Step By Step Guide for SASSA Care Dependency Grant or Caregiver Grant in 2024

SASSA Care Dependency Grant or SASSA Caregiver Grant for adults is for parents, guardians, foster parents, or custodians who are looking after children under 18 with significant mental or physical disabilities. If you’re providing full-time care to a child without state-funded help, you might qualify.

This grant is like a financial boost for caregivers. It’s there to ease some of the financial stress so you can focus more on taking care of your child. Starting April 1, 2023, you can receive R2,080 per month for each eligible child. And come October 1, 2023, that amount goes up to R2,090. It’s the government’s way of showing continuous support.

To keep track of your grant, don’t forget to check your SASSA status regularly. This way, you’ll always be up-to-date with any changes or updates.

Eligibility Criteria for SASSA Care Dependency Grant or Caregiver Grant

To qualify for the care dependency grant, you need to meet certain conditions. First, you must be a South African citizen, a recognized refugee, or have permanent residency. Second, you must be the parent, legally appointed primary caregiver, or foster parent of a child under 18.

Your child should not be receiving long-term care in a state institution, and both you and your child must reside in South Africa. You’ll also need to provide evidence that your child has a severe disability and requires full-time care at home.

If you’re married, you and your spouse must meet the means test requirements. For individual applicants, your annual income should not exceed R249,600 (R20,800 per month). For married couples, the combined annual income should not be higher than R499,200 (R41,600 per month). Foster parents are exempt from this income limit.

Necessary Documents for SASSA Caregiver Grant

When applying for a care dependency grant at the SASSA office, you’ll need to bring along several important documents. Here’s a list to help you prepare:

Identity Documents:

• Your original 13-digit bar-coded ID (Identity Document).
• If you are a recognized refugee, bring your status permit and refugee ID.
• Birth certificate of the child with a valid ID number.

If you don’t have ID or child’s birth certificate:

• Fill out the SASSA standard affidavit form, completed in front of an Oaths Commissioner not affiliated with SASSA.
• Documentation from the Department of Home Affairs confirming you have initiated an application for an ID and/or birth certificate.
• Temporary identity document card provided by the Department of Home Affairs (if applicable).
• Baptismal certificate, if available.
• School certificate, if available.
• Road to Health Clinic (RTHC) Card, if available.

Proof of Marital Status:

• Marriage Certificate if married.
• Divorce Decree in case of a dissolved marriage.
• Death Certificate if your spouse is deceased.
• For married individuals, provide documents revealing both you and your spouse’s earnings. This condition is not applicable to foster parents.

Financial Documents:

• Payslips if employed or bank statements for the last 3 months.
• UIF card if receiving UIF benefits.
• For individuals previously employed, a copy of the leaving certificate from your prior employer or a membership proof of the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).
• Pension receipt if receiving a pension.
• Proof of any financial support received specifically for the child or if unable to get any financial support for the child from the biological parents.

Income proof of the child.

Proof of Caregiver Status:

• If not the child’s biological parent, provide proof that you are the primary caretaker:
• Affidavit from a police station.
• Report from a social worker.
• Written permission from the biological parent of the child indicating that you should take care of the child.
• A letter from the child’s school principal confirming the child attends.
• Court order officially designating you as the child’s legal foster parent (only applicable to foster parents).

Medical Assessment Report:

Report confirming the child’s disability and that he is receiving permanent care or support in the home.

Applying Procedure for SASSA Care Dependency Grant

Applying for the care dependency grant involves specific steps that you need to follow carefully.

Before applying, your child must undergo a medical assessment by a doctor designated by SASSA.  Now, Visit your nearest SASSA office branch to apply for the care dependency grant. Complete the application form provided by SASSA. If you prefer applying online, refer to the instructions on the SASSA services website.

If you’re unable to visit the SASSA office due to age, illness, or disability, you can designate a trusted family member or friend to apply on your behalf. They’ll need a letter from you and a doctor’s note explaining your inability to visit in person.

Application forms are available at SASSA offices and must be filled out in the presence of a SASSA officer. If you need assistance with the form, the officer will help you. During the application, an interview will be conducted to assess your eligibility.

Upon completing the application and interview, you’ll receive a dated stamp receipt. This receipt, bearing the name of the assisting SASSA officer, serves as proof of your application. Even if your application is unsuccessful, keep this receipt.

Application Submission: When you submit your application, SASSA typically takes about 30 business days to process it. This time allows them to carefully assess your eligibility and ensure everything is in order.

Notification of Application Status: After evaluating your application, SASSA will send you a written notification. This letter will inform you whether your application was accepted or not.

Rejection and Reassessment: If your application is rejected, SASSA will provide reasons for the rejection. You have the right to ask for a reassessment. If you still face rejections after reassessment, you can appeal to the Minister of Social Development.

Grant Payments: For those whose applications are approved, grant payments should start within three months of the application date. The good news is that these payments will be backdated to the date you first submitted your application. 

SASSA Care Dependency Grant Payments Receiving 

Once your care dependency grant is approved, you’ll have several options for receiving your payments. One convenient choice is to have the money deposited directly into your bank account. This method saves you time and effort. Alternatively, you can collect your grant from approved pay points or specific institutions.

To opt for direct deposit, you’ll need to fill out a Consent Form and provide proof of your identity and bank account details. It’s important to ensure that the bank account is registered in your name to avoid any issues.

If you’re unable to collect your grant in person, you can nominate a trusted person to do it for you. These different options aim to make accessing your grant payments as easy and convenient as possible, catering to your specific needs and circumstances.

Why SASSA End Your Caregiver Grant?

Here are the specific scenarios that mark the end of the care dependency grant:

• The grant concludes when the child reaches 18, as it is meant to support minors.
• If the child passes away or moves to state-funded institutional care, the grant ends.
• If reviews show you no longer meet eligibility criteria, the grant may stop.
• Not cooperating with SASSA or fraudulent behavior leads to immediate termination.
• Grant may end if errors are found in the initial approval process.
• Not claiming for three consecutive months without valid reason can lead to grant discontinuation.
• Grant ends if you or the child leave South Africa permanently.
• If your disability grant application is rejected and you don’t appeal within 90 days, the grant stops.

For additional information or assistance regarding the Care Dependency Grant, you can reach out to the Department of Social Development and SASSA through their toll-free helpline (0800 601 011) or via email at [email protected]. They’re committed to providing support and guidance throughout your journey.

Conclusion

The SASSA Care Dependency Grant or Caregiver Grant serves as a vital lifeline for parents, guardians, foster parents, or custodians caring for children under 18 with significant mental or physical disabilities. 

This comprehensive guide has outlined the step-by-step process for applying, eligibility criteria, necessary documents, application procedure, grant payments, and reasons for grant termination. 

It’s designed to empower caregivers with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the application process effectively. By providing financial assistance and support, the government aims to alleviate the economic strain on caregivers, allowing them to focus on providing the best possible care to their children. 

For further assistance or information, individuals can reach out to the Department of Social Development and SASSA, who are dedicated to offering support and guidance every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions