SASSA Child Support Grant – Eligibility, Application Process & More!

The Child Support Grant is a social grant paid to the primary caregiver of a child under 18 by SASSA. The primary caregiver can be the parent of the child, grandparent, or anyone over the age of 16 years who is the head of the family.

SASSA Child Support Grant

The child support grant targets households with low income and offers financial relief to parents or the main caregiver of the child. The intention of the grant is not to replace other income sources; its goal is to assist families in covering the financial shortfall between their earnings and the cost of living. A primary caregiver has the opportunity to receive a maximum of 6 Child Support Grants for children who may not be related to them legally or biologically.

The grant amount for the Child Support Grant is confirmed at R530 per child per month from April 1, 2024.

Starting from June 1, 2022, SASSA introduced the Child Support Grant (CSG) top-up, aimed at assisting relatives or main caregivers in fulfilling the basic needs of orphans. From April 2023 onwards, the top-up value per child is confirmed to be R250 each month. It is not increased in April 2024

With the top-up amount, the sum of child support grant amount for each child is R780 per month.

SASSA Child Support Grant Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for the child support grant, the applicant should meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • To become eligible for the grant, you should either be a South African citizen, recognized refugee or have permanent residency status.
  • You must be living in South Africa along with your child.
  • You must be the primary caregiver of a child (parent, grandparent, or anyone over the age of 16 years who is taking care of the child).
  • The child should be under 18 years.
  • The child should not be in the care of any state institution.
  • You must have a 13-digit bar-coded ID (identity document) or smart ID card. (Application can still be made in the absence of these documents)
  • You and your spouse (if married) need to comply with the means test requirements.
  • You can not apply for more than six non biological children.

What is the Means Test for SASSA Child Support Grant?

The means test is the method used to evaluate the income of the child’s grant applicants to ensure that only deserving individuals receive the grant.

To meet the means test criteria from April 1, 2023, a single person’s annual income should not surpass R60,000. The collective annual income must not be higher than R120,000 if you are married.

Each grant type has different criteria for its means test to evaluate financial eligibility.

How much does that Child Support Grant Cost?

Applying for SASSA child support grants is free of cost, and there is no service fee.

Procedure to Apply for the Child SUpport Grant

You can apply for the SASSA child support grant in your nearest SASSA office branch by filling out their application form, or if you want to apply online, read the instructions on applying online through the SASSA services website.

If you are too old, sick or have any disability issues, you may have a trusted family member or a friend to apply on your behalf. The person applying on your behalf should take a letter from you along with a doctor’s note explaining the reason why you cannot visit the SASSA office yourself.

The application forms are available at SASSA offices and should be completed in the presence of the SASSA officer. You can fill out the application yourself. In case you find it hard to fill it out yourself, then the officer will be here to help you in completing the application form. They will also take your interview (or from your appointed person). After taking the interview, they will inform you if you qualify for the grant.

After completing the application and interview, you will also receive the dated stamp receipt with the SASSA officer name who assisted you in the application. Even if you are not qualified, you need to keep this receipt as proof of application as it also includes your application ID.

Required Documents to Apply for Child Support Grant

You must take the following documents (original or certified copies) with you as the applicant to the SASSA office when applying for the children grant:

  • Your original 13-digit bar-coded ID (identity document) and child’s birth certificate (must have an ID number). If you don’t have an ID or child’s birth certificate:
  • You are required to fill out the affidavit form on the SASSA standard affidavit template, and this must be done in the presence of an Oaths Commissioner who is not affiliated with SASSA. A SASSA official will provide you with the form, or you can download the SASSA affidavit from here.
  • Bring the following documents:
  • You must bring a validated declaration attested by a trusted person (such as a community counselor, traditional leader, licensed social worker, recognized religious leader, or a school principal) who can verify you and the child.
  • You should have documentation from the Department of Home Affairs confirming that you have initiated an application for an ID and/or birth certificate.
  • A temporary identity document card provided by the Department of Home Affairs. (if applicable).
  • Baptismal certificate, if you have it.
  • A school certificate, if available.
  • Road to Health Clinic (RTHC), if you can provide it.
  • Your marriage certificate (if you are married)
  • The court order granting you custody of the child (if you are divorced and the child is yours)
  • In case where one or both parents are deceased or missing, you must provide the death certificate(s) of the deceased parent(s) or the report filed at the police station for the missing individual(s).
  • If you are not the child’s biological parent, you must provide the proof (any one of the following) that you are the primary caretaker of the child:
  • The sworn statement obtained from a police station.
  • Letter from the school’s principal attended by the child.
  • Written permission from the biological parent of a child indicating that you should take care of the child.
  • Report from the social worker.
  • Proof of your all income:
  • Payslips if you have employed or bank statements for the last 3 months.
  • UIF card if you are receiving UIF benefits.
  • For individuals who were employed, provide a copy of leaving certificate from your prior employer or a membership proof of the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).
  • Pension receipt if you are receiving a pension.
  • Proof of any financial support you received specifically for the child or if you have tried but were unable to get any financial support for the child from the biological parents.

It should be noted that one of the main goals of a child support grant is to make sure that the child attends school regularly and completes their education. However, if the child doesn’t attend school, it will not result in the refusal of the child support grant.

Processing Time for the Application of Child Support Grant

It usually takes about 3 months to process applications for the child support grant. The payments start after the approval of your application. Once the application is processed and your grant is approved, you will receive all the payments from the date you submitted your application. In case of application rejection, SASSA will send a letter with an explanation that why you’re not approved for the grant. 

