What is the Child Support Grant?

The Child Support Grant (CSG) is a monthly social grant provided by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to help primary caregivers meet the basic needs of children under 18 years of age. It is the largest social grant programme in South Africa, reaching over 13 million children. The grant is funded by the South African government and administered through SASSA offices nationwide.

How much is the Child Support Grant in 2026?

The Child Support Grant is R580 per child per month (from April 2026, per the National Budget). If the child is an orphan being raised by a relative, the top-up rate of R870 a month may apply instead. See the top-up question below. The amount is reviewed annually by the Minister of Finance during the national budget speech and typically increases each year to account for inflation. The grant is paid monthly, either into your own bank account or onto your SASSA/Postbank black card (which replaced the old gold card), used to withdraw cash at major retailers or ATMs.

Who qualifies for the Child Support Grant?

To qualify, you must be the primary caregiver of a child under 18 years old, be a South African citizen or permanent resident, and pass the means test. A single caregiver must earn no more than R69 600 per year (R5 800 per month); if married, combined household income must be no more than R139 200 per year (R11 600 per month) — per the Social Assistance Act regulations, GN R.2119. Both the applicant and the child must be residing in South Africa.

What documents do I need to apply for the Child Support Grant?

You need your South African ID (green ID book, Smart ID card, or temporary ID certificate), the child's unabridged birth certificate, proof of residential address (utility bill or affidavit), banking details (bank statement not older than 3 months), and proof of income or a sworn statement declaring unemployment. If the child is older than 7, a school attendance letter is required. If married, bring your marriage certificate.

Where do I apply for the Child Support Grant?

You apply in person at your nearest SASSA office. You cannot apply online or by phone — SASSA requires your fingerprints and original documents to be verified in person. To find your nearest office, call the SASSA toll-free number 0800 60 10 11 or visit the SASSA website (sassa.gov.za). Arrive early as offices can have long queues, especially at month-end.

How long does it take to get approved for the Child Support Grant?

SASSA aims to process applications within 30 days of submission. If approved, the first payment is usually made within 30 to 90 days. You will receive an SMS notification of the outcome. If your application is declined, SASSA will provide the reason in writing and you have 90 days to appeal the decision through the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA).

Can I apply for the Child Support Grant for more than one child?

Yes. You can apply for the CSG for each child in your care who qualifies. However, you must submit a separate application and affidavit for each child. There is no limit on the number of children you can receive the grant for, provided you are the primary caregiver and you pass the means test. Each child requires their own birth certificate and supporting documents.

What if I don't have a birth certificate for the child?

You cannot apply for the CSG without a birth certificate. If the child's birth has not been registered, you must first apply for a birth certificate at the Department of Home Affairs using the BI-24 form. Late registration of birth (after 30 days) requires additional documents including a clinic card, school records, and affidavits. Register the birth as soon as possible — the CSG is only backdated to the application date, not the birth date.

What if the father of the child is unknown or absent?

If the father is unknown, the child's birth certificate will reflect this, and it does not affect your CSG application. If the father is known but absent, you do not need his consent or participation to apply for the grant. SASSA assesses the primary caregiver's income (and spouse's income if married), not the biological father's income, unless you are married to him.

Can grandparents or foster parents apply for the Child Support Grant?

Yes. Any person who is the primary caregiver of a child can apply — you do not have to be the biological parent. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, or any adult caring for the child full-time can apply. You will need to declare in the affidavit that you are the primary caregiver. Foster parents with a valid court order can also apply, though they may qualify for the higher Foster Child Grant (R1 290 per month from April 2026, per the National Budget) instead. If both of the child's parents have died and you are a relative caring for the child, ask SASSA about the Child Support Grant top-up, which pays R870 a month. See the top-up question below.

What is the Child Support Grant top-up, and how much is it?

The top-up is an increased Child Support Grant for orphaned children raised by a relative. It pays R870 per child per month: the standard R580 grant plus a R290 top-up. SASSA requires that both of the child's parents have died and that their death certificates are submitted. The caregiver must be the child's grandparent, brother, sister, uncle, aunt or cousin, or a child aged 16 to 18 heading the household. Ordinary Child Support Grant conditions still apply: the caregiver and spouse must pass the means test, the child must be under 18 and living with the caregiver, a school-going child must attend school, and you cannot apply for more than six children.

Should I apply for the Child Support Grant top-up or the Foster Child Grant?

Both are for children not living with their parents, and they pay different amounts: the Foster Child Grant is R1 290 per child per month, while the Child Support Grant top-up is R870. The Foster Child Grant requires a children's court order placing the child in your foster care, which takes time to obtain. The top-up route is aimed at relatives already caring for an orphaned child and requires both parents' death certificates. Because the requirements differ rather than overlap, take the death certificates and your ID to a SASSA office and ask which route your situation qualifies for. Do not assume the higher amount is available to you.

What happens if my income changes after I start receiving the grant?

You are legally required to report any change in your financial circumstances to SASSA. If your income exceeds the means test threshold (R69 600/year single or R139 200/year married, per gov.za), your grant may be suspended. Failure to report changes can result in SASSA recovering overpaid amounts from future payments or, in serious cases, criminal prosecution for social grant fraud. Report changes at your nearest SASSA office.

How do I check my Child Support Grant application status?

You can check your application status by calling the SASSA toll-free number 0800 60 10 11, sending a WhatsApp message to 082 046 8553, visiting your nearest SASSA office with your receipt, or using the SASSA website's online status check. You will need your South African ID number and the application reference number from the receipt issued when you submitted your application.

Is my personal data safe when using FillMeIn to fill the affidavit?

Yes — for the Child Support Grant affidavit your ID number, income figures, and children's details all stay on your device. Nothing is sent to our servers or stored in the cloud. See our privacy notice at fillmein.co.za/privacy for the technical detail.

SASSA Affidavit — Child Support Grant

South African Social Security Agency · Verified 26 July 2026

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