SASSA Child Support Grant 2024 – How to Apply, Requirements, and Benefits

Child support is essential for the development and well being of the children. Taking care of child is most expensive. South African Social Security Agency offers a child support grant in this regard. This grant is designed to assists parents and guardians in providing basic needs of their children.

SASSA Child Support Grant – How to Apply, Requirements, and Benefits

What is SASSA Child Support Grant?

The SSASA has promised to take financial responsibility for children that belong to low income families. To provide this grant for these low income family the government of South Africa has launched the SSASA child support grant system for their nation. This is very positive act by the government of South Africa as a humanitarian. If we talk about SASSA Grant In Aid, that is totally a different but comes under same category that is called social relief program.

How much Child Support grant is?

The Child Support Grant is set at R510 per child per month starting October 1, 2023. Come April 1, 2024, there’s good news – it’s expected to go up by R10 per child each month.

Who is eligible for Child Support grant?

Before you apply for the child support grant, make sure you meet these criteria:

You need to be a South African citizen, a recognized refugee, or have permanent residency.
The child should be under 18 years old.
Both you and your child must be living in South Africa.
You should be the main caregiver of the child, which could be a parent, grandparent, or anyone over 16 years taking care of the child.
The child should not be under the care of any state institution.
You must have a 13-digit bar-coded ID (identity document) or a smart ID card. (But don’t worry if you don’t have these documents, you can still apply.)
You cannot apply for more than 6 non-biological Kids.
If married, both you and your spouse need to meet the means test requirements.

How can you apply for SASSA Child Support Grant?

Application Methods

You can apply for the SASSA child support grant either at your nearest SASSA office by filling out their application form, or if you prefer the online method, follow the instructions on the SASSA services website.

Assistance for Those in Need

If you are elderly, unwell, or facing disability challenges, consider having a trusted family member or friend apply on your behalf. Ensure they carry a letter from you and a doctor’s note explaining why you cannot visit the SASSA office personally.

Application Process at SASSA Office

Collect the application forms from SASSA offices and complete them in the presence of a SASSA officer. If needed, the officer can assist you in filling out the form during the application process. An interview will be conducted, either with you or your appointed representative, to determine grant eligibility.

Documenting Your Application

After the application and interview, you will receive a dated stamp receipt, including the name of the SASSA officer who assisted you. Keep this receipt even if you do not qualify, as it serves as proof of your application.

How to check SASSA Child Support Grant Status Online

Once you have applied for SASSA Child Support Grant grant, it is necessary to stay up date about your grant. You can check your status online by following these steps:

Easiest Methods

Visit SASSA Website

You can check Your Aplication status on Official Website.

Using Moya App in Mobile

Intall Moya App and check application status using data free method.

Through SMS to SASSA official Contact

You can message at 082-046-8553 to know your application status

Through WhatsApp

Message on SASSA WhatsApp 082-046-8553 and share your Details to know Application status

SASSA Toll Free Number

You can contact Toll-Free No. 0800-601011 from your mobile

Child Support Grant Documents for Application

When applying for the children’s grant at the SASSA office, ensure you have the following documents in original or certified copies:

1. Required Documentation:

Your 13-digit bar-coded ID (identity document)
Child’s birth certificate (must have an ID number)
In case you lack an ID or child’s birth certificate, complete the SASSA affidavit on their standard template in the presence of an independent Oaths Commissioner. You can obtain the form from a SASSA official or download it from their website.

2. Validation and Verification Documents:

Bring the following documents for validation and verification:

Declaration validated by a trusted person (e.g., community counselor, traditional leader, licensed social worker, recognized religious leader, or school principal).
Documentation from the Department of Home Affairs indicating the initiation of an ID and/or birth certificate application.
Temporary identity document card (if applicable).
Additional supporting documents like a baptismal certificate, school certificate, Road to Health Clinic (RTHC) record, marriage certificate (if married), and a court order for custody (if divorced).

3. Situations Involving Deceased or Missing Parents: If one or both parents are deceased or missing:

Provide death certificates of deceased parent(s) or the police report for missing individual(s).

4. Non-Biological Parental Proof: If you’re not the child’s biological parent, submit proof such as:

Sworn statement from a police station.
Letter from the child’s school principal.
Written permission from the biological parent.
Report from a social worker.

