Who Qualifies for SASSA Child Grant 2025?

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) offers monthly cash aid to eligible guardians, aiding underprivileged children. Among SASSA’s schemes, the Child Support Grant plays a significant role. If you’re facing financial challenges while raising a child, you might be eligible for this grant.

What is the Child Support Grant?

The Child Support Grant (CSG) is a cash assistance program initiated by the South African government for the main caretakers of qualifying children. Implemented in 1998, the CSG aims to diminish child poverty and safeguard children’s rights. Presently, the CSG provides R500 per child each month.

The CSG seeks to assist guardians in meeting a child’s basic necessities, including food, clothing, shelter, basic healthcare, and social services. Although R500 might seem modest, it can substantially aid families living in poverty. This grant empowers guardians to purchase essentials for the child that may otherwise be unaffordable.

Who Qualifies for the Child Support Grant in 2025?

To qualify for the CSG in 2025, you must fulfill the following criteria:

You must serve as the primary caregiver of the child.

The CSG is designated for the primary caregiver responsible for the child’s daily care and needs. Typically, this is a parent, grandparent, or sibling (if over 16 years old) caring for an orphaned child.

If you aren’t the primary caregiver, you won’t be eligible for the grant, even if the child resides with you. The grant is designed to support the primary caretaker.

The child must be under 18 years old.

The CSG is only provided for children below 18 years of age. You can apply for a newborn immediately after birth.

Once the child reaches 18, they will cease to be eligible for the CSG. However, they may be eligible for other youth empowerment grants based on criteria.

You must pass the means test.

To qualify for the CSG, your household income must not exceed a certain limit, known as the “means test.”

In 2025, the threshold is R52,800 per annum for single individuals and R105,600 per annum for married individuals. These thresholds combine the incomes of both parents/caretakers. If your total household income surpasses this limit, you won’t qualify for the grant.

The means test guarantees that the grant supports households with lower income that require it the most. If your income decreases, you can reapply for eligibility.

You must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.

Only South African citizens, permanent residents, and refugees can receive social grants like the CSG. Temporary residents won’t qualify. Both the caretaker and the child must hold the necessary citizenship or residency status.

How to Apply for the Child Support Grant

If you meet all the eligibility requirements, you can apply for the CSG at your nearest SASSA office. Here’s how to proceed:

Collect the necessary documents – You’ll need your South African ID book or card, the child’s birth certificate, and proof of income such as payslips.
Fill out the application form – Ask for a CSG application form at your SASSA office or download it online. Complete it with your details and the child’s information.
Submit the application at SASSA – Hand in the completed form with all supporting documents to your nearby SASSA office. An agent will review the application and inform you if any additional documents are necessary.
Attend an interview if required – A SASSA agent might request an interview to confirm your eligibility. Bring any other requested documents.
Await the outcome – If approved, SASSA will notify you via SMS or letter. You can then collect your SASSA card from the office to access the grant payments.

To prevent delays, ensure that all information provided is accurate and that you submit certified copies of all necessary documents. Contact the SASSA helpline for any queries related to the application process.

When Are Payments Made?

If your CSG application gets approved, you’ll receive the first payment in the month following your application. Subsequently, payments are made on the 1st of every month.

The funds are deposited into your SASSA card account, accessible at retail outlets, ATMs, or pay points. Your card essentially functions as a bank card, with SASSA loading the grant amount into it each month.

Promptly inform SASSA if your circumstances change (e.g., increased income, change of address, new primary caregiver) so that they can make adjustments or suspend payments if necessary. You need to reapply for the CSG every year that you meet the eligibility criteria.

Additional CSG Allowances

In certain situations, the standard CSG amount may be augmented:

Double CSG for a child with a disability – If your child has a severe, permanent disability, you can apply for an additional R500 monthly, making a total of R1,000 each month. You’ll need medical proof of the disability.
Foster child top-up – If you are the foster parent through the court system, you can apply for an extra R250 per child each month. This adds to the standard R500 CSG, totaling R750.
Multiple children – The CSG is disbursed per eligible child. If you’re caring for two children under 18, you’ll receive R500 for each, amounting to R1,000. For three children, you’ll receive R1,500 per month, and so on.

How Long Do You Get the CSG For?

The CSG is provided until the child reaches 18, as long as you remain eligible. Payments cease in the month following the child’s 18th birthday.

For children with disabilities receiving the double CSG, payments may continue until they turn 21, depending on their disability status assessment.

If you’re caring for multiple children, each child ages out at 18. For instance, if you have a 5-year-old and a 17-year-old, the 17-year-old will only remain eligible for one more year until they turn 18. The 5-year-old can continue receiving the CSG each month until they reach 18.

Conclusion

The Child Support Grant is a crucial financial aid for nurturing underprivileged children. If you’re the primary caregiver of a child below 18 and meet the income threshold, you could be eligible for R500 each month. Understanding the CSG’s eligibility requirements and application process is pivotal in accessing this vital support. Verify your eligibility and apply through your nearest SASSA office to alleviate the financial burden of caring for your child.