How To Qualify For A Child Grant In South Africa

On Tuesday, 21 April, the president announced that grant beneficiaries can expect to receive an increase in their monthly grant payments. 

For child support beneficiaries, the amount is set to increase by R 300 per month from May 2024. 

The amount will be increased again from June through to October, and during this period the amount will be increased by R 500 per month. 

“The Department of Social Development will issue the requirements needed to access and apply for this funding,” the president explained.

We’ll provide an update as soon as we know more. 

Here’s what we know so far about applying for a child support grant in SA. 

What is a child support grant?

Administered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), social grants are income transfers paid to South African citizens who need financial assistance. 

Who qualifies?

Caregiver must:

  • be a South African citizen or a permanent resident or a refugee;
  • reside in South Africa;
  • be the main caregiver;
  • meet the requirements of the means test.

Note: You cannot get this grant for more than 6 children who are not your biological or legally adopted children.

The child must:

  • be 18 years old or younger;
  • have been born after 31 December 1993;
  • reside in South Africa. 

How to apply for a child support grant:

  • You can apply at your nearest SASSA office.
  • The form must be completed in the presence of a SASSA officer.
  • You will be given a receipt once the application is complete. Please keep this receipt as it is your only proof of registration.
  • Provide birth certificate of the child.
  • Provide identification document of caregiver.
  • Please note that you cannot apply for more than six non-biological children.

Note: If you are too sick to travel, a family member or friend can apply on your behalf with a letter written by you authorising the application.

If you don’t have an ID or the child’s birth certificate, you must submit:

1. An affidavit on a standard SASSA form in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths who is not a SASSA official.

2. A sworn statement by a reputable person (eg councilor, traditional leader, social worker, minister of religion) who knows the applicant and child.

3. Proof that you have applied for an ID and/or birth certificate at the Department of Home Affairs.

4. A temporary ID issued by the Department of Home Affairs (if applicable).

5. Baptismal certificate if available.

6. Road to Health clinic card if available.

7. School report if available.

If your grant is approved, you will be paid from the date on which you applied. You will be issued with a SASSA payment card – this card is used to access the money.

These are alternative payment methods:

  • Banks including Postbank;
  • Institutions – contact your nearest SASSA office. 

If your application is unsuccessful

  • You have the right to request SASSA to reconsider its decision.
  • If the reconsidered decision is still unfavourable, you have the right to appeal to the Minister of Social Development (Mrs Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu).
  • You will be informed in writing of the reasons your application was refused. 

Note: Should you choose to ask SASSA to reconsider their decision, your submission for reconsideration should be done within 90 days of notification. 

Suspension of the child support grant

The child support grant will be suspended under these circumstances:

  • Changes in financial circumstance;
  • The outcome of a review;
  • Failure to cooperate when a grant is reviewed;
  • Committing a fraudulent activity or misrepresentation;
  • Where a grant was approved in error.

Lapsing of grants

The grants will lapse in the case of:

  • Death;
  • Admission to a state institution;
  • If the grant has not been claimed for 3 consecutive months;
  • If you cease to be a refugee;
  • If the child for whom the grant is received turns 18.

Note: The intention of the child support grant is to ensure that children attend and complete schooling. It is therefore a requirement that a school attendance certificate is produced for children aged between 7 and 18 years. However, failure to produce this certificate or failure to attend school will not result in the refusal to pay their child support grant.

Means test

SASSA will evaluate your income and assets in order to determine whether you qualify for income assistance. As of 1 April 2024, an unmarried caregiver whose annual income is below R48,000 will qualify for a social grant. The means of married caregivers will be combined, if their combined annual income is below R96,000 they will qualify for a social grant. 

How much will you receive from SASSA?

The Child Support Grant is currently R445 per month and will soon be increased as mentioned above. 

Who to contact:

Click here to visit the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) website or call 0800 601 011.

Source: South African Government website