South African Social Security Agency
Child Support Grant
At a glance
- Amount
- R580 / month per child
- For
- Children under 18
- Paid to
- Primary caregiver
- Income limit
- 10 x the grant amount
- Non-biological children
- Up to 6
- Application
- SASSA office
The Child Support Grant (CSG) helps parents and caregivers with the cost of raising a child. It pays R580 a month for each child under 18 and is paid to the primary caregiver, the person who mainly looks after the child.
Who qualifies
- You are the primary caregiver of the child
- You and the child live in South Africa
- You are a South African citizen, permanent resident or refugee
- The child is under 18
- Your income is below the means test limit
Who does not qualify
- The child is cared for in a state institution
- You are paid to look after the child
- You apply for more than six children who are not your own
Income limit (means test)
The income limit is ten times the grant amount. At R580 that is R5,800 a month (R69,600 a year) for a single caregiver and R11,600 a month (R139,200 a year) for a married couple. Only your income, and your spouse's if married, is counted.
Documents you need
- Your 13-digit ID document
- The child's birth certificate
- Proof of income, or a sworn statement if you have no income
- Proof of marital status if married or divorced
- If you are not the parent: proof that you are the primary caregiver, such as an affidavit or a letter from a social worker
How to apply
- Go to your nearest SASSA office with your documents.
- Fill in the application form with a SASSA official. Only you sign the form.
- Keep the receipt with your reference number.
- SASSA will tell you the outcome in writing. If approved, you are paid from the month you applied.
Apply as soon as the child is born
Payments start from the date of application, not the date of birth, so applying early means more money for your child.
Frequently asked questions
Can a grandmother apply for the Child Support Grant?
Yes. Any primary caregiver can apply, including grandparents, relatives and older siblings over 16.
Does the grant stop when the child turns 18?
Yes. Payments stop at the end of the month in which the child turns 18.
Can I get the CSG and the SRD grant?
Yes. The CSG is paid for the child, so you can still apply for the SRD for yourself.