Check SASSA Care Dependency Grant Status Online

In an earnest initiative by the government of South Africa, a lifeline has been extended to parents, foster parents, and primary caregivers through the Care Dependency Grant (CDG). This compassionate gesture is directed towards the caregivers of children under the age of 18, who require round-the-clock care due to mental or physical disability.

This invaluable grant makes sure that children, who are being taken care of at home, and are not receiving state-funded institutional care, get the assistance they need.

Beginning April 1, 2023, the Care Dependency Grant stands at R2 080 per child, per month, and the heartening news is that this is set to increase to R2 090 from October 1, 2023, a small but significant increment.

Check SASSA Care Dependency Grant Status Online

Criteria to Harness the SASSA Care Dependency Grant

Like all social schemes, the SASSA Care Dependency Grant has some eligibility requirements that must be fulfilled. It is crucial that you meet these stipulations to apply. These criteria, however, are subject to modification and are as follows:

• You must be a South African Citizen, a Permanent Resident, or a Refugee.
• You must be a parent, a foster parent, or a primary caregiver of a child under 18 years old.
• The child must NOT be receiving permanent care in a state-funded institution.
• Both you and the child must reside within South Africa.
• You must provide valid proof that the child is severely disabled and is receiving permanent care or support services.
• You and your spouse must meet the stipulations of a means test – (this rule doesn’t apply to foster parents).

Navigating the Means Test for the SASSA Care Dependency Grant

In an effort to provide assistance to those who need it most, SASSA grants are awarded based on a means test. This method evaluates an applicant’s income to decide if they qualify for the grant. The thresholds as of April 1, 2023, are that single applicants must not earn more than R249 600 a year, while the combined income of married applicants should not exceed R499 200 a year.

For married applicants, half of the annual joint income is considered in the means test.

Foster parents of a Care Dependent child could qualify for both a Care Dependency Grant and a Child Grant for the same child, as they are not assessed by the means test.

Applying for the SASSA CDG: A Step Forward

To apply for the Care Dependency Grant, you can visit a SASSA office close to you, or consider the option of applying online through the SASSA services website. If personal constraints such as illness, age, or disability prevent you from visiting the SASSA office, you can assign a family member or a friend to apply on your behalf.

The application form is available at the SASSA office and must be completed in the presence of a SASSA officer, who can assist you or your appointed person, with the completion of the form, if necessary.

Upon submission, you will receive a dated and stamped receipt, with the name of the SASSA official who assisted with the application. It is important to keep your receipt as proof of application.

Rest assured, the entire application process is absolutely FREE, reinforcing the government’s commitment to easing the burden on caregivers.

The SASSA Care Dependency Grant is an uplifting example of how governments can offer tangible support to citizens in need. By providing a dependable financial lifeline to caregivers, this grant helps ensure that children with disabilities receive the attention, care, and love they need to live their lives to the fullest. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of this offer – apply today, and make a significant difference in the life of a child who needs you.

Essential Documents for SASSA Care Dependency Grant Application: A Guide

Securing the Care Dependency Grant through SASSA requires a set of original documents or certified copies. The checklist is as follows:

• Child’s ID Document or Birth Certificate (In case this is unavailable, an affidavit confirming personal information is acceptable).
• Your and Your Spouses’ ID Documents (Affidavit will suffice in the absence of ID documents).
• Proof of all household income – Payslips if employed, UIF card if receiving UIF, Affidavit if unemployed, Pension receipt if on pension.
• Proof of child maintenance attempts.
• Verification of your spousal relationship – Marriage certificate, Divorce order, Spouse’s death certificate or Affidavit if the previous documents do not apply.
• Court order confirming your status as the foster parent, if applicable.
• An Affidavit or supporting documents if you are the child’s primary caregiver but not the parent.
• A Sworn statement or affidavit declaring you and your spouses’ income.
• Medical or assessment report confirming that the child has a severe physical or mental disability.

The Journey of a Care Dependency Grant Application

Expect your application to be assessed within 30 business days. Post-assessment, you will receive a written notification about your application status. If rejected, SASSA will provide a reason, and you can request a reassessment or even appeal to the Minister of Social Development if you still face rejection. Successful applicants will begin receiving payments within 3 months of application, with payments backdated to the application date.

Download APPLICATION FOR RECONSIDERATION

Receiving Your Care Dependency Grant Payments

Upon grant approval, your Care Dependency Grant payments can be made in one of the following ways, based on your preference:

• Direct deposit into your bank account
• Cash collection from approved pay points
• Collection from specific institutions To get the grant paid into your bank account, you need to complete a specific Consent Form and provide identity proof and proof of a bank account in your name. You can change your payment method by visiting the Welfare office. If you are unable to collect your grant, you can nominate someone else for collection.

Care Dependency Grant Reviews and Suspension

Applications are reviewed to verify ongoing eligibility, and changes in your financial or medical circumstances, or if you provide false information, could lead to suspension of the grant. Refugees face review upon expiry of their refugee status. In case of suspension, you can apply for restoration within 90 days of the suspension notice.

When Does the Care Dependency Grant Lapse?

The Care Dependency Grant will lapse under certain circumstances:

• When the care-dependent child turns 18, becomes deceased, or is admitted into a state-funded institution.
• When either you or the care-dependent child are no longer refugees.

Your Responsibilities as a Care Dependency Grant Holder

As a grant holder, it’s your responsibility to:

• Keep SASSA updated regarding changes to your personal, financial circumstances or physical address.
• Inform SASSA immediately of any changes as official notices are sent to your most recent address by registered mail.

Remember, the SASSA has a no-tolerance policy towards fraudulent activities. Every step taken is aimed to ensure that the grant reaches those who need it the most. The journey might seem complex, but with careful understanding and adherence to guidelines, it can be successfully navigated.