Apply for SASSA Disability & Care Dependency Grants

SASSA offers various grants to eligible citizens.

Among these are the SASSA Disability Grant and the Care Dependency Grant, which provide financial support to individuals with disabilities and families caring for disabled children, respectively. 

What is a SASSA Disability Grant?

The Disability Grant is a monthly financial allowance for South African citizens with permanent disabilities that limit their ability to work and earn an income.

What is a SASSA Care Dependency Grant?

The Care Dependency Grant provides financial support to caregivers of children under 18 with severe disabilities who require constant care and supervision.

Who Qualifies for a SASSA Disability Grant?

To qualify for a SASSA Disability Grant, you must meet the following criteria:

  1. Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
  2. Reside in South Africa.
  3. Have a permanent disability that significantly limits your ability to work and earn a living. This requires a medical assessment report from a qualified medical professional.
  4. (For married individuals) You and your spouse must pass a means test unless you are legally separated. The means test assesses your combined income and assets to determine financial need.

Who Qualifies for a SASSA Care Dependency Grant?

The caregiver applying for the Care Dependency Grant must meet the following requirements:

  1. Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
  2. Reside in South Africa with the disabled child.
  3. The child must be under 18 years old.
  4. The child requires permanent care and supervision due to a severe disability, confirmed by a medical assessment report.
  5. The child cannot be in the permanent care of a state institution.
  6. (For married individuals with the exception of foster parents) You and your spouse must pass a means test.

What Documents Do I Need to Apply for a SASSA Disability Grant?

When applying for a SASSA Disability Grant, you will need to submit the following documents to your nearest SASSA office:

  1. Your valid South African ID document (Barcoded ID).
  2. If you lack an ID, a completed SASSA affidavit and a sworn statement from a reputable person verifying your identity (councilor, social worker, etc.).
  3. A medical report and functional assessment report from a qualified medical professional detailing your disability.
  4. Proof of marital status (marriage certificate/divorce decree if applicable).
  5. Proof of residence (utility bill, bank statement).
  6. Proof of income/dividends (payslips, bank statements).
  7. Proof of assets (property documents).
  8. Proof of private pension (if applicable).
  9. Bank statements for the past 3 months.
  10. Refugee permit and ID (if applicable).
  11. Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) documents or a discharge certificate from your previous employer (if applicable).
  12. If your spouse passed away within the last five years, a copy of the will and account statements for the estate.

What Documents Do I Need to Apply for a SASSA Care Dependency Grant?

The required documents for a Care Dependency Grant application include:

  1. Your valid South African ID document (Barcoded ID).
  2. Birth certificate of the disabled child.
  3. Medical assessment report confirming the child’s disability.
  4. Proof of your marital status (marriage certificate/divorce decree if applicable).
  5. Proof of income (payslips, bank statements) for you and your spouse (unless foster parent).
  6. Proof of residence (utility bill, bank statement).

How to Apply for a SASSA Disability Grant

If you wish to apply for the SASSA Disability Grant, this is the process you must follow:

  1. Locate your nearest SASSA office by visiting the SASSA website or calling their toll-free helpline at 0800 601 011.
  2. A SASSA official will assist you in completing the application form at the office.
  3. Along with the completed application form, you will need to submit the following documents:
    • Your 13-digit bar-coded South African ID (or alternative documentation if unavailable)
    • Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill)
    • Proof of marital status (if applicable)
    • Proof of income for yourself and your spouse (if applicable)
    • Medical report and functional assessment report confirming your disability
    • Bank statements (optional)
    • Additional documents as requested by SASSA

How to Apply for a SASSA Care Dependency Grant

To apply for the SASSA Care Dependency Grant, follow this process:

  1. Visit Your Local SASSA Office: The application process for the Care Dependency Grant is similar to the Disability Grant. Locate your nearest SASSA office and schedule an appointment.
  2. Complete the Application Form: A SASSA official will assist you in completing the application form.
  3. Submit Required Documents: In addition to the documents listed for the Disability Grant application, you will also need to submit:
    • The disabled child’s birth certificate
    • Medical report and functional assessment report confirming the child’s disability