa.gov.za
Government Care Dependency Grant information: https://www.gov.za/services/services-residents/parenting/child-care/care-dependency-grant