SASSA Child Grant-Requirements, Application Method & Grant Amount

BySiyabonga
SASSA Child Support Grant

Parenting has never been cheap, but in today’s economy and specially in South Africa, it feels downright impossible. Prices are climbing, salaries are stuck, and for families trying to give their kids the bare minimum, every month is a new challenge. From school uniforms to lunchboxes, or a visit to the clinic—everything comes with a cost. That’s why the SASSA Child Grant isn’t just helpful—it’s a lifeline.

This child support grant helps cover the basic needs of children in low-income households. If you’re a parent, guardian, or primary caregiver struggling to make ends meet, this grant can ease your burden. But to apply for it successfully, you need to understand the eligibility rules, required documents, application process, and what happens after applying.

Child Support Grant Amount in 2025

As of August 2025, the child support grant amount is R530 per month per child.
If you are part of the Top-Up Grant program (for orphans under kinship care), you may receive an additional R250, making it a total of R780 per month.
These amounts are reviewed by the government every year and may increase slightly based on inflation and the national budget.

Child Grant Payment Date for August 2025

The SASSA child grant payment date for August 2025 is Friday, 9 August 2025.

Payment dates are usually released monthly by SASSA and posted on their official channels. You should receive your funds by 8 AM on the payment day, depending on the payment channel selected.

Child Grant Requirements

To qualify for the SASSA child grant, you must meet the following requirements:

You must be the child’s primary caregiver (parent, grandparent, or a child over 16 heading the household).

  • Both the applicant and child must live in South Africa.
  • The child must be under 18 years old.
  • You must not be earning more than:
  • R60,000 per year (single person).
  • R120,000 per year (married couple).
  • The child cannot be cared for in a state institution.

Also, the child must:

  • Have a valid birth certificate.
  • Be not receiving another grant from SASSA.

Documents Required for Online Application

When applying online for the child support grant, prepare the following documents:

  • Applicant’s South African ID (or refugee permit if applicable).
  • Child’s birth certificate.
  • Proof of income (payslip, affidavit if unemployed).
  • Affidavit confirming you are the primary caregiver.
  • If you are not the biological parent, get a social worker report or police affidavit explaining your caregiving role.

Make sure all documents are clear and valid. Scanned or photographed versions work for online submissions.

How to Apply for the Child Support Grant Online (Step-by-Step)

Applying online is simple and saves you a trip to the SASSA office. Just follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to the Official SASSA Services Portal

Visit https://services.sassa.gov.za in your web browser.

Step 2: Register an Account

Sign up using your:

  • South African ID number
  • Mobile phone number
  • Email address

Make sure the contact info is correct—you’ll receive updates via SMS or email.

Step 3: Start Your Grant Application

Once logged in, click on the “Apply for a Grant” option in the dashboard.

Step 4: Choose the Child Support Grant

Select “Child Support Grant” from the list of available grants.

Step 5: Fill in the Application Form

Provide all required details, including: Your personal information (as the caregiver). Your child’s details (name, date of birth, etc.)

Step 6: Upload Supporting Documents & Submit

Scan and upload the documents needed (ID, birth certificate, proof of income, etc.). After reviewing everything, click “Submit” and wait for an SMS confirming your application.

Remember: You might be contacted by SASSA to verify certain details or to upload missing documents. So keep an eye on your phone and email.

How long does it take?

If everything is in order, you will get feedback within 2-3 weeks. The approval process can take up to 90 days if there are delays or missing documents.

Do you know? How to appeal online if your application gets declined?

Can a Father Apply for the Child Grant?

Yes, a biological or legal father can apply for the child grant if he is the primary caregiver of the child. The same income and eligibility rules apply. However, the father must prove he is responsible for the child’s daily care and not just financially supporting them.

An affidavit and possibly a social worker report may be required in such cases.

