SASSA Child Support Grant – How to Apply, Criteria and More

If you find yourself in financial need while caring for a child, there is assistance available in the form of a child support grant. This grant aims to provide financial support to individuals facing economic challenges, helping them to meet the expenses associated with raising and caring for the child under their guardianship.

SASSA Child Support Grant

If you qualify, you will receive a monthly allowance of R510 per child, comprising a top-up of R500 along with an additional R250. For this allowance, you have to meet certain eligible requirements. Let’s dive into the steps of how to check the eligibility criteria for this child support grant and more.

How Do You Know If You Qualify?

To determine eligibility, certain criteria must be met:

1. Primary Caregiver Status

The applicant must serve as the child’s primary caregiver, taking on roles such as a parent, grandparent, or a responsible individual aged 16 or older leading a family. Non-parental caregivers need to substantiate their status through documentation like an affidavit from a law enforcement official, a social worker’s report, a sworn statement from the biological parent, or a letter from the child’s school principal.

2. South African Citizenship or Permanent Residency

Eligibility is limited to individuals who are South African citizens or hold permanent resident status.

3. Income Thresholds

Single applicants should not exceed an annual income of R52,800. For married individuals, the combined household income must not surpass R105,600 annually.

Applicants must adhere to these outlined conditions to qualify for the specified assistance program. The child must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the grant:

  • Age Requirement: The child must be under 18 years old.
  • Care Setting: The child should not be under the care of a state institution.
  • Living Arrangement: The child must reside with the primary caregiver, who is not receiving compensation for the child’s care.
  • South African Residence: Both you and the child must be residents of South Africa.
  • Limitations: The grant cannot be claimed for more than six children who are not your biological or legally adopted children.

How Much Will You Get Child Support Grant?

You will receive a monthly allowance of R510 per child, comprising a top-up of R500 along with an additional R250.

How Will You Be Paid Child Support Grant?

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) distributes grants through different methods. Recipients can receive cash at a designated pay point on a specified day. Electronic deposits are made into a bank or Postbank account, though there may be potential service charges by the bank. Grants can also be disbursed through an institution acting as the grant administrator.

In the event that you are unable to collect the funds personally, you have the option to appoint a procurator at the SASSA office or grant someone power of attorney to collect the grant on your behalf.

When May The Child’s Grant Be Reviewed?

SASSA has the authority to initiate a review of the child’s grant, and this determination is based on the income information provided during the grant application process.

Notification of the review date or the deadline for submitting a life certificate (confirmation of continued existence) will be issued three months in advance.If the grant is received through a bank, institution, or procurator, an annual life certificate for the child must be completed at the SASSA offices.

When May The Child’s Grant Be Suspended?

  • Changes in your circumstances.
  • The outcome of a grant review.
  • Non-cooperation during the child’s grant review.
  • Engagement in fraud or misrepresentation concerning the child.
  • Approval errors in the initial grant process.
  • The child is no longer in your care.

When Will The Child’s Support Grant Lapse?

The child’s grant will cease under the following circumstances:

  • In the event of the child’s demise.
  • If the child is institutionalized under state care.
  • Should the caregiver fail to claim for three consecutive months.
  • When the child is absent from the country.
  • At the conclusion of the month in which the child attains the age of 18.

What You Should Do?

To initiate the application process with the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), it is imperative to visit the nearest SASSA office. Ensure you bring the following documentation:

  • Your 13-digit bar-coded identity document (ID) and the child’s birth certificate. In case you lack either document, complete an affidavit in the standard SASSA format, preferably in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths who is not affiliated with SASSA.
  • Include the following documents:
  • A sworn statement from a reputable individual (e.g., councilor, traditional leader, social worker, minister of religion) familiar with the applicant and child.
  • Proof of application for an ID and birth certificate from the Department of Home Affairs.
  • Temporary ID issued by the Department of Home Affairs, if applicable.
  • Baptismal certificate (if available).
  • Road to health clinic card (if available).
  • School report (if available).
  • Proof of any maintenance received for the child.
  • Proof of earnings.
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable).
  • In the case of divorce, the court order granting custody of the child.
  • If one or both parents are deceased or missing, provide the death certificate of the deceased or proof of the parent’s disappearance, such as a missing person’s report from the police.
  • Complete the application form in the presence of an SASSA official or as the applicant, ensuring only you or an SASSA official fills out the form. Upon completion, you will receive a receipt; retain it as evidence of your application.

What If Your Application Is Not Approved?

If your application is unsuccessful, SASSA will provide written notification detailing the reasons for the denial. If you find the decision unsatisfactory, you have the option to appeal to the Minister of Social Development at the national office of the Department of Social Development. It is essential to initiate the appeal process within 90 days from the date of notification regarding the unsuccessful application.

How Long Does It Take?

The processing of your application may extend up to three months. Upon approval of your grant, disbursement of funds will commence, retroactively compensating you from the date of your initial application.

How Much Does it Cost?

The service is provided at no cost. Application forms are not accessible online; however, you can obtain them in person from your nearest (SASSA) office.

Contact SASSA for More Queries

If you’re still confused and have more queries related to your status, then do contact SASSA through verified channels:

Conclusion

The Child Support Grant in South Africa serves as crucial financial aid for individuals facing economic challenges while caring for a child. To qualify, caregivers must meet specific criteria, and the application process involves providing detailed documentation. The grant is paid monthly, and it is subject to periodic reviews. 

Caregivers should be aware of the circumstances under which the grant may be suspended or lapse. In case of denial, there is an appeals process available. Overall, the Child Support Grant plays a vital role in providing essential financial support to those in need, contributing to the well-being of children and their caregivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, non-parental caregivers can apply, but they must provide documentation such as an affidavit, social worker’s report, sworn statement from the biological parent, or a letter from the child’s school principal to substantiate their caregiver status.

Yes, the grant cannot be claimed for more than six children who are not your biological or legally adopted children.

The grant is paid monthly, and the amount is R510 per child, consisting of a R500 top-up along with an additional R250.

SASSA has the authority to initiate a review based on income information provided during the application. Applicants will be notified three months in advance, and a life certificate must be submitted annually.

The grant will cease if the child passes away, is institutionalized under state care, the caregiver fails to claim for three consecutive months, the child is absent from the country, or when the child turns 18.