The SASSA Child Support Grant pays R580 per child per month from April 2026. It is the most widely received social grant in South Africa, supporting more than 13 million children. The SASSA Child Support Grant is paid to the primary caregiver, who can be a biological parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle or any adult responsible for the day-to-day care of the child.
Who qualifies for the SASSA Child Support Grant
You qualify as a primary caregiver if you and the child live in South Africa, you are a South African citizen, permanent resident or recognised refugee, and the child is under 18 years old. You can claim for a maximum of six non-biological or non-legally-adopted children. The child must not be in a state institution.
SASSA Child Support Grant income limits
The SASSA Child Support Grant uses a means test. Single caregivers must earn no more than R5 100 per month, or R61 200 per year. Married caregivers must have a combined income of no more than R10 200 per month, or R122 400 per year, based on the most recent published thresholds.
Documents required for the SASSA Child Support Grant
- Your 13-digit bar-coded South African ID
- The child’s birth certificate
- Proof of marital status, where applicable
- Three months of bank statements, certified, not older than three months
- Proof of income
- Proof of address, not older than three months
- Proof of primary caregiver status, if you are not the biological parent
How to apply for the SASSA Child Support Grant
Applications are made in person at your nearest SASSA office. A SASSA officer will help you complete the form, verify your documents, and capture your fingerprints. You will receive a receipt that serves as proof of application. Applications are free.
Processing can take up to three months. Approved grants are backdated to the date of application. Payments are made on the third payment day each month, following Older Persons and Disability grants. For full payment dates, see the SASSA payment dates 2026 schedule.
Sources
- South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)
- Western Cape Government: Child Support Grant
- Department of Social Development: 2026/27 grant increases
- SAnews: SASSA 2026/27 payment dates
About this article
Nuusflits is a South African news publication covering current affairs, social grants and consumer information. This article is sourced from official primary sources, including the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), the Department of Social Development, the National Treasury and SAnews. Facts are verified against the published 2026/27 social grant schedule and current SASSA policy. Last updated 21 May 2026.
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