Child Support Grant: Amount, Eligibility, Application and Payment

Current amount

Who the grant is for

Eligible primary caregivers supporting children under 18.

Eligibility checklist

• Be the child’s primary caregiver.
• The caregiver and child must live in South Africa.
• The child must be under 18 and not permanently cared for in a state institution.
• Meet the applicable caregiver means test.
• For non-biological children, be able to show that you are the primary caregiver.

Documents to prepare

• Caregiver identity document.
• Child’s birth certificate or accepted alternative evidence.
• Proof that you are the primary caregiver if you are not the parent.
• Proof of income and marital status where required.

Application process

• Prepare the required identity and supporting documents.
• Complete the application through the recognised SASSA application process for this grant.
• Keep the receipt or proof of application.
• Provide any additional medical, court, income or identity evidence requested for the grant.
• Wait for the application decision; permanent-grant applications can take up to about three months in many cases.

Payment and collection

Approved beneficiaries can be paid through the payment method recorded for the grant, which can include an electronic bank/Postbank deposit or another recognised payment arrangement. The permanent-grant payment calendar is published for Older Persons, Disability and Children’s grants.

Reviews

Income and care arrangements can be reviewed. The grant normally ends when the child reaches the age limit or no longer meets the qualifying conditions.

When the grant can stop or lapse

• the child turns 18
• the child dies
• the child is permanently admitted to a state institution
• caregiver or child no longer resides in South Africa
• a review finds that the requirements are no longer met