7 Reasons Why the SASSA Child Support Grant is Not Paid

There are times when your child support grant may not be paid. Here are 7 common reasons:

  1. Banking details are incorrect or outdated.
  2. Documents are missing or invalid.
  3. Income exceeds the qualifying threshold.
  4. The child turned 18.
  5. Caregiver passed away or no longer responsible for the child.
  6. The child is now in a state institution.
  7. Application was approved but payment channel not selected (e.g., Postbank, Shoprite, or bank).

What Happens After Applying for the Child Grant?

Once you apply, SASSA will:

  • Verify your identity and documents.
  • Cross-check your income with the means test.
  • Approve or reject the application within 90 days.
  • Send an SMS notifying you of the outcome.
  • Backpay any missed months from the date you submitted your application (if approved).

SASSA Child Grant Application Status Check

After applying you are required to check status of your grant with the help of these methods. This will keep you updated regarding your application’s current status.

  • Visit sassa.srd.gov.za or Sassa Status Check Website
  • Check the status through Moya App (See details on our Home Page)
  • Check the status through WhatsApp at 082-046-8553
  • By Sending a message to 082-046-8553
  • Check by calling on toll-free number 0800-601011

What If the Application Not Approved?

When your application is rejected or not approved they must have given you the reason with results. If you believe it is unfair or an error to you, you have the right of reconsideration of your application, If again it is rejected then you should go for appeal. This matter will be examined by higher authorities. And if they think you are eligible for a child support grant you will be given your grant payments from then onwards. But if appeal is also denied you will be given the explanation for that.

Eligibility Review By Sassa Officials

For review, you will be notified approximately three months before review by SASSA. This notice by Sassa will inform you how, when, and where you will be reviewed. The beneficiaries are also required to send their life proof certificate to SASSA before the due date or yearly if specifically, they are receiving grants via bank accounts. 

If you are incapacitated to visit the Sassa office they will visit you for review. When the review process is completed don’t forget to get a receipt of compliance. 

Do you know? How to Collect SASSA Grant amount at Boxer?

What Causes Grant Suspension?

  • Immoral or dishonest behavior on the part of the applicant
  • Any error in your application (you can submit sassa & srd reapplication)
  • When the recipient refuses to assist SASSA with the evaluation process.
  • When your financial situation improves and becomes stable or your income increases 
  • Grant was approved wrongfully

How To Deal With Suspended Grant?

If you believe there was an error or that the suspension was not justified. You can use the aforementioned procedure to appeal to higher authorities.

When Child Grant Lapses?

  • When you become financially stable.
  • When the child dies.
  • The applicant did not provide a life certificate of the child.
  • Children live in a facility that receives state funding, it is possible that your grant will be lowered to 25% of its maximum amount. 
  • The child is out of state for longer than three months without providing notification.
  • If the child/applicant is a refugee in that case if he/she ceases to be a refugee
  • If a child attains the age of 18 years.
sassa-child-grant

“Tips For Beneficiaries“

  • Update your home address and contact information on your Sassa application form
  • Do not participate in any illegal or fraudulent activity. 
  • Update SASSA regarding your financial conditions
  • Update SASSA about any circumstantial changes
  • Provide clear information where necessary.

Conclusion

Sassa child support grant aims at the maintenance of children below the age of 18 with not good enough financial conditions. So, applying and qualifying for a Sassa child grant is easy as we came across all the things on this page. The only thing that matters is your and the child’s eligibility. You must comply with SASSA requirements and there you go!

FAQs

No problem, you can appoint your representative who can collect on your behalf. For more details follow above given information

You should file appeal within first 90 days of your grant rejection.

Visit: https://sassa-statuscheck.org.za/. Enter your application ID & phone number and press check status. You will all results with the month names.

You can find them on our website & download them in PDF.

Use Mobile USSD: Dial 12069277# or 120*3210# on your phone.
Use WhatsApp: Send the word “Sassa” to the WhatsApp number (082 046 8553) and follow the steps.
Use ATM: Use your Gold Card at any ATM to view your balance.
Go to SASSA Office: Visit SASSA office to check details of your balance.

To check the child grant balance Dial USSD code 1203210# or 12069277# on your phone