SASSA Caregiver Grant South Africa 2026 — Complete Guide
South Africa has several grants that support caregivers depending on who they are caring for. This guide explains each one, how much they pay, who qualifies, and how to apply.
Which SASSA Grant Applies to Your Situation?
There is no single grant called the “SASSA Caregiver Grant.” The correct grant depends on who you are caring for:
| Who you are caring for | Correct grant | Monthly amount |
|---|---|---|
| Child under 18 (general care) | Child Support Grant | R560 |
| Child under 18 with severe disability | Care Dependency Grant | R2,310 |
| Foster child under 18 | Foster Child Grant | R1,250 |
| Adult with disability needing full-time care | Grant-in-Aid (top-up) | R560 |
Each grant has different eligibility rules, documentation requirements, and application processes. Find your situation below.
Child Support Grant — R560/Month for Caregivers of Children Under 18
The Child Support Grant is the most widely received SASSA grant in South Africa. It pays R560 per month to the primary caregiver of a child under 18.
Who qualifies:
- South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Primary caregiver of a child under 18 years old
- The child must live with you
- Annual income must not exceed R52,800 if single, or R105,600 if married (as of 2025)
Top-up for double orphans: If you are caring for a child whose both parents are deceased, an additional R280/month top-up is available on top of the R560. Apply for this top-up at your nearest SASSA office.
Documents required:
- Your valid South African ID
- Child’s birth certificate (with ID number)
- Proof of residence
- Proof of income or sworn affidavit if no formal income
- If not the biological parent: proof that you are the primary caregiver (affidavit, social worker’s report, or letter from the child’s school)
How to apply: Visit your nearest SASSA office. Applications cannot be submitted online for this grant. Bring all documents listed above and request a Child Support Grant application form.
Care Dependency Grant — R2,310/Month for Caregivers of Severely Disabled Children
The Care Dependency Grant pays R2,310 per month to parents or primary caregivers of children under 18 with a severe mental or physical disability requiring full-time home care.
Who qualifies:
- Parent, primary caregiver, or foster parent of a child under 18
- The child must have a severe, permanent disability confirmed by a SASSA-appointed medical officer
- The child must be cared for at home — not in a state-funded institution
- Annual income must not exceed R261,600 if single, or R523,200 if married (as of 2025)
Documents required:
- Your valid South African ID
- Child’s birth certificate or adoption papers
- Medical assessment report confirming the child’s disability (completed by a SASSA-appointed medical officer — SASSA will arrange this assessment)
- Proof of residence
- Proof of income or sworn affidavit
- If foster parent: court order placing the child in your care
How to apply: Visit your nearest SASSA office. A SASSA medical officer will assess the child before the application is finalised — SASSA arranges this assessment as part of the process. Bring all documents listed above.
Foster Child Grant — R1,250/Month for Foster Parents
The Foster Child Grant pays R1,250 per month to foster parents of children under 18 placed in their care by a court order.
Who qualifies:
- Person appointed as a foster parent by a Children’s Court order
- The child must be under 18 and placed in your care by court order
- Income limits do not apply to foster parents for this grant
Documents required:
- Your valid South African ID
- Court order confirming the foster placement
- Child’s birth certificate
- Proof of residence
How to apply: Visit your nearest SASSA office with all documents. The court order is mandatory — you cannot apply without it.
Grant-in-Aid — R560/Month for Caregivers of Adults Needing Full-Time Care
The Grant-in-Aid is a R560/month supplementary payment for adults who are already receiving a Disability Grant, Old Age Grant, or War Veterans Grant and require full-time care from another person due to their physical or mental condition.
The payment goes to the person being cared for, not the caregiver directly. It is intended to help cover the cost of the care they receive.
Who qualifies (the person being cared for):
- Must already be receiving a SASSA Disability Grant, Old Age Grant, or War Veterans Grant
- Must require full-time care and attendance from another person due to their disability
- Must not be cared for in a state-subsidised institution
Documents required:
- Valid South African ID of the grant recipient
- Proof of existing SASSA grant
- Medical or functional assessment report (less than 3 months old) confirming need for full-time care
How to apply: The grant recipient (or someone on their behalf) must apply in person at a SASSA office. Bring all documents listed above and request a Grant-in-Aid application form.
For more detail on this grant, see our full guide: SASSA Support for Adult Caregivers — Grant-in-Aid & Disability Grant Guide 2026.
SASSA Grant Payment Dates 2026
All caregiver-related grants follow SASSA’s standard monthly payment schedule. Payments are made during the first week of each month:
- Older Persons Grant: 3rd of the month
- Disability Grant: 4th of the month
- Child grants (Child Support, Care Dependency, Foster Child): 5th of the month
If the payment date falls on a weekend or public holiday, SASSA pays on the last working day before that date.
How you receive payment:
- Direct bank deposit into your registered bank account
- SASSA/Postbank card — withdraw at ATMs, Pick n Pay, Boxer, Checkers, and other partner retailers
How to Contact SASSA About Caregiver Grants
Toll-free helpline: 0800 60 10 11 (Monday to Friday)
WhatsApp: 082 046 8553
Website: www.sassa.gov.za
In person: Visit your nearest SASSA office — find your closest office at www.sassa.gov.za
All SASSA services are free. Do not pay anyone to apply for a grant on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SASSA caregiver grant amount in 2026? It depends on the grant type. The Child Support Grant pays R560/month, the Care Dependency Grant pays R2,310/month, the Foster Child Grant pays R1,250/month, and the Grant-in-Aid pays R560/month as a top-up for adults needing full-time care.
Who qualifies for the caregiver grant in South Africa? Any South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee who is the primary caregiver for a child under 18, a foster child, or an adult with a disability — depending on which specific grant applies to their situation.
How do I apply for the elderly caregiver grant? If you are caring for an elderly person who receives the Old Age Grant and requires full-time care, they may qualify for a Grant-in-Aid top-up of R560/month. Apply in person at your nearest SASSA office with their ID, proof of their existing grant, and a recent medical assessment report.
How much is the SASSA caregiver grant for a child with a disability? The Care Dependency Grant pays R2,310/month for caregivers of children under 18 with severe physical or mental disabilities requiring full-time home care.
Can I get the Child Support Grant and the Care Dependency Grant at the same time? No. You can only receive one grant per child. If the child has a severe disability, apply for the Care Dependency Grant (R2,310) rather than the Child Support Grant (R560) as it pays significantly more.
When are SASSA caregiver grant payments made? Child grants are paid on the 5th of each month (or the last working day before if that falls on a weekend or holiday). Old Age and Disability grants are paid on the 3rd and 4th respectively.
Is there an online application for the caregiver grant? Most caregiver grants require an in-person application at a SASSA office. Visit www.sassa.gov.za to find your nearest office or call 0800 60 10 11 for help.
What is the R530 caregiver grant? R530 was the previous amount of the Child Support Grant before the April 2025 increase to R560. There is no separate grant specifically called the “R530 Caregiver Grant.”
