SASSA Care Dependency Grant Payment Status Check for January 2026

The SASSA Care Dependency Grant provides for children with permanent disabilities who require full-time care. It is a monthly financial support to cover medical needs, specialized equipment, therapy, and daily care. This grant is intended for children under 18 with severe disabilities.

Parents, guardians, and primary caregivers of eligible children can check SASSA Care Dependency Grant status online. This ensures continued financial support for the care of vulnerable children.

SASSA Care Dependency Grant January 2026 Payment Status Check

You can check your Care Dependency Grant status online on the SASSA Services portal following these steps.

1. To check your Care Dependency Grant status, visit https://services.sassa.gov.za/portal/r/sassa/sassa/home
2. Log in to your account using the username and password.
3. Find the ‘Active Applications’ table on the home page.
4. Click on the ‘SASSA Status Check‘ button next to your Care Dependency Grant application.
5. View your Care Dependency Grant Status for January 2026 with related information.

SASSA Care Dependency Grant Payment Dates January 2026

SASSA payment date for the Care Dependency Grant is Wednesday, 7 January 2026.

If SASSA approved your Care Dependency Grant, you can check the official SASSA payment dates to collect your grant.

SASSA Care Dependency Grant Payment Not Received for January 2026

SASSA pays the Care Dependency Grant on scheduled payment dates, as a prioritised grant. The intent is to provide timely support for children with disabilities who need proper care and support. If your Care Dependency Grant is not paid on the scheduled date, it may be due to a system issue, which can delay your grant for a month. It is advised to contact the SASSA helpline on 0800 60 10 11 and reach out to your local SASSA office. Once your grant payment is confirmed, you will be paid even if it is delayed.

SASSA Care Dependency Grant

Parents and caregivers of children with severe disabilities are supported through the SASSA Care Dependency Grant. This grant is intended for children under 18 who require full-time care due to a permanent physical or mental disability. It helps cover essential needs such as healthcare, specialised care, and education. SASSA continues to provide the Care Dependency Grant until the child turns 18 years old.

Who is Eligible to Apply for SASSA Care Dependency Grant

To qualify for the Care Dependency Grant, both the child and the person applying must meet specific requirements set by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).

Child’s primary caregiver can be the child’s parent, guardian, or a court-appointed foster parent, and must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee living in South Africa.

The child must be under 18 with a severe mental or physical disability from birth requiring full-time special care at home. The child must not be admitted to a government-funded institution, like a psychiatric hospital or a special care centre.

SASSA Means Test for Care Dependency Grant

The SASSA Means Test for the Care Dependency Grant considers the primary caregiver’s income and does not include assets. Single caregiver income threshold is R23,100 per month and R277,200 per year. For married, the combined income limit is R46,200 per month and R554,400 per year. These thresholds apply for 2026 and determine eligibility for the grant.

Documents Required for the Care Dependency Grant Application

You will need the required documents to apply for the Care Dependency Grant, which include the following.

• Certified copy of your South African ID document
• Valid South African child’s birth certificate or ID if over 15 years old
• Your proof of marital status or marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Proof of income, like a payslip, bank statement, or affidavit if unemployed
• A recent 3-month-old medical report form that confirms the child’s disability
• If not the biological parent, provide an affidavit as a primary caregiver or a foster care court order

Apply for SASSA Care Dependency Grant

To apply for the Care Dependency Grant, you need to visit your nearest SASSA office, as the application requires a medical report and assessment of the child’s disability. Follow the step-by-step process below to complete your application form efficiently.

1. Go to your nearest SASSA office to apply for the Care Dependency Grant in person.
2. Request the SASSA officer for the Care Dependency Grant application form.
3. Provide all the necessary documents to the SASSA official to help complete your application.
   • Submit your 13-digit bar-coded South African ID document and the child’s birth certificate.
   • If you don’t have an ID or birth certificate, bring an affidavit to verify your identity and the child’s.
   • Submit a medical assessment report that confirms the child’s disability.
   • If needed, SASSA can refer the child for a state doctor’s medical examination.
   • Provide proof of your marital status or a sworn statement (affidavit) if you have never married.
   • Submit your income proof, such as recent salary slips or bank statements from the last three months.
4. You will have to submit your fingerprints for biometric identity verification.
5. Once completed, the SASSA officer will give you an application receipt as proof that you have applied.
6. Wait for your grant approval. SASSA will notify you once they review your application.

Note: To check your SASSA status and payment dates for the Care Dependency Grant, you can view them at the top of this article.

Care Dependency Grant Processing Time

The expected waiting time for Care Dependency Grant approval is 7 to 90 days. During this time, SASSA reviews all submitted documents, verifies the child’s disability through a medical assessment, and cross-checks your information with government databases, such as the Department of Home Affairs, to confirm eligibility. You will receive a decision within 15 business days.

Amount of SASSA Care Dependency Grant

Caregivers of the Care Dependency Grant receive R2,320 per month for each child approved for the grant. You can expect SASSA to increase your Care Dependency Grant next year to keep up with inflation. This increase in social grants typically reflects in April and October following the national budget announcements, so it’s important to check for any updates to the payment amount.

How to Update Your Care Dependency Grant Application

To update your application for the Care Dependency Grant for personal or financial information, visit a nearby SASSA office in person. You can update details like your name, surname, marital status, child disability report, or financial situation. Keeping your information correct makes sure your Care Dependency Grant continues without issues.

Can a Child Transition to the Disability Grant After Turning 18

Once the child turns 18, your Care Dependency Grant automatically ends. To continue receiving support, you can apply for the SASSA Disability Grant, which is available to adults 18+ with disabilities, temporary or permanent. You’ll need to submit a new application and provide a new medical assessment report.

Note: SASSA has introduced the new Black Card, giving beneficiaries stronger security and a safer alternative to the former Gold Card.

Contact SASSA for Care Dependency Grant Queries

To contact SASSA for your Care Dependency Grant issues, call the toll-free helpline 0800 60 10 11. You can also reach SASSA by sending a message on SASSA WhatsApp number 082 046 8553 or emailing grantenquiries@sassa.gov.za. Responses usually arrive within 24 hours.

SASSA Status Check