SASSA Care Dependency Grant Hike – The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has announced an important update regarding the Care Dependency Grant for April 2025. Thousands of South African families depend on this grant to support children with severe physical or mental disabilities. With the increasing cost of living, many citizens were hoping for financial relief — and now the April 2025 increase brings some welcomed news.
Let’s explore all the updated details, including the new grant amount, payment dates, eligibility requirements, and how to contact SASSA for further information.
What is the Care Dependency Grant?
The Care Dependency Grant is a monthly financial assistance program provided by SASSA for caregivers of children under the age of 18 who are permanently disabled and require full-time care at home. This grant plays a crucial role in supporting families who cannot afford the extra expenses associated with disability care.
Here’s a quick overview of the Care Dependency Grant:
- Provided to caregivers of children with severe disabilities
- Child must be under 18 years of age
- Must pass both a medical and means test
- Paid monthly via SASSA pay points, banks, or other channels
April 2025 SASSA Care Dependency Grant Increase: What’s New?
In response to inflation and growing household expenses, the South African government has announced a grant hike starting in April 2025. This increase aligns with the broader budget allocations shared by the Minister of Finance during the 2025 Budget Speech.
Key Updates:
- Previous amount: R2,090 per month
- New amount (from April 2025): R2,180 per month
- Increase: R90 per beneficiary
The increase may seem modest, but for many households, this extra R90 can help ease the burden of daily living costs, including medical expenses, food, and disability care equipment.
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Full Breakdown of Social Grants for April 2025
To provide better context, here’s a comparative table showing the changes in various SASSA grants including the Care Dependency Grant.
| SASSA Grant Type | Old Amount (Before April 2025) | New Amount (From April 2025) | Increase (R) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Care Dependency Grant | R2,090 | R2,180 | R90 |
| Older Persons Grant | R2,090 | R2,180 | R90 |
| Disability Grant | R2,090 | R2,180 | R90 |
| Child Support Grant | R510 | R530 | R20 |
| Foster Child Grant | R1,130 | R1,180 | R50 |
| War Veterans Grant | R2,110 | R2,200 | R90 |
| SRD R350 Grant (Unchanged) | R350 | R350 | R0 |
SASSA April 2025 Payment Dates
SASSA follows a structured schedule for disbursing grants. Below is the expected payment calendar for April 2025.
| Grant Type | Payment Date (April 2025) |
|---|---|
| Older Persons Grant | 3 April 2025 |
| Disability Grant | 4 April 2025 |
| Care Dependency Grant | 4 April 2025 |
| Child Support Grant | 5 April 2025 |
| Foster Child Grant | 5 April 2025 |
| SRD R350 Grant | Between 24–30 April 2025 |
Note: Payments may take 1–3 business days to reflect in your bank account depending on your payment method.
Eligibility Criteria for the Care Dependency Grant
Before applying or continuing to receive the grant, beneficiaries must meet the following conditions:
- The child must be under the age of 18
- The child must suffer from a permanent disability requiring full-time care
- The child must not be cared for in a state institution
- Both caregiver and child must be South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees
- Must pass the SASSA means test (income threshold)
Means Test Income Threshold (2025):
- Single caregiver: Not earning more than R249,600 annually
- Married couple: Combined income not exceeding R499,200 annually
How to Apply for the Care Dependency Grant
Applying for the Care Dependency Grant involves both medical and financial assessments. Here’s a step-by-step outline:
- Visit your nearest SASSA office
- Submit a certified copy of your ID and child’s birth certificate
- Bring a medical report confirming the child’s disability
- Complete the grant application form at the office
- Submit proof of income for the means test
Once submitted, SASSA will verify your documents and notify you within 90 days.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Will the Care Dependency Grant increase again later in 2025?
A: There is no official confirmation yet about further increases beyond April 2025.
Q2: Can I apply for more than one child?
A: Yes, you can apply for multiple children if each child meets the eligibility criteria.
Q3: What happens if my application is rejected?
A: You can request a reconsideration or file an appeal within 90 days of receiving the rejection notice.
Q4: Can foreign nationals apply for the Care Dependency Grant?
A: Only South African citizens, permanent residents, or officially recognized refugees are eligible.
Q5: Where can I collect the grant?
A: Grants can be collected via direct bank deposits, SASSA pay points, or approved retail outlets.
Q6: Is the grant amount taxed?
A: No, SASSA grants are not taxable and do not need to be declared in your tax returns.
Contact Details for SASSA Queries
If you have any issues or need more details, use the following official contact information:
- SASSA Toll-Free Number: 0800 60 10 11
- SASSA Email: [email protected]
- Head Office Address: SASSA House, 501 Prodinsa Building, Cnr Steve Biko & Pretorius Streets, Pretoria
- Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 AM – 04:00 PM
- Website: www.sassa.gov.za
The April 2025 increase in the SASSA Care Dependency Grant is a small but meaningful step toward easing the financial strain on caregivers across South Africa. With rising costs and additional needs for children with disabilities, this boost offers some relief. Ensure you stay updated on payment schedules, meet eligibility requirements, and reach out to SASSA for any assistance.
