The South African government continues to support families in need through the Child Support Grant (CSG). In 2025, the grant amount has been increased to R560 per child per month, providing essential financial assistance to caregivers. This article outlines the eligibility criteria, payment dates, and application process for the CSG.
What is the Child Support Grant?
The Child Support Grant is a social assistance program aimed at alleviating poverty and supporting the well-being of children in South Africa. It provides financial aid to primary caregivers of children under 18 years of age who are living in South Africa. The grant is intended to help cover the basic needs of the child, including food, clothing, and education.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Child Support Grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Residency: Both the applicant and the child must reside in South Africa.
- Age of the Child: The child must be under 18 years of age.
- Primary Caregiver: The applicant must be the primary caregiver of the child. This means the person who is mainly responsible for the child’s daily care and upbringing.
- Income: The applicant’s income must not exceed R61,200 per year (R5,100 per month) if single, or R122,400 per year (R10,200 per month) if married.
- Living Arrangements: The child must not be in the care of a state institution and must live with the primary caregiver who is not paid to look after the child.
- Number of Children: The grant is limited to a maximum of six children who are not your legally adopted or biological children.
Applicants who are not the biological parent of the child must provide proof of their status as the primary caregiver. This can include an affidavit from a police official or the biological parent, a report from a social worker, or a letter from the principal of the child’s school.
How Much is the Grant?
As of April 2025, the Child Support Grant amount is R560 per month per child. This increase from the previous amount of R530 is part of the government’s efforts to help families cope with rising living costs.
Payment Dates
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) disburses grants on specific dates each month. For September 2025, the payment schedule is as follows:
- Older Persons Grant: 2 September 2025
- Disability Grant: 3 September 2025
- Children’s & Other Grants: 4 September 2025
This includes the Child Support Grant, which will be paid on 4 September 2025. Payments are typically made through various methods, including direct deposit into bank accounts, SASSA cards, cash payouts at designated pay points, or transfers via money agents.
How to Apply
Applying for the Child Support Grant involves the following steps:
- Visit a SASSA Office: Go to your nearest SASSA office or counter service point of a Regional Office.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill in the application form in the presence of a SASSA official. Note that only you as the applicant or a SASSA official may complete the application form.
- Provide Required Documents: Submit the necessary documents, including:
- Your South African identity document (ID)
- The child’s birth certificate
- The child’s clinic card or ID if older than 16 years
- Your salary slip, bank statements for 3 months, or pension slips, and any other proof of income
- If unemployed, your Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) card or discharge certificate from your previous employer
- If you’re not the child’s parent or guardian, a written note of permission from the parent or guardian that you should take care of the child
- Information that shows that you’re the child’s primary caregiver
- Receive a Receipt: After submitting your application, you will be given a receipt. Keep it as proof that you applied.
- Processing Time: 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.
If your application is not approved, SASSA will inform you in writing why your application was unsuccessful. You have the right to appeal the decision within 90 days of being notified.
Important Considerations
- Review Process: SASSA may review your grant periodically to ensure that you still meet the eligibility criteria. You will be notified three months in advance of the date on which the review will take place.
- Changes in Circumstances: You must inform SASSA of any changes in your or your child’s circumstances that may affect your eligibility for the grant.
- Payment Methods: When you make the application, you should specify how you’d like the money to be paid. Options include direct deposit into a bank account, loading onto a SASSA card, cash payouts at designated pay points, or transfers via money agents.
- Appeals: If your application is refused, you can appeal the decision. The appeal must be lodged within 90 days of being notified that your application was unsuccessful.
Contact Information
For more information or assistance with your application, you can contact SASSA through the following channels:
- Toll-Free Helpline: 0800 60 10 11
- Email: GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za
- Website: www.sassa.gov.za
The Child Support Grant is a vital resource for many families in South Africa. By understanding the eligibility criteria, payment dates, and application process, you can ensure that you receive the support you need to care for your child.