SASSA Child Support Grant 2026 - Amount, Eligibility & How to Apply

The SASSA Child Support Grant helps low-income caregivers cover the basic needs of the children in their care. This guide covers the latest amount, who qualifies, the documents you need, the payment dates, and how to apply.

Child Support Grant Amount (2026)

The Child Support Grant pays R580 per month per child, confirmed in the SASSA media statement of 23 March 2026 (the April 2026 increase added R20). It is paid to the child's primary caregiver every month.

Who Qualifies (Eligibility)

The caregiver must:

• Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
• Be the primary caregiver of the child (you can be a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle or another caregiver)
• Pass the means test - if single, earn less than R52 800 a year; if married, you and your spouse together less than R105 600 a year

The child must:

• Be under 18 years old
• Live in South Africa with the caregiver
• Not be cared for in a state institution

You cannot claim for more than six children who are not your biological or legally adopted children.

Required Documents

• Your 13-digit barcoded South African ID
• The child's birth certificate
• Refugee ID and status permit (if you are a refugee)
• Proof of income, and your marriage certificate if married
• Proof of any child maintenance money you receive
• Proof of custody from the court if you are divorced
• UIF document if you are unemployed, or a discharge certificate from your last employer
• If a parent is missing or deceased: a death certificate or a police missing-person report

No ID or birth certificate? Complete a SASSA affidavit in front of a commissioner of oaths (not a SASSA worker), bring a sworn statement from a community leader or social worker, and proof that you have applied for the ID or birth certificate at Home Affairs. A temporary ID from Home Affairs is also accepted.

Child Support Grant Payment Dates (2026/2027)

Children's grants are paid on the 4th in most months. If the date falls on a weekend or public holiday, payment moves to the next working day.

Official source: SASSA media statement, 23 March 2026 - verify on SASSA News (Facebook).

How to Apply (Application Process)

The application form is not available online - you apply in person:

1. Visit your nearest SASSA office and bring the documents listed above.
2. Complete the application form in front of a SASSA officer (only you or the officer may fill it in).
3. Keep the receipt SASSA gives you as proof of your application.

The child's parents do not have to be the ones who apply - any primary caregiver can apply.

When the Grant Is Reviewed, Suspended or Stops

SASSA may review the grant and can suspend it if your circumstances change, you do not cooperate with a review, you give false information, or there was a mistake when it was approved. The grant lapses if the child turns 18, the child dies, the child is admitted to a state institution, the child leaves the country, or the money is not collected for three consecutive months.

How You Receive Payment

• Cash at a specific pay point on your payment day
• Direct deposit into your bank account (the bank may charge a fee)
• Payment through an approved institution

If you cannot collect the money yourself, you can appoint a procurator at the SASSA office or give power of attorney to a trusted person.

Good to know: applying is completely free. Never pay anyone to "help" you apply.