R1,910 Care Dependency Grant In 2026: Eligibility changes, medical reviews, and important dates

Care Dependency Grant

The Care Dependency Grant (CDG) ends in 2026 for parents and carers of severely disabled children in South Africa. The grant is for kids who are so sick or mentally disabled that they can’t do anything on their own and need care all the time. So, the monthly grant helps families pay for things like medical care, professional care, and even daily help, which can be very expensive.

Why You Should Get the Care Dependency Grant

The Care Dependency Grant not only recognises but also gives money to the most disadvantaged families with dependents who have severe disabilities. Their daily lives are almost always full of costs that never end, such as the kids’ doctor visits, therapy, medicines, special equipment use, and transportation costs. The state gives money every month that can be used for any of the above things, which will improve the children’s quality of life.

Care Dependency Grant
Care Dependency Grant

Who Can Get the Grant in 2026

You can only apply for the Care Dependency Grant if you are under 18, have a permanent disability, or a serious medical condition that needs constant care. The child’s mother, father, legally-appointed guardian, or primary carer must fill out the application. They must also be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or recognised refugee who has moved to South Africa. Also, the applicants have to pass a means test that looks at their household income and assets. This is a guarantee that the grant only goes to families who really need help with money.

Requirements for a medical assessment

The medical assessment is one of the most important things that will affect the outcome of the grant application. The doctor has to look at the child’s condition and then decide how much care the child needs based on what they find. SASSA uses the medical report to help them decide whether or not the child is eligible for the grant. To make sure that the eligibility hasn’t changed, there may be times when re-assessments are done.

Documents You Need to Apply

When carers apply, they need to give all the right and complete documents. These kinds of documents usually include the caregiver’s and child’s ID cards or passports, proof of where the applicant lives, information about the applicant’s income, and a certified medical assessment report. If you send in all the required documents with your application, it will speed up the process and avoid having your application rejected.

Eligibility changes, medical reviews
Eligibility changes, medical reviews

How to Apply and Where

The only way to apply for the Care Dependency Grant is to go to an SASSA office in person. The SASSA staff will check the papers you give them, write down the application, and give it a reference number. Applicants should send in their applications early and make sure that all of the information they give is correct. This will speed up the processing of their applications.

Payment Dates and Ongoing Compliance

The Care Dependency Grant will be paid out every month, and the payment date will be the same as SASSA’s regular payment schedule, which is mostly in the first week of the month. To stay eligible, beneficiaries must keep their personal and financial information up to date and tell SASSA about any changes in their income or circumstances.

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