SASSA Child Support Grant: How to Apply & Eligibility Criteria

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides a Child Support Grant for South African citizens who are parents or guardians of children under 18, specifically targeting those needing financial support.  This grant enables low-income families to get back on their feet and give care to their little ones through financial assistance.

What’s great about this grant is that it is constantly improved and very easy to get approved. All you need to do is prove that you are in a desperate position, and after analysis, SASSA will review your application. If approved, the grant payments will be disbursed to the recipient every month and will continue giving payments until specific conditions are met.

Let’s look at the application process for SASSA’s Child Support Grant in more detail.

What is the SASSA Child Grant Amount?

As of now, the SASSA Child Grant offers R510 each month for each child. And, after being reported from numerous sources, starting on April 1, 2024, it is going up by R10, making it more beneficial.

Moreover, starting in April 2023, this extra bit of help is referred to as a ‘top-up.’ It’s like a bonus that’s R250 for each child each month. So, if we add that to the grant amount, it turns into R750 per month for every child. That’s a lot more support!

SASSA Child Support Grant Eligibility Criteria

Getting the SASSA Child Support Grant is useful for families, but there are a few requirements to be eligible for the grant. Here’s what you need to know:

Mean Test

There’s a means test to ensure the supply is going to the families who need it the most. It’s a way to see if your profits fit within certain limits.

Additionally, for the means test, here’s the deal: If you are unmarried, your annual income should be at most R60,000. But it’s a bit higher if you’re married—not more than R120,000.

Required Documents

Ensure you have the following documents ready before starting the application process.

• Identification Documents. Make sure you have your 13-digit bar-coded ID or a smart ID card. 
• Child’s Documents. Having your child’s birth certificate or something that shows who they are is important.
• Financial Records. If you have acquired any financial help specifically for your child, it’s good to keep records. It indicates how you’ve been supporting your little one.
• Custodianship Proof. You need papers proving you are caring for your child. It can be papers showing custody or any obligations you’ve got as the principal caregiver.

These documents help SASSA better understand your state of affairs, making it easier for them to help you with the grant.

Application Process of SASSA Child Support Grant

There are different ways you can apply for the child support grant:

Physical Application

When applying for the Child Support Grant, the simplest way to do it is by visiting your nearest SASSA office. Here’s how it works:

• Head to the closest SASSA office in your area. They’re usually the ones helping out with these grants.
• Once you’re there, ask them about the child grant. They’ll give you a form to fill out. It’s like telling them about yourself and why you need the grant.
• Remember those important papers we talked about earlier? Take them with you and give them to the people at the SASSA office. It helps them understand your situation better.

This way of applying might require you to go to the office physically, but it’s a direct way to ensure everything’s done right. It’s like talking to someone who can help you immediately!

Online Application

Regarding convenience, applying online for the Child Support Grant through the SASSA Services website is a game-changer. Here’s a simple guide on how to do it:

• Open your browser and head to the SASSA services website. This is where all the magic happens!
• Look for the section that says ‘Child Support Grant.’ They have clean instructions and forms to help you through the procedure.
• The website will guide you through the application process step by step. It will ask for information about you, your child, and your scenario. Just follow along and fill in the required details accurately.
• After filling out the forms, they will ask you to upload the documents. All the required documents will be mentioned there.
• Once everything’s filled out and all files are uploaded, hit that upload button. That will send your application to the SASSA people who can assess it.

Assisted Applications

For people who may find it hard to visit the SASSA office themselves, there’s a way around it:

Do not worry if you can’t make it to the SASSA office or apply online because of health, age, or other challenges. You can ask someone you trust to help you apply.

• Choose a person you trust, like a family member or a friend, to apply for the grant on your behalf.
• Write a letter explaining why you cannot come by yourself. It might be due to health issues or some other situation.
• Get a doctor’s note or any relevant files that specify your scenario. This enables the SASSA officers to understand why someone else is applying for you.
• Your representative needs to take the letter and documents to the SASSA workplace. They’ll fill out the form and submit the documents for you.

Checking SASSA Child Support Grant Status

1. SASSA Official Website

Go to the SASSA status check website and enter your ID and phone numbers.

The system will fetch your application status, and you can see whether it got approved, rejected, or processed.

2. Moya App – Data Free Method

Download the Moya app on your cell phone. Follow the instructions within the app to check your grant status without any data charges.

3. SMS To SASSA Number

Compose a message with the required details (as detailed by SASSA) and send it to the designated SASSA number, 082-046-8553. You’ll receive updates concerning your grant application status through SMS.

4. SASSA WhatsApp

You can also use WhatsApp to check grant status by messaging the SASSA number, 0820468553. Follow the instructions provided by SASSA in the chat to get inquiries about your grant status.

5. Contacting SASSA Toll-Free No.

Dial the SASSA toll-free number, 0800-601011, to inquire about your grant status over the phone. Engage with customer service representatives to get vital updates or clarifications.

