Care Dependency Grant

Who this grant is for

Parents, primary caregivers or foster parents of a child under 18 with a permanent, severe disability who needs full-time care.

Main requirements (check with SASSA)

• Caregiver and child live in South Africa
• A medical assessment confirming permanent, severe disability
• Caregiver (and spouse) pass the means test – foster parents are exempt
• Child is not permanently cared for in a state institution

Good to know

• A foster parent can receive both the Foster Child Grant and the Care Dependency Grant for the same child.
• Bring the child's birth certificate, your ID and the child's medical records.

How much is it?

Up to R2 400 per month from April 2026, according to the official 2026/27 announcement. The amount you receive can be lower after the means test. Amounts can change – check SASSA before relying on them.