What is the Child Support Grant?
The Child Support Grant (CSG) is a monthly cash benefit paid to a primary caregiver of a child to help with the costs of raising children. As of 2026, the grant amount is R540 per child per month.
💰 2026 Payment Amount
R540 per child per month
You can receive the grant for up to 6 children. If you care for more than 6 children, you'll need to show proof that you support them.
The Child Support Grant is South Africa's most widely distributed social grant, helping millions of children access basic necessities like food, clothing, and school supplies.
Who Can Apply?
Child Requirements
The child must:
- ✅ Be under 18 years of age
- ✅ Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- ✅ Live in South Africa
- ✅ Not be cared for in a state institution (like a children's home)
- ✅ Have a valid birth certificate
Caregiver Requirements
The primary caregiver (the person applying) must:
- ✅ Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- ✅ Live in South Africa
- ✅ Be the primary caregiver of the child (the person who takes care of the child most of the time)
- ✅ Pass the means test (income requirements)
⚠️ Important Note
You don't have to be the biological parent to apply. Foster parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, or any primary caregiver can apply for the Child Support Grant.
Income Requirements (Means Test)
To qualify for the Child Support Grant, the primary caregiver must meet certain income thresholds:
👤 Single Caregiver
Maximum income: R5,500 per month
If you're unmarried or the only caregiver, your total monthly income must be less than R5,500.
👨👩👧 Married/Living Together
Combined maximum: R11,000 per month
If you're married or living with a partner, your combined household income must be less than R11,000 per month.
What counts as income?
- Salaries and wages
- Money from informal work or business
- Rental income
- Maintenance payments
- Other SASSA grants (except Foster Care Grant and Care Dependency Grant)
How to Apply for the Child Support Grant
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before applying, make sure you have:
- 📄 Your ID document (13-digit bar-coded ID or Smart ID card)
- 📄 Child's birth certificate (the child must be registered)
- 📄 Proof of your income (payslips, bank statements, or affidavit if unemployed)
- 📄 Proof of spouse/partner's income (if applicable)
- 📄 Proof of residence (utility bill, lease agreement, or affidavit from traditional leader)
- 📄 Your bank account details (bank statement or bank letter with account number, branch code, and your name)
💡 Tip: If the child's biological parents are alive, they should also provide their ID documents. If not available, you'll need to explain why.
Step 2: Visit Your Nearest SASSA Office
The Child Support Grant application must be done in person at a SASSA office. You cannot apply online for this grant.
- 🏢 Find your nearest SASSA office
- 🕐 Go during office hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM)
- 📋 Bring all your original documents and one copy of each
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
At the SASSA office:
- Fill out the Child Support Grant application form
- A SASSA official will interview you and verify your documents
- You may need to answer questions about your relationship with the child and your income
- You'll receive a receipt with your application reference number
Step 4: Wait for Assessment
After applying:
- SASSA will assess your application (usually takes 3 months)
- They may conduct a home visit to verify information
- You'll be notified of the outcome in writing
Step 5: Receive Your Grant
If approved:
- ✅ Your grant will be backdated to the date you applied
- ✅ Payments are made monthly into your bank account or via SASSA card
- ✅ You'll receive R540 per child every month
Payment Methods & Collection
How You Can Receive Your Grant
🏦 Bank Account (Recommended)
Direct deposit into your bank account. This is the safest and most convenient method.
💳 SASSA Card
Collect from specific ATMs or retailers. Receive a SASSA-branded card for withdrawals.
📮 Post Office
Collect cash at your nearest Post Office branch using your ID.
🏪 Selected Retailers
Some retailers like Shoprite, Checkers, and Pick n Pay offer cash collection services.
Payment Dates for 2026
Child Support Grants are paid from the first working day of each month. You have the entire month to collect your payment.
How Long Does the Grant Last?
