Raising a child is amazing, but it can also get expensive.
If you’re feeling the financial pinch, you might be wondering if you qualify for the SASSA Child Support Grant.
This grant helps South African families with the cost of raising a child. This post is here to clear things up!
We’ll break down the eligibility requirements in simple terms, so you can see if the grant applies to you.
Let’s get started and see if this helpful resource can give your family a little breathing room!
SASSA Child Grant Qualification Requirements
- Citizenship or Residency: You must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or recognized refugee. Both you and your child must reside in South Africa.
- Primary Caregiver: You must be the child’s primary caregiver, meaning you are responsible for their daily needs and well-being. This can be a parent, grandparent, or another adult who takes on this role. If you’re not the biological parent, proof of primary caregivership through an affidavit, social worker report, or school principal’s letter is required.
- Child’s Age: The child must be under 18 years old and not be in the care of a state institution. They must live with you and not be receiving financial compensation for their care.
- Income Threshold: Your household income must fall below a specific limit. This is assessed through a means test, with the current limits being:
- Single Applicant: R52,800 per year (approximately R4,400 per month)
- Married Couple: R105,600 per year (approximately R8,800 per month combined)
- Multiple Child Applications: You can apply for a maximum of six children who are not your biological or legally adopted children.
- Restrictions: You cannot receive the grant if:
- You are already receiving a grant for the child.
- You are paid to care for the child (e.g., foster parent).
- You are not the child’s primary caregiver.
- You represent an institution caring for the child.
What is the grant amount and how do I apply?
The current grant amount is R500 per month, per child.
You can apply for the grant at your nearest SASSA office or regional office counter service point, completely free of charge.
The application process involves:
- Filling out an application form: A SASSA officer will assist you with completing the form.
- Providing required documents: These include:
- Your barcoded South African ID
- The child’s birth certificate with an ID number
- Proof of income (e.g., salary slips, bank statements, pension slips)
- If unemployed: Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) card or discharge certificate from your previous employer
- If not the parent/guardian: Written permission from the child’s parents/guardian and proof of attempts to get maintenance from biological parents (if applicable)
- Proof of being the child’s primary caregiver
- Choosing a payment method: You can receive the grant in cash at designated pay points or electronically deposited into your bank account.
- Appeal process: If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal.
Additional Information:
- Processing Time: Payments typically start within three months of application approval and are backdated to the application date.
- Payment Cessation: Grant payments stop if the child turns 18, dies, the caregiver doesn’t claim for three consecutive months, or the child leaves the country or enters state care.
- Grant Reviews: SASSA reviews grants periodically to ensure eligibility. Inform them of any changes in your or your child’s circumstances.
Contact Information:
For further information on the SASSA Child Support Grant, including:
- Payout dates
- Qualifying rules for all government grants
- District office addresses and contact numbers
- Application status inquiries
- Reporting fraud or corruption
Contact the SASSA toll-free helpline at 0800 601 011. The SASSA Child Support Grant exists to support families and alleviate some of the financial strain associated with raising a child.