SASSA Grants Guide 2026
The SASSA Child Support Grant is R580 per child per month from April 2026. It is paid to the primary caregiver of children under 18 who meet the income means test. Over 13 million children benefit from this grant — the largest social assistance programme in South Africa.
| Detail | Amount |
|---|---|
| Amount per child | R580/month (from April 2026) |
| Previous amount | R560/month (before April 2026) |
| Increase | +R20 per child |
| First payment at R580 | 8 April 2026 |
| Paid to | Primary caregiver (not the child) |
A caregiver can receive the grant for multiple qualifying children — there is no official per-caregiver cap, but each child must meet the eligibility criteria.
Example: A grandmother caring for 4 qualifying grandchildren receives R580 × 4 = R2,320 per month.
Both the child and the caregiver must meet specific requirements.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | Under 18 years |
| Nationality | South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee |
| Living situation | Must live with the caregiver claiming the grant |
| Other grants | Cannot also be receiving a Foster Child Grant |
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Relationship | Primary caregiver of the child |
| Nationality | South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee |
| Income (single) | Below R4,800/month (R57,600/year) |
| Income (married) | Below R9,600/month (R115,200/year) |
The caregiver does not have to be the biological parent. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings, and other relatives qualify if they are the primary caregiver.
Important: If a child is placed under a Foster Care Order and a caregiver receives the Foster Child Grant (R1,290) for that child, the Child Support Grant cannot also be claimed for the same child. These are separate grants for different legal relationships.
Unlike the SRD R370, the Child Support Grant cannot be applied for online. You must visit a SASSA office in person.
What to bring:
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Your ID document | Green barcoded book or Smart ID card |
| Child’s birth certificate | Unabridged preferred |
| Proof of income | Payslips or affidavit if unemployed |
| Proof of address | Utility bill, lease, or similar |
| Child’s school enrolment | Helpful for children aged 7–18 |
Steps:
The Child Support Grant is paid on day 3 of the SASSA monthly payment cycle — after the Older Persons and Disability Grants.
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| April 2026 | 8 April |
| May 2026 | 7 May |
| June 2026 | 5 June |
| July 2026 | 7 July |
See the full 2026/27 payment schedule for all months.
The grant stops automatically on the child’s 18th birthday month. SASSA’s system links to Home Affairs birth records and terminates the grant without any action required from the caregiver.
If the child is now 18–59 years old, unemployed, and earns below R624/month, they can apply independently for the SRD R370 grant in their own name.
Yes. You can receive the grant for every qualifying child in your care — there is no official limit on the number of children per caregiver. Each child must individually meet the age and residency requirements.
The caregiver’s income must be below R4,800/month if single, or R9,600/month if married. This is the caregiver’s income — not the child’s. The means test assesses the caregiver’s financial situation.
No. The Child Support Grant (R580) is for primary caregivers of children in their general care. The Foster Child Grant (R1,290) is specifically for registered foster parents who have a court-issued foster care order. You cannot receive both for the same child.
No. The Child Support Grant must be applied for in person at a SASSA office. Bring your ID, the child’s birth certificate, and proof of income.
SASSA typically processes Child Support Grant applications within 3–4 weeks of submission. If you have not heard within 4 weeks, follow up at the same SASSA office where you applied.
Ready to check your SASSA status?
Use the official SASSA portal — free and updated monthly.
