Child Support Grant has been the classic Social Welfare programme offered by the SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) to assist caregivers in low-income households with the basic necessities of a child-family care system, i.e., food, health services, and education. It is paid to the primary caregiver (parent or guardian) of a child under 18 and is a crucial source of support for many families in the whole country.
Current Amount And Expectation To Increase In 2025
As at April 2025, Child Security Grant is R530 per child. It is expected, if treated as a matter of economic pressure and specifically food inflation, that in the next 2025/26 financial years, there might be a boost of about R20 to R30 per child. This increase was in fact proceeded with in April but not in September.
Why The Increase Matters
Although a slight rise is expected, it could translate into a big difference for many families. For many families, it is an important source of income for children. Additional help, even if not much, can go a long way with school supplies, good meals for worried kids, transport to school or clinics, buying clothes, and the like. These give many hands-on benefits to the 13 million children currently receiving grants.
Eligibility Criteria
- In order to qualify for a Child Support Grant (and any subsequent increase), the following criteria must be met:
- The child must be younger than 18, living in South Africa, and not placed in a state institution.
- The caregiver or person signing the grant is a South African citizen or permanent resident, or is a refugee living with the child.
- The household must be means-tested, where income and assets must be below a threshold limit set out by SASSA.
Payment Schedule And Application Process
Generally, Child Support Grant payments are made during the first week of the month. The beneficiaries can draw payments through various channels: bank transfers, Postbank, SASSA cards, or cash at approved pay points. Caregivers looking to check their status can do so by using the SASSA official portals, call centres, or visiting a local SASSA office. The application process mostly involves submitting the required documents, which include the child’s birth certificate, proof of residence, caregiver ID, and proof of income, and then waiting for acceptance for a few weeks.
Potential Challenges & How To Prepare
Some main issues involve payment delays-mostly due to wrong bank or personal details; applications getting rejected for missing documents; or the grant coming to an end once the child reaches 18. Caregivers must keep everything in order concerning documents required and updated information.
Also Read: SASSA Senior Citizens Pension Boost 2025: Higher Rates, Payment Dates and Eligibility Guide