SASSA Child Support Grant [2024] – Step-By-Step Guide

Child Support Grants are payments made by SASSA to the primary caregivers of children under 18. Parents, grandparents, or anyone over 16 years old who is the family head can be the primary caregiver. Grant amounts for the Child Support Grant are confirmed at R510 per child per month. By April 1, 2024, it is expected to increase by R10 per child per month.

SASSA has initiated the Child Support Grant top-up, aiming to assist family members or main caregivers in meeting the basic needs of orphans. It has been confirmed that the top-up value per child will increase to R250 beginning April 2024. Each child receives R750 per month in a child support grant with the top-up amount.

SASSA Child Support Grant

In this article, we will look at more details about the SASSA Child Support Grant.

SASSA Child Support Grant: Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria before applying for child support grants:

  • The grant is only available to South African citizens, refugees, and permanent residents.
  • Your child and you must live in South Africa.
  • Parenting, grandparenting, or anyone over 16 years taking care of a child is considered primary caregiving (parent, grandparent, or any adult taking care of the child).
  • Under 18 is the minimum age for a child.
  • There should be no state institution caring for the child.
  • A 13-digit barcoded ID (identity document) or smart ID card is required. In the absence of these documents, an application can still be submitted.
  • The means test must be met by you and your spouse (if you are married).
  • The number of non-biological children you can adopt cannot exceed six.

Documents Requirement to Apply For Child Support Grant

As the applicant, you must bring the following documents originals or certified copies to the SASSA office:

  • The original 13-digit barcoded ID (identity document) of the child and the birth certificate of the child must have an ID number on it. Unless you have a birth certificate or ID for your child.
  • A copy of your marriage certificate (in case married).
  • If you are divorced and your child is yours, the court order granting you custody will state that.
  • It is necessary to provide a copy of the death certificate of the deceased parent or the police report filed by the missing individual.
  • You must prove that you are the primary caretaker of the child if you are not the child’s biological parent: A police station sworn statement and a letter from the principal of the child’s school.
  • A social worker’s report from the biological parent of the child, indicating the child should be taken care of by you.
  • All income proof:
  • A copy of your last 3 months’ bank statements or your payslips.
  • If you are receiving a pension, please provide a pension receipt.
  • In the case of receiving UIF benefits, you will need the UIF card.

How to Apply for the For Child Support Grant?

To apply for a Child Support Sassa grant, follow these steps.

  • SASSA Office: Find the SASSA office nearest you.
  • Documents Required: Birth certificate, driver’s license, spouse’s license (if married), proof of income, proof of child maintenance, and proof of caregiver (if applicable).
  • Application form: Request an application form and fill out the form with all the necessary information.
  • Application Submission: Send your application and supporting documents to SASSA.
  • Verification: You will be interviewed and verified by a SASSA representative.
  • Grant Reward: Upon verification and eligibility criteria you will be awarded the grant.

What is the Processing Time for the Child Support Grant Application?

Child support grant applications are usually processed within 3 months. Upon approval of your application, you will begin receiving payments. All payments will be sent to you as soon as your grant application has been processed and approved. SASSA will inform you why your grant application was rejected in a letter and you should go for reconsideration process. Do these steps if your application status is pending.

SASSA Child Support Grant Payment Process

If your Child Support grant application is approved, you will begin receiving payments from the date you applied. As SASSA does not have any fixed dates, they release the payment schedule every month. So, check out the latest SASSA Payment dates. 

Payments will be made to you by SASSA in one of three ways (you must choose one):

  • Your bank account or Postbank account will be credited directly. You may be charged a service fee by the banks.
  • There are SASSA-partnered retail outlets such as Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Boxer, Checkers, Usave, and Spar where you can withdraw your grant payment in cash.
  • A specific institution (e.g. an old-age home, a disability center, or a non-profit organization).

Grant payments through a bank account

The following documents must be submitted if you wish to receive your grant payments through a bank account: SASSA Grant Consent Form.

  • ID cards, driving licenses, or birth certificates can serve as proof of identity.
  • Your bank account number should be in your name.
  • Bank statement showing your name and account number for three months.

At any time, you can update your bank account details or payment method by filling out a form at the welfare office. Once the verification is complete, the payments will be received through the new payment method from the following month. You can nominate someone to collect payments on your behalf if you are too old to collect grants yourself.

Means Test For The SASSA Child Support Grant

Applicants for child grants undergo a SASSA Means test to determine whether they are deserving of the assistance. A single person’s annual income cannot exceed R60,000 to meet the means test criteria from April 1, 2023. If you are married, your combined annual income cannot exceed R120,000. Depending on the grant type, the means test evaluates financial eligibility in a different way.

You should check your SASSA Status regularly to stay updated about your application.

SASSA Contact

In case of additional questions, please feel free to contact SASSA

  • Contact the SASSA Toll-Free Call Centre at: 0800 60 10 11
  • For more information, please contact SASSA’s Head Office: 012 400 2322
  • Please send your queries to SASSA Email Address: [email protected]