R2320 Care Dependency Grant for October 2025: New Increase & Payment Dates

R2,320 Care Dependency Grant October 2025: What Beneficiaries Need to Know

Families caring for children with severe disabilities depend heavily on the Care Dependency Grant for support. As October 2025 approaches, beneficiaries and applicants are keen to know if there’ll be a grant increase, when the funds will arrive, and what steps to take. Below is the latest verified information, including government announcements and SASSA’s schedule.

Recent Increase: A Small But Important Adjustment

In the 2025/26 national budget, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced that all permanent social grants would receive a modest increase effective from October 1, 2025. SASSA has confirmed that the Care Dependency Grant (CDG) will be increased by R10, raising the monthly amount from R2,310 to R2,320.

This R10 adjustment is in addition to the more substantial increase earlier in the year, which took effect in April. Most social grant categories saw similar R10 increases across the board — old age, disability, war veterans, and the Care Dependency Grant among them.

While R10 may seem modest, for many families on the margins, every increment helps. SASSA and government officials have emphasized that even small adjustments reflect a commitment to social protection and cushioning vulnerable households against inflationary pressures.

What the Grant Helps Cover

The Care Dependency Grant is aimed at families caring for children under 18 who have severe physical or mental disabilities and are not residing in state institutions. It helps offset extra costs such as:

• Medical care, therapy, and physiotherapy
• Specialized mobility devices, prosthetics, wheelchairs
• Personal care assistance (nursing, caregiving)
• Transport to medical or therapy appointments
• Adaptations at home (ramps, safe bathroom modifications)
• Nutritional supplements, medical supplies

Given the high and ongoing costs involved, the grant is intended as supportive rather than fully sufficient. Recipients often rely on it as part of a broader support system (public health, NGO assistance, community services).

When Will October 2025 Payments Be Made?

SASSA operates a predictable monthly grants payment schedule, dividing different grant types over early October. For 2025, the confirmed schedule is:

• Old Age Grants: Thursday, 2 October 2025
• Disability Grants: Friday, 3 October 2025
• Children’s Grants (including Care Dependency, Foster, Child Support): Monday, 6 October 2025

Thus, for October 2025, the Care Dependency Grant is scheduled to be paid on Monday, 6 October 2025.

Beneficiaries can expect the funds to reflect in their bank accounts during the course of the day (late morning to early afternoon) once the distribution process is complete.

It is worth noting that some alternative sources list slightly different dates (such as 4 October for children’s grants), but the more authoritative SASSA and government-aligned sources affirm 6 October for children-based grants including CDG.

If funds are not visible by late afternoon, recipients should first verify via ATM mini-statement, mobile banking, or in-store inquiry, and check again after the second bank posting cycle (often later in the day).

How Much Will You Receive?

As of October 1, 2025, the monthly Care Dependency Grant will be R2,320.

This is the post‑increase figure. Beneficiaries should expect this amount in their October payout, assuming all eligibility and administrative conditions are met.

Keep in mind that the grant amount applies only to that month; if further adjustments are made in future budgets, the amount may change again.

Who Qualifies & Eligibility Criteria

To receive the Care Dependency Grant, applicants must meet specific conditions and follow prescribed procedures. The general eligibility criteria include:

1. Child with disability
   The child must have a serious physical or mental disability and require full-time care. A medical assessment is required to certify the severity of the disability.
2. Child under 18 years
   The grant is only available while the child is under 18, unless exceptional circumstances (such as institutionalization or ongoing severe care needs) apply.
3. Not in a full-time state institution
   The child must live with a caregiver and not be residing in a state-run institution for the disabled full time.
4. Primary caregiver
   The applicant should be the legal guardian or primary caregiver responsible for the child’s day-to-day care.
5. Income means test
   The applicant’s household (or caregiver’s) income must fall below a threshold determined by SASSA — meaning the benefit is intended for low‑income households.
6. South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee status
   The child and caregiver must satisfy citizenship or legal residence requirements.
7. Medical and supporting documentation
   A formal medical assessment and report, identification documents, proof of residence, bank details, and possibly home assessments or validation from social services may be needed.

If a family already received the grant before the new increase, they typically do not need to reapply — the adjustment is handled administratively by SASSA.

New applicants must complete the full application process via SASSA, providing all required documents and waiting for evaluation and approval.

What to Do if Payment Is Delayed or Missing

If you qualify and haven’t received the grant on the payment date, follow these steps:

1. Verify in multiple ways
   Check your account via ATM mini-statement, mobile banking, or with a transaction slip at retail.
2. Wait for the afternoon posting cycle
   Banks often post grants in batches; sometimes funds reflect later in the day.
3. Contact SASSA immediately
   Use the toll-free number (0800 60 10 11) or visit your local SASSA office to log an inquiry or complaint.
4. Keep documentation
   When visiting offices or calling, have your ID, grant reference, application number, proof of banking, and dates/time of checks.
5. Escalate if needed
   If the issue is not resolved promptly, ask for escalation to regional or national SASSA offices or use the SASSA ombudsman channels.

Important Notes & Caveats

• The R10 increase is relatively small, and many beneficiaries have expressed concerns that it may not keep pace with inflation, especially for families bearing high medical and care costs.
• Always rely on official channels for confirmation rather than rumors or social media. SASSA’s official communications, government budget speeches, and recognized news outlets are more authoritative.
• Payment dates can sometimes shift due to weekends, public holidays, or administrative delays — though historically, SASSA tries to maintain consistency.
• Scams targeting social grant recipients are common. Never share your banking PIN or personal information in response to unsolicited calls or messages claiming to expedite payment.
• The grant does not fully substitute for specialized medical or educational support — caregivers should also explore public health, NGO, or welfare programs to supplement care.
• If the child turns 18, the grant generally ends, except in rare special cases.
• In case of change of banking details, address, or caregiver status, beneficiaries should inform SASSA promptly to avoid delays.

Sample Scenario

Let’s consider Thandi, whose 12-year-old son has a severe mobility impairment and qualifies for the Care Dependency Grant.

• Thandi has been receiving the grant at R2,310/month through 2025.
• With the October 2025 increase, she will receive R2,320 in that month, provided all data and eligibility are intact.
• She expects funds to arrive on 6 October 2025 (Monday) and will check her bank account that afternoon.
• If funds do not reflect, she will wait until after the second posting batch, then contact SASSA with all details to inquire.

Bottom Line

• From 1 October 2025, the Care Dependency Grant in South Africa increases modestly by R10, bringing the monthly amount to R2,320.
• The payment date for October 2025 is scheduled for Monday, 6 October 2025 (in the same tranche as other children’s grants).
• Applicants meeting existing eligibility criteria should receive the updated amount automatically — new applicants must go through the full SASSA application process.
• If payment is delayed or missing, follow the verification and escalation steps with SASSA immediately.
• While the increase is small, it is positioned as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to support vulnerable households.

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