Medical Aid Dependants — Who Gets the Extra 6A Credit

The 2026/2027 6A amounts

For the 2027 year of assessment SARS’s published medical scheme fees tax credit is R376 a month for the main member, R376 for the first dependant, and R254 for each additional dependant. It reduces tax payable. A higher contribution does not raise the 6A rand amount.

Who is a dependant for 6A

A person listed as a dependant on that registered medical scheme for the months you claim. A child on a former partner’s scheme is their certificate, not yours. Adding a parent on the plan can add a dependant credit for the months they were on cover. Months off the scheme do not count.

Two members, one household

If you and a spouse each have a scheme, do not both claim the same dependant. The IRP5 and the scheme tax certificate should match the person who paid and who is listed. eFiling pre-populate is a start. Check it.

6B is a different test

Out-of-pocket qualifying medical expenses can feed section 6B only after a formula and a threshold. Clicks swipes are not automatic. Keep the scheme certificate. Taxzi does not invent dependant counts. Confirm figures on sars.gov.za.

Questions

Do I get R376 for every child?

First dependant is R376 a month. Each additional dependant is R254 a month, for months they were on the scheme.

Can I claim a dependant who is not on my medical aid?

Not for 6A. The credit follows the registered scheme membership.