The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides assistance to destitute citizens through various forms of social grants. One such key assistance form is the Care Dependency Grant, which aims to support caregivers who take care of children suffering from severe disabilities needing full-time care. Pertinent updates are available for March 2025, with respect to the amount, payments, and the qualification criteria of the grant.
Grant Amount in March 2025
Effective March 2025, the grant would now be R2,300 a month for SASSA Care Dependency Grants. The adjustment is part of the continued efforts by the government to respond to the increasing living costs and to promote further assistance to caregivers.
Eligibility Requirements
Both that of a child and the caregiver must meet the eligibility conditions stipulated for the Care Dependency Grant.
A child should be diagnosed with a severe disability requiring full-time care but must be below the age of 18 and non-permanent resident in a state institution. To confirm the severity of the disability, a valid and recent medical assessment report is needed, not older than three months.
The caregiver must be an SA citizen, legally resident as a permanent resident, or recognized refugee in living South Africa. The applicant must become the primary caregiver of the child and then undertake a means test. The annual income for a single caregiver must fall below R223,200; for married couples, a combined annual income must not exceed R446,400.
Application Procedure
To apply for the Care Dependency Grant, the applicant must gather the required documents, including a current South African ID, the child’s birth certificate, income proof, medical assessment reports, and proof of residence.
Then visit the nearest SASSA office and submit the application there. A SASSA official will assist in completing the application form at that time. In some cases, it might take up to three months to process the application. If approved, the payment will date back to the submission date.
Payment Schedule for March 2025
SASSA has, therefore, made public the official payment schedule for March 2025:
- Older Persons Grants will be paid on March 4, 2025.
- Disability Grants including Care Dependency Grants will be paid on March 5, 2025.
- Children’s Grants will follow on March 6, 2025.
- Recipients can access their funds through bank transfers, SASSA cards, local post offices, or participating retailers such as Shoprite, Checkers, and Pick n Pay.
Conclusion
The SASSA Care Dependency Grant is critical for empowering caregivers to take care of children with significant disabilities. Currently, it stands at R2,300 per month, which becomes a significant amount in providing financial relief. Understanding the new conditions for eligibility, the application process and the payment schedule will benefit individual applications seeking this support in March 2025.