SASSA Child Support Grant Status Check, Application and More

To provide financial help to the parents or primary caregivers of children (under the age of 18 years) with low-income families, SASSA launched a special social grant program known as the SASSA Child Support Grant (GSC). An individual who is the primary caregiver may be a parent, grandparent, or head of the family (over 16 years of age) responsible for taking care of the family’s expenses; the grant is paid monthly per child to the caregiver.

A primary caregiver may receive Child Support Grants on behalf of a maximum of six children who are not biological or legally related. Child support grants are intended to help caregivers raise their children with the best possibilities.

Amount of SASSA Child Support Grant

SASSA’s Child Support Grant amount is R530 per month per child from April 2024. The amount of this contribution is subject to periodic adjustments based on inflation and economic conditions.

Eligibility Criteria for the SASSA Child Support Grant

The following are the eligibility criteria for the SASSA child support grant:

1. Age Limit: Child must be under 18 years of age.
2. Residency: Both the applicant and child must be South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees.
3. Income Threshold: The primary caregiver must meet the income threshold, for a single caregiver, the income should not exceed R60,000 per year (R5,000 per month). For married caregivers, the combined income should not exceed R120,000 per year (R10,000 per month) based on April 1, 2023, SASSA means test criteria.
4. Primary Caregiver: In order to qualify, the applicant must be the primary caregiver, which includes parents, grandparents, and legal guardians.
5. Living Conditions: The child must reside with the primary caregiver and be under their daily care.

SASSA Child Support Grant Means Test

According to SASSA, For married caregivers, SASSA’s means test criteria for married caregivers are R10,000 per month, R120,000 per year; for single caregivers, R5,000 per month, R60,000 per year based on April 1, 2023, SASSA means test criteria.

SASSA Child Support Grant Online Application Process

1. Visit the SASSA Services Portal: Go to the official SASSA services website. An application portal facilitates the process of applying for social grants.
2. Make an Account: For the first-time user, you’ll need to provide your personal information and create a password on the SASSA portal.
3. Access Your Account: Once you’ve created an account, use your credentials to log in.
4. Fill out the online application: Navigate to the application section to apply for a Child Support Grant. Here are the documents and information you need to prepare:
   • South African Identification Number (ID).
   • Birth certificate of the child.
   • Earnings proof.
   • Document proving your address.
5. Upload Required Documents: You will need to scan and upload the necessary documents. Be sure to scan copies clearly and legibly.
6. Submit Your Application: Once you have filled out the form and uploaded the documents, review your application to ensure all information is correct.
7. Confirmation: After submitting your application, SASSA will send you a confirmation message or email acknowledging receipt.
8. Follow-Up: SASSA will review your application and conduct a means test to determine eligibility.

Processing Time for Child Support Grant

Typically, a child support grant application takes 90 days to process. From the date you apply, if your application is approved, payment will be deposited into your account.

If the SASSA Child Support Grant is denied, what should you do?

SASSA can reconsider your child support grant application if you understand that you are still eligible and the denial is due to an error; if SASSA rejects your reconsideration request, you may appeal to the Ministry of Social Development at the National Department of Social Development. SASSA’s decision will be overturned if the Department of Social Development agrees with you, and you will receive your grant benefits.

How to Check the Balance of the SASSA Child Support Grant?

Checking your SASSA child support grant balance can be done in the following ways:

• USSD code: Please dial 12069277# or 1203210#.
• Through ATM: You can check your balance through ATM.
• SASSA WhatsApp: Contact SASSA at 082 046 8553 through WhatsApp to check your balance.
• SASSA Call Center: Contact SASSA at 0800 601 011.

Review of SASSA Child Support Grants

SASSA can conduct a review to check that the child is still alive and whether your financial conditions have improved or not; you must keep the grant application up to date. You will be notified three months before the deadline for submitting your life certificate (proof that you are still alive). The written notification will also contain details about the date and location of the review.

Suspension of Child Support Grants: Reasons

Suspension of your grant can be due to the following reasons:

• Change in your financial condition.
• Wrong information in the grant application.
• During the grant review process, you did not cooperate.
• SASSA has determined that you are no longer eligible for the grant based on the results of its review.

Reasons for Child Support Grant Lapse

• The child has passed away.
• Three months in a row, the child’s primary caregiver failed to collect grant payments.
• The state supports institutions that provide care for children.
• Upon the child’s 18th birthday at the end of the month.
• When you no longer meet the means test because your income or assets have improved.