SASSA Child Support Grant – Complete Guide

Are you a parent or caregiver seeking support to provide for your child’s basic needs? The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) offers the Child Support Grant, a lifeline for families facing financial hardship. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this grant, from eligibility criteria and required documents to the application process and payment details. Discover how the SASSA Child Support Grant can make a significant difference in your child’s life and ensure their well-being.

Eligibility Criteria For Child Support Grant

You are qualified for the SASSA child grant if you meet the following conditions:

• Primary Caregiver: You must be the child’s primary caregiver (parent, grandparent, or adult child over 16). If you’re not the parent, provide proof (e.g., affidavit, social worker’s report, letter from school).
• South African: You must be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
• Income Limit: Your annual income must be below R52,800, if married combined income must be below R105,600.

Also, the child for which you applying the support grant must fulfill the following criteria:

• Age: The child must be younger than 18 years old.
• State Institution: The child not be cared for in a state institution.
• Primary Caregiver: The child must live with the primary caregiver who is not paid to look after the child.

Additionally, Both you and the child must live in South Africa.

Note: You cannot get the child support grant for more than six children who are not your biological or legally adopted children.

Documents Required To Apply For SASSA Child Grant

You will need to provide the following documents when applying for SASSA child support grant:

1. Your ID: 13-digit barcoded identity document
2. Child’s Birth Certificate: Proof of the child’s age and identity
3. Maintenance: Any proof of maintenance received for the child
4. Earnings: Proof of your income
5. Marriage (if applicable): Marriage certificate
6. Divorce (if applicable): Custody order
7. Parent’s Death/Absence (if applicable): Death certificate or missing person’s report

If you don’t have an ID or the child’s birth certificate, you must complete an affidavit in a standard SASSA format in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths who is not a SASSA official.

Bring the following additional documents in case you don’t have an ID or the child’s birth certificate:

1. A sworn statement by a reputable person (e.g. councilor, traditional leader, social worker, minister of religion) who knows the applicant and child 
2. Proof that you have applied for an ID and birth certificate at the Department of Home Affairs
3. A temporary ID issued by the Department of Home Affairs (if applicable)
4. Baptismal certificate if available
5. Road to health clinic card if available
6. School report if available.

Apply For SASSA Child Support Grant Online

1. Visit the official SASSA website.
2. Sign in or create a new account.
3. Click “Apply for a grant” button and select Sassa Child Support Grant from the available grant options.
4. Fill out the form with details and upload the required documents.
5. Click on “submit.”
6. You will receive a confirmation email with the receipt of your application.

Note: You may need to visit the nearest SASSA office even though you completed the online child grant application if SASSA requires any additional documents for verification.

Apply For Child Support Grant At SASSA Office

1. Go to the SASSA office nearest to you.
2. Complete the children’s grant application form in the presence of the SASSA official.
3. Attach the required documents and submit them to the SASSA officer.
4. You will be given a receipt. Keep it as proof that you applied.

Alternatively, if you’re caring for an elderly family member, you may consider applying for the old age grant.

How long does it take to be approved?

• It may take up to three months to process your application.
• If your grant is approved, you will be paid from the date on which you applied.

Forms to complete

You will be provided with grant application forms at the SASSA office, Application forms are not available to download online.

How will you be paid?

SASSA will pay the grant to you through one of the following methods you chose:

• Cash: At a designated pay point on a specific day. (easypay, shoprite, boxer)
• Electronic Deposit: Directly into your bank or Postbank account (fees may apply).
• Administrator: An institution appointed by SASSA.

Note: If you can’t collect the grant yourself, you can appoint a representative or give someone power of attorney.

What if your application is not approved?

If your child’s grant application is not approved, SASSA will inform you of the reasons why your application was unsuccessful.

If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal to the Minister of Social Development at the national office of the Department of Social Development. You must appeal within 90 days of being notified that your application was rejected.

Related Topic: SASSA Appeal Process.

How To Check SASSA Child Grant Status?

Checking the status of all social grants is the same as checking the R350 status on the official SRD website. Follow the steps:

• Visit https://srdsassagrants.co.za/.
• Enter your ID and phone number.
• Your child support grant application status will be displayed.

How Much Will You Get For Child Support Grant?

The SASSA social grant amounts have increased, effective on 1 October 2024. From now you will get R530 a month per child (Top-up R530 + R270).

Why is Your child’s grant suspended? (no payment)

The following may result in the suspension of the child’s grant and you will receive no payment.

• Changes in your personal situation can affect your eligibility.
• Regular reviews may lead to changes in grant status.
• Failure to cooperate during reviews can impact your grant.
• Providing false information can result in grant cancellation.
• if there was a mistake when the child’s grant was approved
• If the child is no longer under your care, the grant may be affected.

How Long Will You Get the SASSA Child Grant?

Your child support grant will stopped if any of the following events occur but until that event, you will receive the grant.

• if the child passes away
• if the child is admitted to a state institution
• if the caregiver doesn’t claim it for three consecutive months
• if the child is absent from the country
• at the end of the month in which the child turns 18.

If your child’s grant ends due to any of the above reasons don’t worry. There are other SASSA support options available to help you through this transition. For more information, check out our article on Other SASSA Support Options After Your Child Turns 18.