SASSA Child Grant 2024 – A Complete Application and Criteria

ByThabo Mashaba

In South Africa, many children do not have anyone to care for them properly. These children include those under 18 years old who are disabled, orphaned, or in foster care.

The SASSA child grant is an amount given to the caregivers of these children, including real parents, foster parents, and grandparents who are the head of the family. The basic purpose of this aid is to reduce the sense of deprivation among these underprivileged children. The child support grant amount is R750 per month per child, including the top-up.

If you are caring for a child eligible for the child grant but unaware of the eligibility criteria, required documents, and application procedure, then let’s read through this article together.

Understanding the SASSA Child Grant Financial Aid

The SASSA Child Support Grant provides monthly financial aid to eligible primary caregivers of children. The Child Support Grant amount is fixed at R530 per child each month starting April 1, 2024.

Moreover, SASSA initiated a top-up for the Child Support Grant from June 1, 2022, to aid caregivers in supporting orphans. As of April 2023, the top-up value per child is R250 monthly. With the top-up included, each child receives R750 monthly through the Child Support Grant.

Eligibility Criteria for SASSA Child Support Grants

To get the SASSA child support money, the main person taking care of the child and the child must follow certain rules.

  • The main person caring for the child must be from South Africa, live in South Africa permanently, or be a refugee. This person must also be the child’s mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, or the legal guardian who cares for the child.
  • You need an ID with 13 numbers, a barcode, or a smart ID card. Without them, you can also apply.
  • The child must be younger than 18 years old and living with the main person caring for them.
  • The main person caring for the child cannot make too much money. The amount of money they can make depends on whether they are married and who else lives with them.
  • If you’re married, you and your husband/wife must meet certain rules about how much money you earn.
  • If the children belong to other persons, you can only ask for money for up to six of them.

Required Documents to Apply for Child Support Grant

When applying for the SASSA Child Support Grant, the primary caregiver must provide several documents to prove their eligibility. These documents include:

  • Your ID and the child’s birth certificate. If you don’t have these, you need to:
  • Fill out a special form called an affidavit in front of someone who can make it official.
  • Bring a temporary ID card, baptismal certificate, school certificate, or health clinic card if you have one.
  • Show that you’ve begun the procedure to obtain an identification (ID) or birth certificate from the authorities.
  • Bring a letter from someone important, like a community leader or school principal, who knows you and the child.
  • If you are married, bring the paper that shows you are married.
  • If you are no longer married but take care of the child, bring the paper from the court that says so.
  • If the child’s parents have died or are missing, bring their death certificates or a report from the police station.
  • If you are not the child’s mom or dad, bring one of these papers to show you are the main person taking care of the child:
  • A letter from the person in charge at the child’s school.
  • A letter from the child’s parent saying you are responsible for the child’s care.
  • A report from a social worker.
  • A declaration from the police station.
  • Bring proof of any money you earn, like:
  • A letter from your last job or proof that you are part of UIF if you used to have a job.
  • Payslips or bank statements from the last 3 months if you have a job.
  • A pension receipt if you get a pension.
  • Your UIF card if you get UIF benefits.
  • Proof of any money you get specifically for the child or proof that you tried to get money for the child from their parents. Remember, the child should go to school and finish their education, but you can still get the grant even if they don’t go to school.
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How to Apply for the SASSA Child Support Grant

To get the SASSA child support money, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the closest SASSA office near you or use a computer to visit the SASSA website.
  2. If you are very old, not feeling well, or have trouble moving around, you can ask someone in your family or a friend to go for you.
  3. They need a letter from you and one from your doctor explaining why you can’t go in person.
  4. Get and fill out the Application Form for Child Support Grant. If you need help, the person who works there will help you. They will ask you or the person applying for you simple questions.
  5. Give them the finished form and all the papers they need.
  6. Go to a meeting with someone from SASSA so they can check if the information you gave is right.
  7. You will get a small paper that shows the date, the name of the person who helped you, and a special number for your request. Keep this small paper to show that you asked for the money, even if they say you can’t get it.
  8. If they say yes, SASSA will inform you how to get the money.

How to Check the SASSA Child Support Grant Status?

Once you’ve applied, you can see how your SASSA Child Support Grant application is progressing

  • Via online through the official website https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/reconsideration after entering your ID and phone number
  • For quick checking and authentic results, you can visit onlinesassastatuscheck.co.za
  • You can download and use the Moya App
  • By sending an SMS to the number 082-046-8553
  • Using smartphone through WhatsApp 082-046-8553
  • Dialing SASSA toll-free number 0800-601011
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Using any of these methods, you can easily check the status of the SASSA childcare grant

Understanding the Processing Period for Child Support Grants

It usually takes about 90 days for SASSA to process Child Support Grant applications after you apply. While your application is being processed, SASSA will check the details you’ve provided and do any necessary checks. If they need more information, it might take longer to process.

