Parents & Caregivers Rejoice: May 2025 SASSA Boost for Caregivers — Care Dependency Grant Sees Sharp Increase

SASSA Care Dependency Grant – The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has just announced a substantial increase in the Care Dependency Grant starting May 2025. This comes as a relief for thousands of parents and caregivers across South Africa who rely on this support to care for children with severe disabilities. With the rising cost of living and essential care needs, this increase is both timely and crucial.

Let’s explore everything you need to know about the May 2025 SASSA Care Dependency Grant changes, payment dates, updated amounts, and how you can benefit.

What is the SASSA Care Dependency Grant?

The Care Dependency Grant is a monthly financial aid provided by SASSA to caregivers of children with severe disabilities who require full-time care. This grant ensures that families can access the resources needed to provide adequate care without being financially overwhelmed.

The grant is meant for:

• Parents, foster parents, or primary caregivers of a child with a permanent disability
• Children under the age of 18 who are medically certified as severely disabled
• South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees living in South Africa

To qualify, the child must not be permanently cared for in a state institution and must pass a means test.

May 2025 Increase: What’s Changing?

From May 1, 2025, SASSA will be increasing the Care Dependency Grant by a significant margin, as part of its broader efforts to enhance support for vulnerable families. Here’s what you need to know:

• New Monthly Grant Amount: R2,270 per child (up from R2,090)
• Effective From: May 1, 2025
• Target Group: Parents or caregivers of children under 18 with permanent disabilities
• Reason for Increase: To address inflation, increased care costs, and ensure dignity for all families

Benefits of the Care Dependency Grant

Here are some key advantages of receiving the Care Dependency Grant:

• Provides financial relief to caregivers of children with disabilities
• Enables access to medical, therapeutic, and daily care needs
• Reduces reliance on personal debt or informal borrowing
• Promotes equal care opportunities for children with special needs

Updated Payment Schedule for May 2025

The payment dates for May 2025 have been confirmed by SASSA. Here’s a look at when beneficiaries can expect their payments:

Grant Type	Payment Date
Older Person’s Grant	May 3, 2025
Disability Grant	May 6, 2025
Care Dependency Grant	May 6, 2025
Child Support Grant	May 7, 2025
Foster Child Grant	May 7, 2025
War Veterans Grant	May 3, 2025
Social Relief of Distress	Rolling basis

Payments can be collected via:

• Bank accounts
• SASSA cards
• Retailers like Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay
• Post Office branches

Eligibility Criteria for the Care Dependency Grant

To be eligible for the Care Dependency Grant, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
• The child must be under the age of 18
• The child must have a permanent, severe disability confirmed by a state medical officer
• The child must not be cared for permanently in a state institution
• The applicant must pass the means test (income threshold below R223,200 per year for single parents and R446,400 for married couples)

Eligibility Requirement	Description
Citizenship Status	South African citizen/resident/refugee
Child’s Age	Below 18 years
Disability Verification	State medical report needed
Institutional Care Status	Child should not be in a state facility
Income Threshold (Single)	Less than R223,200 annually
Income Threshold (Married)	Less than R446,400 combined annually

How to Apply for the Care Dependency Grant

You can apply at your nearest SASSA office or via SASSA’s online portal. The application is free of charge, and a social worker or officer will assist you through the process.

Documents required:

• Your South African ID
• Child’s birth certificate
• Medical/Disability report from a public hospital
• Proof of income (salary slips, bank statements)
• Proof of residence

Application Steps:

1. Visit your nearest SASSA office
2. Complete the Care Dependency Grant application form
3. Submit supporting documents
4. Get assessed by a state medical professional
5. Await approval (typically within 3 months)

Common Questions About the Care Dependency Grant

Q1: Can I apply online for the Care Dependency Grant?
A1: Yes, SASSA is gradually expanding its online services. Visit www.sassa.gov.za to check if your province is eligible for online applications.

Q2: What happens if my application is rejected?
A2: You can appeal the decision within 90 days. Submit your appeal at a SASSA office or through the official website.

Q3: Will I still receive the grant if my child is in hospital?
A3: Yes, temporary hospitalization does not disqualify you. However, long-term institutional care could affect eligibility.

Q4: How long does the grant last?
A4: Until the child turns 18 or the disability is no longer considered permanent.

Q5: Is there any risk of grant suspension?
A5: Grants may be suspended for fraudulent claims, failure to update information, or improved financial status.

Departmental Contact Information

For any queries related to the Care Dependency Grant or SASSA services, contact:

SASSA National Call Centre:
Phone: 0800 60 10 11
Website: www.sassa.gov.za

Head Office Address:
SASSA House, 501 Prodinsa Building,
Cnr Beatrix and Pretorius Streets,
Pretoria, South Africa

Email: [email protected]

SASSA’s Ongoing Commitment to Social Welfare

SASSA continues to prioritize the needs of vulnerable South Africans. The 2025 increase in the Care Dependency Grant highlights the agency’s role in easing the financial burden on families caring for children with disabilities.

With improved access, better payment systems, and rising awareness, SASSA is helping ensure no child is left behind due to financial hardship.

This boost in the Care Dependency Grant is more than just a financial adjustment—it’s a powerful step towards social equity and dignity for all. If you or someone you know is a caregiver for a child with a disability, now is the time to review eligibility, apply if needed, and prepare for the new payment scale beginning May 2025.