5. Financial Documentation: Proof of income is crucial. Include:

Payslips or bank statements for the last 3 months.
UIF card if receiving UIF benefits.
Leaving certificate or UIF membership proof for former employment.
Pension receipt if receiving a pension.
Proof of any financial support received or attempted from biological parents for the child.

IMPORTANT: While one goal of the child support grant is to ensure regular school attendance, non-attendance does not lead to grant refusal.

SASSA Child Support Grant Application Processing Time

Typically, the processing period for Child Support Grant applications spans around three months. Payments release post-approval of your application. Upon successful processing and approval, you will receive payments from the date of your initial application submission. If, unfortunately, your application is rejected, SASSA will dispatch a letter detailing the reasons for non-approval along with an explanation.

What to do if Child Support Grant Application is not Approved?

If your grant application gets declined and you think it’s an error, you can ask SASSA for a reconsideration. If that’s also turned down and you still disagree, you have the right to appeal to the Ministry of Social Development within 90 days of applying. The Ministry will review your appeal, and if they side with you, they can overturn SASSA’s decision, allowing your grant payments to start. On the other side, if the appeal is denied, you’ll receive a written explanation from the appeal board.

Balance Check For SASSA Child Support Program

Utilizing the SASSA balance check service is a convenient way to stay informed about the remaining balance of your grant, facilitating effective financial management and informed decision-making. Once your Child Support grant application is approved, and you start receiving grant payments, it’s advisable to regularly check your balance through various channels.

You can dial the USSD code 1203210# or 12069277# on your cellphone, visit any ATM (subject to normal bank charges), reach out to SASSA via WhatsApp at 082 046 8553, access the information on the official SASSA website, or call the toll-free SASSA call center at 0800 601 011. These diverse methods offer flexibility and accessibility to ensure you stay up-to-date with your grant funds.

Reasons of Grant Suspensions

Child Support grant suspension may occur due to various reasons, including:

Change in Circumstances: Suspension may result if there are significant changes in your circumstances affecting eligibility.
False Information or Fraud: Providing false information or engaging in fraudulent activities can lead to grant suspension.
Non-Cooperation During Review: Failure to cooperate during the grant review process may result in suspension.
Review Outcome: Suspension may be initiated based on the outcomes of a periodic review of your grant status.
Mistaken Approval: If the grant was approved in error, it may be suspended upon realization of the mistake.

Reverting Reasons of Child Support Grant

Your Child Support grant may cease under the following conditions:

Decease: Grant termination occurs upon the recipient’s passing.
Failure to Prove Vitality: If unable to provide proof of being alive during annual reviews, the grant may lapse.
Non-Collection of Payments: If grant payments remain unclaimed for three consecutive months, reinstatement is possible within this period. Beyond 90 days, a new grant application is required.
Government-Funded Institution Admission: Entry into a fully government-funded institution, like a hospital or jail, results in grant cessation.
Extended Overseas Stay: Being outside the country for over 90 days without notice leads to grant termination.
Improved Financial Status: If income and/or assets surpass the means test criteria, rendering the recipient ineligible, the grant may be discontinued.
State Institution Admission: Grant reduction to 25% occurs when admitted to a state institution for over four months, reinstating to the maximum amount upon discharge.

Must Keep In Mind

Things to Consider as Beneficiary

As a SASSA grant holder, you bear certain responsibilities to ensure the smooth processing of your grants

Update Personal and Financial Changes

It is essential to inform SASSA promptly about any alterations in your personal and financial circumstances to maintain accuracy in your records.

Timely Notification of Address or Contact Changes

Instantly update SASSA regarding any changes in your physical address or contact details to avoid any interruption or suspension in your grants.

Provide Accurate Information

Always furnish correct information, as SASSA does not tolerate fraudulent activity. Providing accurate details ensures the integrity of the grant system.

Avoid Grant Interruption

Keeping SASSA informed about changes in the scenarios mentioned above is crucial to prevent any disruption in your grants.

SASSA communicates notices and updates to the address submitted in your application. Failure to update your address or contact information may lead to the suspension of your grants, as SASSA relies on this information to reach you.

Contact SASSA

SASSA offices

Visit SASSA Office Near You

Sum Up

Checking your SSASA Child Support Grant is most convenient way to stay up date about your status. SSASA Child Support Grant is ensure you that it should be used to welfare of your child. To avoid any delay and complications of your grant, it is important to stay up to date and keep your information accurate.

Who is eligible for Child Support grant?