In order to apply for a Care Dependency Grant, the parents, primary care-giver, or foster parents and the child must be:

• South African citizens, permanent residents or refugees
• Resident in South Africa at the time of application
• In possession of a medical/assessment report confirming disability
• Qualify in terms of the means test for a Care Dependency Grant

A child with severe disabilities cannot get a Care Dependency Grant if:

• The child is being cared for on a 24 hour basis for more than 6 months in an institution that is wholly funded by government, for example a psychiatric hospital or special care centre