SASSA Care Dependency Grant: The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides assistance to parents, guardians, foster parents, and custodians of children under 18 who require full-time care due to a permanent or severe disability. This assistance comes in the form of the SASSA Care Dependency Grant, which is designed to support children with mental or physical disabilities that need continuous at-home care.
Overview of the SASSA Care Dependency Grant
The SASSA Care Dependency Grant is a social grant provided by the South African government to the caregivers of children with severe disabilities. It assists them with the additional costs of looking after a child who needs full-time and special care.
This grant is available to South African citizens, permanent residents or refugees living in South Africa who care for a child with a severe mental or physical disability. The child needs to require and receive permanent home care.
Here are some key details about the SASSA Care Dependency Grant:
- Eligible Children: Child beneficiaries must be under 18 years old. The child must have a permanent, severe disability confirmed by a medical assessment.
- Caregiver Applicants: Applicants can be a parent, foster parent, guardian or primary caregiver of the child.
- Means Test: Applicants undergo a means test to determine eligibility. Income thresholds apply based on marital status and dependents.
- Required Documents: Documents needed include ID, proof of residence, birth certificate, care plan and medical assessment.
- Grant Amount: The monthly grant amount is currently R1,890 as of April 2023.
- Payment Methods: The grant can be paid into a bank account, at designated pay points or certain institutions.
- Review Process: Grants are reviewed every 1-3 years depending on the disability.
SASSA Grants
How to Check SASSA Care Dependency Grant Status
You can check the status of a SASSA Care Dependency Grant application or payment online or by phone. Here are the main options to check your grant status:
1. Check Online
The easiest way to check your SASSA grant status is online via the SASSA website. Follow these steps:
- Go to the SASSA Online Services page or Our Website
- Click on “Application Status” or “Payment Status” depending on what you want to check.
- Enter your ID number and reference number.
- Complete the captcha and click search. Your status should display.
2. Call the SASSA Contact Centre
You can also call 0800 60 10 11 to speak with a SASSA agent and get your grant status. Have your ID number and reference number ready to provide.
3. Visit Your Local SASSA Office
Make an appointment at your nearest SASSA office and meet with an agent in person to inquire about your grant status. Bring your documentation.
4. Check via SMS
Send an SMS with your ID number to 31647 to get automated responses on grant application and payment status.
SASSA Care Dependency Grant Payment Dates
SASSA pays out grants in monthly batches. It helps to know the payment dates so you can look out for the money. Here are the SASSA care dependency grant payment dates:
- 01 July 2023
- 31 July 2023
- 28 August 2023
- 25 September 2023
- 30 October 2023
Beneficiaries should receive the money in their bank account or at pay points on these dates each month. Reach out to SASSA if your grant is not paid on the scheduled date for any reason.
Current SASSA Disability Grant Amounts
Here are the current monthly SASSA disability grant amounts as of October 2023:
- Care Dependency Grant: R1,890
- Disability Grant: R2,090
- Grant-in-Aid: R510
The disability grant amount increased by R10 from the previous amount of R2,080 in October 2022. The care dependency and grant-in-aid amounts remain the same.
SASSA Disability Grant Payment Methods
Beneficiaries of approved SASSA disability grants can choose to receive their monthly payments through these methods:
Cash at Designated Pay Points: You can collect your cash grant at assigned pay points in your community on scheduled payout days. You will need your ID and proof of residence.
Electronic Transfer to Bank Account: SASSA can deposit your grant directly into your personal bank account each month. Any bank charges are your responsibility.
Postbank Account: Many beneficiaries use a low-cost Postbank account to receive grants. You must register it with SASSA.
Choose the most convenient payment method that works for your situation.
Reasons Your Disability Grant May Be Suspended or Lapsed
There are various reasons why your approved SASSA disability grant may end up being suspended or lapsed temporarily or permanently. These include:
- Changes in your circumstances that impact eligibility.
- Failing the reassessment process or means test during mandatory reviews.
- Not cooperating during the grant review process.
- Fraud or misrepresentation of information.
- Administrative errors in the approval of your grant.
- Passing away as the beneficiary.
- Admission into a state institution or facility.
- Not claiming your grant for 3 consecutive months.
If your grant is suspended, work with SASSA to fix any issues or provide requested information so your payments can resume.
What to Do If Your Disability Grant Is Not Approved
If SASSA rejects your initial disability grant application, you will receive written notification stating the reasons why you did not qualify. You have the right to appeal within 90 days of getting this outcome letter.
To appeal, you must write a letter to the Minister of Social Development explaining why you disagree with the rejection decision and want it reviewed. Provide any additional information relevant to your eligibility that SASSA may have overlooked.
Submit this disability grant appeal letter through your local SASSA office or the provincial head office. The grant review committee will reconsider your application.
Contact SASSA for Assistance
If you need help checking your disability grant status or have any other questions about the SASSA application and payment process, contact:
SASSA National Call Centre: 0800 60 10 11
E-mail: [email protected]
You can also visit or contact your nearest SASSA regional office. Bring required documents and information to expedite assistance.
Conclusion
The SASSA Care Dependency Grant provides crucial financial assistance to families caring for children with severe disabilities requiring full-time, in-home care. Make sure to check your grant status regularly online, via phone or through SASSA representatives to ensure smooth delivery of your approved payments each month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for the Care Dependency Grant in South Africa?
The Care Dependency Grant is a social grant provided by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) for the care of a child with severe disabilities who requires permanent home care. To qualify, the child must be under 18 years old, require permanent care due to physical or mental disabilities, not be cared for in a state institution, and pass a medical assessment verifying the disability and need for care. The child’s primary caregiver, often a parent, applies for the grant on the child’s behalf.
What is the value of the Care Dependency Grant in 2023?
As of April 2022, the value of the Care Dependency Grant is R1,860 per month. This amount is usually updated annually in April in line with inflation and the cost of living. For 2023, the grant is expected to increase to around R1,980 per month.
How does one apply for the Care Dependency Grant in South Africa?
One needs to fill a Care Dependency Grant application form available at SASSA offices and online. Required documents include the child’s birth certificate, caregiver’s ID, medical assessment report confirming disability, and proof of income. The application can be submitted online, at SASSA service offices, hospitals or clinics. A SASSA official will conduct a home visit for assessment before approving the grant.
What are the requirements for medical assessments for the Care Dependency Grant?
The child must undergo a medical assessment by a SASSA-appointed doctor at a public health facility. The assessment determines if the child has a permanent, severe disability that renders them dependent on full-time and special care. The assessment report must specify the child’s condition, needed care, and whether they may require re-assessment after a certain period.
For how long can one get the Care Dependency Grant?
The Care Dependency Grant is paid until the child turns 18 years old. Once the child is older than 18, the grant stops being paid. In some cases, an extension may be provided if proof is given that the child remains permanently disabled and fully dependent on care, but this requires reapplying.
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