When does the SASSA Child Grant stop?

The SASSA Child Grant is paid until the child reaches the age of 18. However, the grant may be terminated earlier if

  • The child is no more
  • If the primary caregiver’s financial situation improves above the eligibility threshold or
  • If the primary caregiver does not receive the grant for consecutive 3 months
  • If the child is no longer in the primary caregiver’s care or went abroad
  • If they started receiving other grants or were admitted in a state institution

SASSA Child Grant Payment Dates

The grant is paid every month on certain dates. Last month, there were some problems with giving people their money. This month, SASSA wants to ensure everything goes well in October. Here is when people will get their money in October 2024:

DateWho will get the money
October 3, 2024Old people
October 4, 2024People who have trouble doing things because of their body or mind
October 5, 2024SASSA Child Grant 

The people who are supposed to get this money should go to the main website to ensure these dates are accurate, and for any additional information, they should inquire further.

Understanding the SASSA Child Support Grant Payment Process

When SASSA says yes to giving you money for your child, you will get it from the day you asked for it. SASSA will tell you each month when they will give you the money. They don’t always give the money on the same day every month. SASSA will give you the money in one of these three ways:

  • You can take your money out in cash at places like Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Boxer, Checkers, Usave, and Spar that work with SASSA.
  • They can put the money straight into your or Postbank accounts. The bank might ask you to pay a small fee for this.
  • You can get your money from special places (like homes for old people, places for people who can’t do things because of their body or mind, or places that help people without making money).

It is important to note that.

  • If you want SASSA to send money to your bank, you must complete the “Consent Form for Bank Payment of SASSA Grant” form.
  • If you want to change how you get your money or which bank account it goes into, you can fill out a form at the welfare office anytime.
  • If you can’t get the money yourself because you are too old, sick, or something else makes it hard, you can pick someone else to get the money for you.
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How do you check your SASSA Child Grant Balance?

You can apply any method available to know the balance of the child support grant:

  • Use your phone. Press these numbers: _120_3210# or _120_69277#
  • Go to any ATM. The bank might charge you a small fee for this service.
  • Send a message on WhatsApp to SASSA. Their number is 082 046 8553
  • Call SASSA. You won’t be charged for the call. Their number is 0800 601 011

Understanding Suspension of SASSA Child Support Grants

If your SASSA Child Support Grant application is rejected, you can appeal the decision to the Ministry of Social Development at the National Department of Social Development. To appeal, send an application to SASSA within 90 days after you receive the rejection notice. Also, include any additional supporting documents that may strengthen your case.

Grant Suspension Reasons

There are several reasons why your SASSA Child Support Grant may be suspended, including:

  • The child turning 18 years old
  • If they catch you lying or if you don’t, give them the papers they need.
  • The primary caregiver’s income rising above the eligibility threshold
  • The child no longer being in the primary caregiver’s care
  • Not collecting the grant for three months straight.
  • If you’re not taking care of the child like you should, or if you’re doing something illegal, they can stop the money.

Restoration of the Grant

Suppose your SASSA Child Support Grant has been suspended. In that case, you may be able to have it restored by providing updated information within 3 months to the Ministry of Social Development at the National Department of Social Development.

Reasons for Lapsing of the Child Support Grant

A SASSA Child Support Grant may lapse if

  • The primary caregiver failed to collect the grant for three consecutive months.
  • Child death occurs
  • If the child is receiving any other grant from state institutions
  • If the child crosses the age limit by the end of that month
  • If the child left the country
  • If you fail the means test To prevent this, ensure that you collect your grant regularly and inform SASSA of any changes in your circumstances.

Wrapping It Up

The SASSA Child Support Grant gives financial help to eligible children in South Africa. By understanding the application process, eligibility criteria, payment dates, and other key aspects, primary caregivers can ensure they receive the support they need to care for their children. Remember to provide accurate information, keep your documents current, and regularly check your grant status to avoid payment disruptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a father can apply for the child grant as a primary caregiver of the child and qualify for that.

The SASSA Child Support Grant is paid until the child reaches the age of 18.

To get the child support grant, the main person taking care of the child and the child must meet some rules about citizenship, how much money they make, and where they live.