The Child Support Grant is paid monthly until the child turns 18 years old, as long as:
- ✅ You continue to be the primary caregiver
- ✅ You still meet the income requirements
- ✅ The child is not cared for in a state institution
- ✅ You notify SASSA of any changes in circumstances
⚠️ Important: Annual Reviews
SASSA reviews grants regularly. You must inform SASSA within 3 months if there are any changes in:
- Your income or employment status
- Your address or contact details
- Your marital status
- Who is caring for the child
- Your bank account details
Failure to report changes can result in your grant being suspended or cancelled.
What if My Application is Declined?
If your Child Support Grant application is declined, you have the right to appeal the decision within 90 days.
Common Decline Reasons
- ❌ Income exceeds the threshold (R5,500 for single caregiver or R11,000 for married)
- ❌ Missing or incorrect documentation
- ❌ Child is already receiving the grant from another caregiver
- ❌ Caregiver is not eligible (not a citizen, permanent resident, or refugee)
- ❌ Child is over 18 years old
- ❌ Child is cared for in a state institution
Can I Apply for Multiple Children?
Yes! You can receive the Child Support Grant for multiple children:
- ✅ Apply separately for each child (separate form for each child)
- ✅ You can receive up to 6 grants without additional proof
- ✅ For more than 6 children, you'll need to prove you care for all of them
- ✅ Each child receives R540, so caring for 3 children means R1,620 per month
💰 Example Calculations
- 1 child: R540 per month
- 2 children: R1,080 per month
- 3 children: R1,620 per month
- 4 children: R2,160 per month
- 5 children: R2,700 per month
- 6 children: R3,240 per month
Tips for a Successful Application
📄 Prepare Documents
Make sure all documents are valid, legible, and certified copies where required.
💼 Proof of Income
Be honest about your income. Provide recent payslips (last 3 months) or an unemployment affidavit.
🏠 Proof of Residence
Bring a utility bill, lease agreement, or letter from a traditional leader or municipality.
🆔 Register Child's Birth
The child MUST have a birth certificate. If not registered, do this at Home Affairs first.
🏦 Bank Account
Open a bank account in your name before applying. It's the safest way to receive payments.
⏰ Apply Early
Don't wait! Apply as soon as the child is born or when you become the primary caregiver.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I apply for the Child Support Grant if I'm working?
A: Yes! As long as your income is below R5,500 per month (or R11,000 combined if married), you can still qualify even if you're employed.
Q: Do I need to be the child's parent to apply?
A: No. Any primary caregiver can apply, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, foster parents, or any person who takes care of the child most of the time.
Q: Can both parents apply for the same child?
A: No. Only ONE primary caregiver can receive the Child Support Grant per child. SASSA will determine who the primary caregiver is.
Q: What if the child doesn't have a birth certificate?
A: You must first register the child's birth at the Department of Home Affairs. Once you receive the birth certificate, you can apply for the grant.
Q: How long does it take to get approved?
A: Processing typically takes up to 3 months from the date of application. If approved, your grant will be backdated to your application date.
Q: Can I apply online for the Child Support Grant?
A: No. The Child Support Grant application must be done in person at a SASSA office. This is different from the SRD R370 grant which can be applied for online.
Q: What happens when the child turns 18?
A: The grant automatically stops when the child turns 18 years old. You don't need to inform SASSA - it will be terminated automatically.
Q: Can I receive the Child Support Grant and the SRD R370 grant?
A: Yes! The Child Support Grant does not affect your eligibility for the SRD R370 grant. You can receive both if you qualify for each.
Q: What if I move to a different province or address?
A: You must notify SASSA within 3 months of moving. Visit your nearest SASSA office with proof of your new address to update your details.
Q: Will my grant be affected if I get married?
A: It depends on your combined household income. If you and your spouse's combined income exceeds R11,000 per month, you will no longer qualify for the grant. You must inform SASSA of any change in marital status.
Need Help?
Contact SASSA
- 📞 Toll-Free Helpline: 0800 60 10 11 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM)
- 📧 Email: [email protected]
- 🌐 Website: www.sassa.gov.za
- 🏢 In Person: Visit your nearest SASSA office
Additional Resources
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