Processing Time for the Child Support Grant Application

The processing time for the Child Support Grant application normally spans around 3 months. This duration involves assessing your application, verifying the provided details, and the final decision-making process.

Once approved, the grant payments will begin coming in through the means you want to receive them.

SASSA informs candidates about the approval or rejection of their application through written correspondence. In cases of rejection, the notification includes reasons for the decision.

Understanding the SASSA Child Support Grant Payment Process

Here’s how you will receive your payment once your application is approved:

Approval and Initiation of Payments

Once your Grant application is approved, SASSA initiates the payment process. Payments typically start on the date of your software approval. However, if there is any delay in processing, you’ll receive payment at the time of the utility submission date.

Sassa Payment Dates SRD R350

Payment Methods

SASSA offers a couple of payment methods for your convenience:

• Direct Deposit. Grant payments can be directly deposited into your bank account or Postbank account. Remember, a few banks may charge provider expenses for this.
• Cash Withdrawal. You can withdraw grant payments in cash from SASSA-partnered outlets like Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Boxer, Checkers, Usave, and Spar.
• Specific Institutions. Some institutions, which include old age homes, disability centers, or non-profit organizations, facilitate grant payments.

Payment Method	Description	Requirements/Notes
Bank Account	Must be the account of the primary caregiver. Verification of account details is required.	Payments through an SASSA-issued card, which can be used at ATMs or designated retailers.
SASSA Card	Payments are collected at local South African Post Office (SAPO) branches.	Application and activation at a SASSA office or designated enrollment center.
Cash Send	Beneficiaries can receive payments through certain banks’ Cash Send services.	Linked to a mobile phone number. Beneficiaries receive a unique code to withdraw cash.
Post Office	Payments are collected in person at specific SASSA pay points or community halls.	Requires an ID and the SASSA card. Subject to availability based on location.
Payment at Designated Pay Points	Often used in rural areas where other methods are less accessible. The schedule and locations are predetermined.	Often used in rural areas where other methods are less accessible. Schedule and locations are predetermined.

Important Notes SASSA Child Support Grant Payment Method

• Selection of Payment Method: Beneficiaries can choose their preferred payment method but must ensure they comply with the requirements for their chosen method.
• Changing Payment Methods: If you wish to change your payment method, you must inform SASSA and complete any necessary procedures.
• Security and Compliance: Always ensure your personal and banking information is secure. SASSA and its authorized partners will never ask for your PIN or password.

Changing Payment Methods

You have the flexibility to change your payment method or banking details. Visit the SASSA office and fill in the necessary paperwork for the change. Once verified, the new payment method will take effect in the subsequent month.

Nomination for Collection

If you cannot collect the grant personally due to reasons like old age or disability, you may nominate a person to collect payments on your behalf.

Disbursement Frequency

SASSA does not have fixed price dates. Payments are normally disbursed monthly, but the unique date may further vary. It’s essential to keep track of your payment schedule.

Denial or Suspension of Child Grant and Appeal

If your grant application is denied or if the grant is discontinued, you can appeal the decision based on information. Here’s how:

Denied Application

• If your application is denied, you can ask SASSA to reconsider their decision by providing more updated information. The grant application might get rejected due to missing information or misunderstandings.
• Still didn’t get reconsideration? No worries! You can expand the matter by appealing directly to the Ministry of Social Development within 90 days.

Suspension and Restoration

• Your grant might get suspended for various reasons, which will be explained in the following sections. But remember, it’s not the end of the road.
• If you believe the suspension was unfair or a mistake, you can submit an appeal within 90 days for a review.

Reasons for Suspension of the Grant

Grant suspensions can happen for numerous reasons:

• Income Improvement. If your financial situation improves and exceeds the eligibility criteria, SASSA might suspend your grant.
• Non-Compliance. Not adhering to the grant conditions, like failing to ensure the child attends school regularly or undergoes necessary check-ups, can lead to suspension.
• Fraud or Misrepresentation. Providing fake data or engaging in fraudulent activities might result in the grant’s suspension.
• Review Outcome. If a grant review reveals that you no longer meet the criteria, SASSA may suspend your grant.
• Failure to Cooperate in Review. If you don’t collaborate or provide the required information through the grant review, it will result in suspension.
• Inadvertent Approval. If the review reveals the grant was authorized mistakenly despite not meeting the eligibility standards, the authorities may suspend it.

Essential Contact Information of SASSA

SASSA Toll-Free Call Centre: 0800 60 10 11

SASSA Head Office: 012 400 2322

Email: grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za

Related: SASSA Reapplication for R350

Wrapping it Up

The SASSA Child Support Grant aims to provide vital financial help to caregivers, ensuring children’s well-being.

By understanding eligibility, the application process, and grant disbursement, caregivers can access this huge financial assistance in caring for their little ones. Moreover, stay informed, fulfill requirements, and reach out for help when needed, ensuring a stable future for the children in your care.

Frequently Asked Questions