SASSA Child Support Grant Status Check

Once your child support grant application is submitted, then you’ll also need to check the status regularly to stay updated. And the best part is that it can be easily traced by using a status check to see if the application is approved or declined or what is the current status of your application. After the approval of the application, the status should be checked frequently to be updated about upcoming payments. SASSA child support grant status check can be done through the following methods:

SASSA Website

Through SASSA Official Website by Clicking Here

SASSA Website

Through the Moya App Using Data Free Method

SASSA Website

Through SMS To SASSA Number 082-046-8553

SASSA Website

Through SASSA WhatsApp 082-046-8553

SASSA Website

Contacting on SASSA Toll-Free No. 0800-601011

What should you do if your SASSA Child Support Grant application is denied?

If your grant application is declined, but you believe that the decision was made in error, you can request the SASSA to reconsider your application. If the reconsideration request is also denied, but you still disagree with the decision of SASSA, you have the right to appeal the decision of SASSA to the Ministry of Social Development at the National Department of Social Development. The appeal must be filed within 90 days from the day the application is submitted.

The Ministry of Social Development will review your appeal to make a decision. If they agree with you, they will overturn the SASSA’s decision and you will start receiving your grant payments. If your appeal is denied, you will be provided with a written explanation of the decision.

Understanding the SASSA Child Support Grant Payment Process

Once your child support grant is approved, you will start receiving payments from the date you applied. SASSA payment dates are released every month as they don’t have any fixed dates.

SASSA will pay you the grant payments through the following three methods (You need to opt for one):

  • Direct deposit in your bank account or Postbank account. The banks may charge you for the service fee.
  • You can withdraw your grant payment in cash at SASSA-partnered retail outlets such as Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Boxer, Checkers, Usave, and Spar.
  • From some specific institutions (e.g., old age homes, disability centers, Non-profit organizations).

If you want to receive your grant payments through a bank account, you will need to complete the Consent Form for Bank Payment of SASSA Grant and submit each of the following documents:

  • Proof of identity, such as an ID document, driving license or birth certificate
  • Bank account number, the account should be in your own name
  • 3 months bank statement, it should show your name and account number on the statement

You can change your banking details or payment method any time by filling form in the welfare office. However, the payments will be received through the new payment method from the following month after the verification is completed.

If you are unable to collect the grant yourself due to any reason such as old age, disability etc., you can nominate someone to collect payments on your behalf.

SASSA Child Support Grant Balance Check

The SASSA balance check service allows you to check the remaining balance of your grant. By checking your balance, you can stay updated with your funds to manage your finances and make informed decisions about your grant money. After your child’s grant application is approved and you start receiving grant payments, you may need to check your balance regularly by following methods:

  • By dialing the USSD code *120*3210# or *120*69277# through your cellphone
  • At any ATM (normal bank charges may be applied)
  • Via SASSA WhatsApp number 082 046 8553
  • ­By calling the SASSA call center toll-free number 0800 601 011

SASSA Child Support Grant Reviews

SASSA reserves the right to conduct a review of your grant, and it is based on the income you declared during the application process. The reviews are conducted to ensure that you still meet the means test criteria of the grant and that your circumstances are not improved yet. It is also to verify if the child is alive. To make the review process easier, you should always keep your application up to date whenever your own or your child’s circumstances change.

SASSA will send you a written notice before the three months of review or the deadline to submit your life certificate (proof that you are still alive). The written notification will also provide details about the date and location of the review.

For individuals who receive their grant through a bank, institution, or agent, you must annually submit the life certificate of your child to the SASSA office. If you are bedridden, SASSA officials will visit your home to conduct the review. Upon the conclusion of your review, you will obtain a compliance receipt.

The review process for refugee applicants will be initiated when their refugee status reaches its expiration.

Grant Suspension Reasons

The following reasons may lead to the grant suspension:

  • If your circumstances change.
  • You provided false information or committed fraud.
  • You didn’t cooperate while reviewing the grant
  • The outcome of the review.
  • If your grant was approved by mistake.

Restoration of the Grant

If you believe that your grant was suspended in error or if you have a disagreement with SASSA’s decision, you have the option to submit an appeal to the Ministry of Social Development at the National Department of Social Development within 90 days of the suspension.

Reasons for Lapsing of the Child Support Grant

Your child support grant will lapse if one of the following conditions occurs:

  • If the child passed away.
  • The primary caregiver of the child did not collect the grant payments for three months in a row.
  • If the child is supported by any state care institution.
  • If the child is out of the country.
  • When the child attains the age of 18, typically by the end of that month.
  • If your income or assets improved so much that you are no longer qualified for the grant in terms of means test.

Your grant amount will be reduced to 25% of your total if you are admitted to the state station for longer than four months. Your grant will be reinitiated to the maximum amount immediately upon your discharge.

Responsibilities of the Beneficiaries

As a SASSA grant holder, you also need to fulfill some responsibilities:

  • In order to ensure accuracy, keep SASSA updated about any changes in your personal and financial circumstances
  • Timely communication with SASSA regarding modifications to your address or personal contact details is essential.
  • Always provide the correct information because SASSA does not tolerate any fraudulent activity.

You must keep the SASSA updated in the above scenarios to avoid any interruption or suspension in your grants, as SASSA sends notices and updates to the address you submitted in the application. If your address or contact information is updated and you did not inform the SASSA, it may cause the suspension of your grants, as SASSA will not be able to contact you.

Contact SASSA

Should you have additional questions, feel free to reach out to SASSA through the following channels: