For many parents and primary caregivers to children in South Africa, providing for their needs can be difficult. This is why SASSA, the South African Social Security Agency, offers several child-focused grants to supplement financial aid you may receive in your personal capacity. The core of these is the SASSA Child Grant, which most children in poor social-economic circumstances will qualify for. Here’s some further information on this important SASSA grant
What is the SASSA Child Support Grant?
The SASSA Child Support Grant is a government-funded grant to provide financial assistance to families who are in need and have children under the age of 18 in the house.
The Child Support Grant provides financial support to families living in poverty or who are unable to support their children. This could be due to unemployment, disability, or other socio-economic factors. The grant is intended to help with the cost of raising a child, including expenses such as food, clothing, and school fees. It is a monthly grant that is paid to the primary caregiver of the child/children, but is not intended for them to spend on themselves- it is to be used for the needs of the child.
To be eligible for the Child Support Grant, the primary caregiver of the child must meet certain criteria, including income eligibility and residency requirements. The grant is means-tested, which means that the amount paid out is based on the income of the primary caregiver. We deal with the maximum figures below, but your grant may look different, circumstance-dependent.
How Much is the SASSA Grant per Child?
Until October 2023, the Basic Child Grant (per child) is R500, rising to R510 thereafter. However, it’s worth noting that eligibility criteria and grant amounts may vary based on different factors, such as the child’s age, disability, and other circumstances.
There is also the ‘top-up’ child grant, which some children may qualify for. This is currently set at R250. This grant is meant to help relatives or primary caregivers/guardians to provide for the basic needs of orphans in their care. This means you can receive up to R750 a child, where there are no other factors in play.
You can always check the SASSA website or contact them directly on the SASSA helpline for the most accurate and up-to-date information about your specific case.
How Many Kids Can You Get SASSA For?
The number of children that you can receive SASSA grants for depends on your eligibility and circumstances but is typically capped at 6 children to whom you are not the biological or formally adopted parents but are the primary caregiver(s).
The SASSA Child Support Grant is available to primary caregivers of children under the age of 18 who meet the criteria. The grant is paid per child. Don’t forget that SASSA provides other grants that may be available to assist with the care of children, including the Foster Child Grant, Care Dependency Grant, and Grant-in-Aid. The eligibility criteria for these grants vary, and you will need to check if you meet the criteria for each grant.
The addition of these extra options can make the SASSA application process complex. You would be best advised to get help at a SASSA office or from qualified agencies or social workers to help you navigate the process and ensure that you receive all the grants that you are eligible for to help with childcare needs, especially if you have a mix of children who are not yours biologically or through adoption, or if any of the children have disabilities or special needs.
How Do I Check My SASSA Child Grant Balance?
To make things easier for you, there are several channels you can use to check your SASSA Child Grant balance, as well as update details and make/check the status of applications. Here’s the most convenient for you to try. Make sure you have your ID number, application reference, and other important details to hand.
- Using USSD/SMS: Dial *120*3210# on your mobile phone and follow the prompts to enter your ID number. Select the option to check your Child Support Grant balance.
- Online: Visit the SASSA website and log in to your account. Once logged in, you can view your grant balance and other information related to your grant online.
- Hotline: Call the SASSA toll-free number on 0800 60 10 11 and provide your ID number to check your Child Support Grant balance telephonically.
- App: You can also download the SASSA mobile app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and log in to your account through the app to check your Child Support Grant balance.
As one of South Africa’s most vulnerable populations, there are many initiatives and grants to help you provide a better life for children under your care. Hopefully, this article will help you find the information you need to assist them through SASSA’s child-focused options.
