Who Qualifies for the Extended Child Support Grant?

By Dave Nyam •  Updated: 01/10/25 •  6 min read

Are you a caregiver seeking information on the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Child Support Grant? This article has got you covered. From eligibility criteria to the required documents for application, learn about the SASSA Child Support Grant, the Extended Child Support Grant, and how long it takes to get approved. Additionally, determine how much you can expect to receive in monthly payments and when the next increase is due. Ensure that you and the children you care for can access the necessary financial assistance with this comprehensive guide.

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Who Qualifies for the Extended Child Support Grant?

If you’re a caregiver of a child who has lost one or both parents or doesn’t know the whereabouts of one parent and they don’t play a role in caring for the child, you may be eligible for the SASSA Extended Child Support Grant. This grant provides an additional R240 on top of the standard R480 child support grant amount. This figure has now been increased to R720.

This Extended Child Support Grant came about to prevent children from being placed in foster care purely because of financial need. To apply, you must provide SASSA with the death certificates of both parents or the primary parent, along with an affidavit confirming the other parent’s whereabouts and that they are not involved in caring for the child.

What Documents Do I Need to Apply for SASSA Child Grant?

If you’re a parent or caregiver looking to apply for the South African Social Security Agency Child Support Grant, you must know what documents are required for the application. Here’s a quick guide to help you get started.

The documents you will need to apply for the SASSA Child Support Grant include the child’s South African Identification Document, birth certificate, school report, proof of maintenance, and proof of income. Additionally, if applicable, you will need to provide a marriage or divorce certificate, proof of custody, and a death certificate if one or both parents of the child are deceased.

It’s essential to note that you must provide all the required documents to complete the SASSA Child Support Grant forms, but only those that apply to you. Also, SASSA will only approve your application if you provide all the necessary documents.

If you have the required documents, you can apply for the grant at the SASSA offices, as online applications are unavailable. You can visit the SASSA website or contact their offices if you have any inquiries.

At What Age Does SASSA Child Grant End?

When will the SASSA child grant end? You can rest easy knowing that your child’s grant will end at the end of the month your child turns 18. The child support grant is given to South African citizens or permanent residents who meet certain criteria. To qualify, you must be the child’s primary caregiver and not earn more than R52,800 per year if you are single or R105,600 per year if you are married. Additionally, the child must be under 18 years old, not cared for in a state institution, and live with a primary caregiver who is not paid to look after the child.

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Once approved for the grant, you will receive R500 per month per child. You will receive this payment through cash at a specific pay point on a particular day, electronic deposit into your bank or Postbank account, or an institution acting as the grant administrator. It is important to note that SASSA will review the grant, which may be suspended under certain circumstances. Remember to fill in a life certificate for your child at the SASSA offices every year if you receive your money through the bank, an institution, or a procurator.

How Much is the SASSA Child Grant this Month?

Good news for those receiving the SASSA child grant! As of 1st April 2025, the grant will increase by R20 from R480 to R500; in October 2025, it will rise to R510. This increase will provide much-needed relief to families in South Africa who rely on this grant to meet their children’s basic needs. Furthermore, the care dependency grant will also increase from R1,985 to R2,085, and the child support grant will increase from R480 to R505. Additionally, the Grant-in-aid will increase from R480 to R505.

It is important to note that the Foster Child Grant will increase to R1120 on 1st April 2025, an increase of R50. It will then rise to R1130 on 1st October 2025, an additional increase of R10. Although there will be no further increase in the SASSA payment in October 2025, this increase will go a long way in easing the financial burden of South African families.

How Long Does it Take for SASSA Child Grant to be Approved?

If you’re wondering how long it takes to get your SASSA child grant approved, processing your application takes about three months. However, you can do a few things to speed up the process. First, ensure you’ve completed all the necessary documents and supplied all the relevant information. Doing so will help to prevent any unnecessary delays.

When your SASSA child support grant is approved, the South African Social Security Agency will notify you that you can receive the grant. You will need to take the receipt provided to you when you initially registered for the grant back to the office to prove your eligibility. This receipt proves that you are the person who applied for the child support grant and the child in question and that you are entitled to receive the grant.

Each child receives a monthly Child Support Grant from SASSA for R480. However, caregivers of orphaned children can apply for the CSG Top-up, which means they will get R480 plus an extra R240 per month for each child they care for, increasing the total amount of monthly support received to R720. If you need more information or have questions, please contact SASSA directly.

Can I Apply for SASSA Child Support Grant Online?

Good news for parents and caregivers in South Africa who are seeking the SASSA Child Support Grant! You can now apply online through the SASSA eForms portal. Unlike other SASSA grants, the Child Support Grant has a unique application method, but this article covers you.

To apply online, you must register on the SASSA services website, complete the required forms, and submit your application. Make sure to read through the requirements for the Child Support Grant to ensure that you qualify for it. If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to ask them in the comments section. Be sure to apply for the SASSA Child Support Grant online today!

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