SASSA Child Support Grant – Status, Application & Eligibility

The Child Support Grant is a vital SASSA social grant that gives financial assistance to caregivers of minor children who need support to help provide for the child’s basic needs.

Here is an extensive guide explaining everything about the Child Support Grant in South Africa.

How to Apply for the Child Support Grant

Eligible caregivers can apply for the Child Support Grant in two ways:

Online Application

• Visit the official website (services.sassa.gov.za)
• Click on “Register for a grant” and register an account
• Capture ID details for yourself and your child’s birth details
• Upload copies of both IDs, birth certificates, proof of income & residence
• Submit completed online grant application

In-Person Application

• Visit the nearest SASSA office and request an application form
• Complete the form in full and submit it with both IDs, birth certificate, residence proof, and income docs
• SASSA agent captures details and initiates the application process
• Return later to check the status and provide any further details requested

Note applicants must provide accurate personal details for themselves and the child. Do not falsify details or use someone else’s identity as this constitutes fraud.

What is the SASSA Child Support Grant?

• Monthly cash payment provided by SASSA to eligible caregivers of minor children.
• Intended to help cover the basic nutritional, health, and educational needs of children aged 0-18 years.
• Paid to biological parent, foster parent, guardian, or anyone over 16 responsible for caring for the child.
• The child must reside with the caregiver recipient.
• Means-test is used to determine eligibility based on income threshold.

Eligibility Criteria for the SASSA Child Support Grant

The caregiver and child must meet the following eligibility criteria to qualify for the Child Support Grant:

Caregiver Requirements

• South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee with valid papers
• Residing in South Africa
• The primary person responsible for caring for the child
• Not paid to care for the child (i.e. not foster parent receiving Foster Care Grant)

Child Requirements

• South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee born after 31 December 1993
• Resides with caregiver applicant
• Not cared for in state institution
• Not receiving any other social grant

Income Requirements

• Caregiver and spouse must pass the means test for household income thresholds
• Cannot earn the above-stipulated amount to qualify for a Child Support Grant
• Income from all sources is assessed including salaries, pension, investments etc.
• The threshold level increases slightly each year.

Child Support Grant Documentation Needed

Applicants need to submit the following valid documentation when applying:

• Original green barcoded ID book/card for caregiver
• Child’s original birth certificate
• Child’s clinic card or ID if older than 16 years
• Proof of residence for the caregiver such as an affidavit from the landlord
• Recent caregiver bank statement if the grant is to be deposited
• Proof of income to ensure qualifying for the means test
• If a single parent submits a divorce decree or death certificate

Child Support Grant Amount

• R530 per eligible child per month from April 2024
• Uniform amount nationwide does not vary by region
• Multiple children in custody can be claimed but capped at 6 non-biological children
• The monthly amount increases slightly each year with inflation
• Paid per individual child – does not increase if you have more than one child

The goal is to allocate funds to improve nutrition, health, and education access for the child.

How the Child Support Grant is Paid Out

SASSA distributes the Child Support Grant in a few ways each month:

• Direct deposit into recipient’s bank account on record
• Loaded onto a SASSA card used to withdraw cash or pay for purchases
• Cash payouts at designated pay points like post offices and retailers
• Transfers via money agents like Mukuru where the recipient collects funds

Recipients should provide their own safe bank account details where possible for secure grant deposits each month.

Child Support Grant Payment Dates

• Child Support Grants are paid after Older Persons Grants each month.
• Payments commence on the 3rd day of each month unless the 3rd falls on a weekend or public holiday.
• Recipients then get 5 working days from the payment start date to collect the grant.
• For example, if the 3rd is a Sunday, payouts start on Tuesday the 5th until the Monday 10th.
• Recipients must collect exact child grant amounts during the 5-day payment cycle.

Check More: SASSA Grant Payment Dates 2024

Duration of the Child Support Grant

• The Child Support Grant is paid every month until the child turns 18 years old
• Grant ceases in the month after the child’s 18th birthday
• Recipients must inform SASSA once the child becomes ineligible so the grant can be terminated
• If the child is disabled, the application can be made for a Disability Grant instead from 18 years onward

Reporting Child Support Grant Issues

Recipients should report any Child Support Grant issues to SASSA right away:

• Visit the nearest SASSA office and speak to an agent
• Call the SASSA call center helpline for assistance
• Log a query or complaint online via the SASSA Services portal
• Follow up immediately if grant payments are late, delayed, or missed
• Report suspected fraud providing all relevant details

Promptly reporting any issues or concerns helps SASSA resolve them quickly.

Child Support Grant Fraud Consequences

It is illegal to provide false information when applying for a Child Support Grant or accept grants unethically. The consequences of fraud include:

• Fines and/or imprisonment up to 12 months
• Having to repay all funds unduly received
• Being barred from receiving grants for 10 years
• A criminal record that negatively impacts job applications
• Charges under the Prevention and Combatting of Corrupt Activities Act

Applicants should thus take extreme care to provide accurate details to avoid facing criminal penalties.

FAQs about Child Support Grant

Conclusion

SASSA is the largest offering child support social welfare program in South Africa. The Child Support Grant enables caregivers to provide food, education, and healthcare that children need to survive and thrive. Follow the application steps to access this vital support.