SASSA Care Dependency Grant Status – How to Apply

The Care Dependency Grant (CDG) is a program run by the federal government for kids under 18. It gives them money every month based on their needs. SASSA, the organization that handles CDG, makes sure that children who qualify, especially those with disabilities, get the support they need. 

SASSA Care Dependency Grant Status

The care dependency grant is designed to assist caregivers in providing full-time and specialized care for children with severe disabilities. To understand if you qualify for this grant, let’s dive into the eligibility criteria, application process, payment methods, and important considerations regarding reviews, suspensions, and lapses of the grant.

How Do You Know If You Qualify?

To determine eligibility for the care dependency grant, certain criteria must be met:

  • Eligible applicants include parents, primary caregivers, or court-appointed foster parents.
  • Citizenship or permanent residency in South Africa is required.
  • Single applicants must not exceed an annual income of R223,200, while married applicants’ combined income should not surpass R446,400 per year.
  • It’s important to note that the income limit does not apply to foster parents.

The eligibility criteria for the grant are as follows:

  • The child must be under the age of 18.
  • The child should not be permanently under the care of a state institution.
  • The child must have a severe disability necessitating full-time and specialized care.
  • Both the applicant and the child must reside in South Africa.
  • Note

It is important to note that approval of the grant requires assessment by a state medical officer.

How Will Care Dependency Grant Pay You?

The SASSA offers various methods for grant payment:

  • Cash can be collected at designated pay points on specified dates.
  • Grants can be electronically deposited into your bank or Postbank account. Please note that the bank may levy charges for this service.
  • Grants can also be administered through authorized institutions, such as welfare organizations.

If you are unable to collect the grant personally, you have the option to appoint a procurator at the SASSA office or grant power of attorney to someone to collect it on your behalf.

When May the Child’s Grant Be Reviewed?

SASSA reserves the right to initiate a review of your child’s grant. This assessment is based on the income information provided during the application process. Notification of the review date or the deadline for submitting a life certificate, typically three months in advance, will be sent to you. If you receive grant payments via a bank, institution, or procurator, you must annually complete a life certificate at the SASSA offices to verify your continued eligibility.

When May the Child’s Grant Be Suspended?

The child’s grant may be suspended under several circumstances:

Changes in the Child’s Circumstances

If there are significant alterations in the child’s situation or needs, the grant may be suspended to reassess the appropriate level of support required.

Review Outcomes

Following a review of the grant, if findings indicate a need for adjustments or revaluation, the grant may be suspended temporarily until the review process is completed.

Non-cooperation During Reviews

Failure to cooperate during grant reviews can lead to suspension. Cooperation is essential for accurately assessing the child’s ongoing needs and ensuring appropriate support.

Fraudulent Activities or Misrepresentation

Instances of fraud or misrepresentation regarding the child’s circumstances or needs can result in the suspension of the grant. It is because such actions undermine the integrity of the support system.

Errors in grant approval

If errors are discovered in the initial approval of the grant. In that case, suspension may occur while the errors are rectified to ensure that the support provided aligns with the child’s actual needs.

When Will Your Grant Lapse?

The grant will expire under the following circumstances:

  • In the unfortunate event of the child’s passing,
  • If the child is admitted to a state institution,
  • When the beneficiary, who serves as the caregiver, fails to claim the grant for three consecutive months,
  • If the child is absent from the country, and
  • Upon the child reaching the age of 18.

What You Should Do?

To apply for assistance at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office, you’ll need to:

  • Bring the following documents
  • 13-digit bar-coded identity document (ID) and birth certificate. If unavailable:
  • Complete an affidavit in a standard SASSA format in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths who is not an SASSA official https://www.sassa.gov.za/.
  • Provide a sworn statement signed by a reputable person (e.g., councilor, traditional leader, social worker) verifying your name and age.
  • Proof of application for an ID and birth certificate at the Department of Home Affairs, including any temporary IDs issued.
  • Additional documents like baptismal certificate, road to health clinic card, school report, medical/assessment report for child’s disability, proof of marital status, and proof of income (e.g., salary slips, bank statements).
  • Refugee foster parents should bring their refugee status permit and refugee ID.
  • Foster parents should bring the court order placing the child in their care.
  • Depending on your circumstances, provide further documentation
  • If not the child’s parent but the primary caregiver, submit an affidavit, social worker’s report, or letter from the school principal.
  • If the child’s biological parent and sole provider provide evidence of efforts to obtain maintenance from the other parent.
  • Unemployed individuals should provide proof from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) or a discharge certificate from a previous employer.
  • If you are unable to visit the office
  • A family member or friend can apply on your behalf with a letter from you and a doctor’s note explaining the circumstances.
  • During the visit
  • SASSA officials will take fingerprints and refer you to the Department of Home Affairs to apply for an ID while processing your application.
  • Complete the application form in the presence of a SASSA officer or yourself.
  • You will receive a receipt as proof of application.

SASSA will refer the child for a state medical officer’s assessment before processing the application.

What if Your Application is Not Approved?

  1. If your application is not approved, SASSA will inform you in writing of the reasons for the decision.
  2. Should you disagree, you have the option to appeal to the Minister of Social Development.
  3. The appeal must be lodged within 90 days of notification of your application’s rejection.
  4. Your appeal should include a clear explanation of why you contest the decision.
  5. How long does it take?

Processing times for your application can extend up to three months. Additionally, there are no costs associated with this service; it is entirely free of charge.

Conclusion

The Care Dependency Grant serves as a vital support system for caregivers of children with severe disabilities in South Africa. It offers financial assistance to ensure these children receive the specialized care they require. Eligibility is determined based on various factors, including income and the child’s disability status. 

While the application process involves gathering specific documents and undergoing assessments, the support provided by the grant can significantly alleviate the financial burden on caregivers. Regular reviews and adherence to guidelines are essential to maintain eligibility and ensure continued assistance for the child’s well-being.

Contact SASSA for More Queries

If you’re still confused and have more queries related to your status, then do contact SASSA through verified channels:

Frequenlty Asked Questions

You will receive R2,090 every month. The SASSA will give you the grant in one of these ways: either cash at a designated location on a specific day.

Parents, primary caregivers, or court-appointed foster parents of children under 18 with severe disabilities are eligible.

Single applicants must not exceed R223,200 annually, while married applicants’ combined income should not surpass R446,400 per year.

Grants can be collected in cash, deposited into a bank account, or administered through authorized institutions.

Grants may be reviewed annually based on the income information provided. Suspension can occur due to changes in the child’s circumstances, non-cooperation during reviews, fraud, errors, or if the child passes away or is admitted to a state institution.

The grant lapses if the child passes away, is admitted to a state institution, or if the caregiver fails to claim it for three consecutive months. Additionally, it ends if the child is absent from the country or upon the child reaching 18 years of age.