Legal Q&A

Child Support Grant in South Africa

The child support grant is R510/month (2024) for each qualifying child under 18. Here is who qualifies, how to apply at SASSA, and what to do if your application is rejected.

Free South African Law

Direct Answer

The child support grant (R510/month as of April 2024) is paid to the primary caregiver of a child under 18 who lives in South Africa and whose household income falls below the means test threshold. Apply at any SASSA office with ID, the child's birth certificate, and proof of income.

What the Law Says

Your Legal Foundation

Social Assistance Act 13 of 2004

Section 4

“A child support grant must be paid to a primary care-giver in respect of a child who is in need of care.”

Social Assistance Regulations

Regulation 4

“A child support grant is payable if the applicant and child are South African citizens or permanent residents, the child is under 18, and the means test is met.”

Constitution of South Africa

Section 28(1)(c)

“Every child has the right to basic nutrition, shelter, basic health care services and social services.”

What to Do

Step-by-Step Guide

1Check that you qualify: you must be the primary caregiver (not necessarily the parent), the child must be under 18 and a South African citizen or permanent resident, and your household income must be below the means test (single caregiver: under R4,800/month; married: under R9,600/month as of 2024).
2Gather documents: your ID, the child's birth certificate (unabridged), proof of your relationship to the child if not the parent, proof of income (payslip, bank statement, or affidavit of no income).
3Apply at your nearest SASSA office. You can also apply at certain hospitals and clinics. No application fee applies.
4If rejected, request written reasons and follow the reconsideration and appeal process — see the SASSA Grant Denied guide.
5You can receive the grant for multiple qualifying children — one grant per child.

What to Say

Exact Words to Use

“"I am applying for a child support grant in respect of [child's name], born [date]. I am the primary caregiver. I have the required documents including ID, birth certificate, and proof of income. I would like to complete the application form today."”

Tone: At the SASSA office

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a grandmother or relative apply for the grant?

Yes. The grant goes to the "primary caregiver" — the person who primarily looks after the child. This can be a grandparent, aunt, uncle, older sibling, or any other person who is the main carer. You will need to provide an affidavit or documentation of your caregiving role if you are not the parent.

Does getting a job affect my grant?

If your income rises above the means test threshold, the grant should be cancelled. You are required to inform SASSA of material changes in circumstances. Failure to do so constitutes fraud. However, many people in part-time or irregular work still qualify — check the current threshold before assuming you no longer qualify.

Get Help Now

Resources & Helplines

SASSA

0800 601 011

Applications, enquiries, and payment issues. Free.

Continue Learning

Practise Your Rights — Out Loud

The Advocate helps you practise the exact words to use in 149 real South African scenarios — grounded in constitutional law and Scripture. Free to start.

Open The Advocate — Free

No credit card needed · Know Your Rights. Know Your Word.

Get the free rights checklist

10 scenarios, exact words to use, constitutional references. No credit card.