Are you taking care of a kid with big health problems in South Africa? If so, you might be able to get some help from the government. It’s called the SASSA Care Dependency Grant. Let’s talk about what it is and how you can check if you’re getting it.
What is the Care Dependency Grant?
The Care Dependency Grant is money that the South African government gives to people who are looking after kids with serious health issues. It’s meant to help with the extra costs of caring for these special kids.
This grant is for kids from birth to 18 years old. It’s there to make life a bit easier for families who need to give their child full-time care. The goal is to help these kids have a better life.
The South African Social Security Agency, or SASSA for short, is in charge of this grant. They’re the ones who decide who gets the money and who doesn’t.
How to Check SASSA Care Dependency Grant Status Online?
Good news! You can now check if you’re getting the grant without leaving your house. SASSA has a website where you can look this up. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to the SASSA website at https://sassasrd-gov.co.za/
- You’ll see a form on the page. First, type in your ID number.
- Then, put in the cell phone number you used when you applied for the grant.
- Click the button that says “Check Status“
- The website will show you if you’re getting the grant or not.
It’s that easy! You can do this anytime, day or night. If you’re having trouble with the website, don’t worry. You can also check your status on this page via scrolling above.
Who Can Apply for SASSA Care Dependency Grant?
Not everyone can get this grant. SASSA has some rules about who can apply. Here’s who can ask for the grant:
- Parents
- People who are the main caregivers
- Foster parents chosen by a court
But that’s not all. There are more rules:
For the person taking care of the child:
- You need to be a South African citizen or have permission to live in South Africa forever
- You must live in South Africa
- If you’re single, you can’t earn more than R223,200 a year
- If you’re married, you and your partner can’t earn more than R446,400 a year together
For the child:
- They must be younger than 18
- They need to have a very serious health problem that means they need care all the time
- They must live in South Africa
- They can’t be living in a government place all the time
One more important thing: a doctor who works for the government needs to check the child to make sure they really need this help.
How much is SASSA Care Dependency Grant?
If SASSA says you can get the grant, they’ll give you R2,180 every month. That’s the amount for 2024, but it might change in the future.
You can get this money in different ways:
- You can pick it up as cash at special places
- SASSA can put it right into your bank account
- They can send it to a place that’s taking care of your child, like a special school
If you can’t get the money yourself, you can ask someone you trust to get it for you.
How to Apply for SASSA Care Dependency Grant Online?
Right now, you can’t apply for this grant online. But don’t worry, applying isn’t too hard. Here’s what you need to do:
- Get these papers ready:
- Your ID book (the one with 13 numbers)
- Your child’s birth certificate
- Proof of how much money you make (like pay slips or bank statements)
- A report from a doctor about your child’s health problems
- If you’re married, bring proof of that too
- If you’re a foster parent, bring the court papers that say so
- Go to the SASSA office near you
- Fill out the application form there
- Give them all your papers
- They’ll give you a receipt – don’t lose it!
After you apply, SASSA will set up a time for a government doctor to check your child. Then, you’ll need to wait. It can take up to 3 months for SASSA to decide.
If you’re too old or sick to go to the office, someone else can apply for you. But make sure you trust them and give them a letter saying it’s okay.
SASSA Care Dependency Grant Balance Check Online
Want to know how much grant money you have? You can check your balance in four easy ways:
- On your phone: Dial *120*3210# or *120*69277#
- At an ATM: You can check at any ATM, but you might have to pay a small fee
- WhatsApp: Send a message to 082 046 8553
- Phone call: Call 0800 601 011 for free
It’s a good idea to check your balance often. This way, you know you’re getting the right amount and can plan how to use the money.
Remember, SASSA might check if you still need the grant sometimes. They’ll let you know 3 months before they do this. If you get the money in your bank, you need to fill out a form every year to show you’re still alive and need the grant.
The grant will stop if:
- Your child turns 18
- Your child passes away
- Your child goes to live in a government place
- You don’t get the money for 3 months in a row
- Your child leaves South Africa
If SASSA says you can’t get the grant, they’ll tell you why in a letter. You have 90 days to tell them if you think they made a mistake. Write a letter to the Minister of Social Development explaining why you think you should get the grant.
| Aspect | Details |
| Grant Amount | R2,180 per month |
| Age Limit | Birth to 18 years |
| Income Limit (Single) | R223,200 per year |
| Income Limit (Married) | R446,400 per year |
| Application Processing Time | Up to 3 months |
| Application Cost | Free |
This grant is here to help you take care of your special child. It might seem like a lot to deal with, but remember, it’s meant to make your life a little easier. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. You’re doing a great job taking care of your child, and this grant is here to support you.