SASSA Child Support Grant 2026: Application, Payment Dates & Requirements
Overview
The SASSA Child Support Grant (CSG) is South Africa’s most extensive social assistance program, supporting over 13 million children from low-income families. As of January 2026, the grant provides R530 per child per month to primary caregivers who meet the eligibility criteria. This grant plays a crucial role in reducing child poverty and ensuring that vulnerable children have access to basic necessities like food, clothing, and education.
The Child Support Grant was introduced in 1998 and has since become the backbone of South Africa’s social safety net, reaching approximately 65% of all children under 18 years old in the country.
Purpose
The Child Support Grant serves several critical purposes in South Africa’s social welfare system:
Financial Support for Basic Needs: The primary purpose is to provide monthly financial assistance to caregivers to help cover essential costs such as food, clothing, school supplies, and healthcare for children.
Poverty Alleviation: With South Africa’s child poverty rate estimated at around 60%, the CSG helps lift millions of children above the food poverty line, ensuring they have access to at least one nutritious meal per day.
Educational Support: The grant enables caregivers to keep children in school by covering costs related to uniforms, stationery, and transport, contributing to improved school attendance rates.
Health and Nutrition: Studies show that children receiving the CSG have better health outcomes, including improved nutrition and access to healthcare services.
Qualifications and Eligibility
To qualify for the Child Support Grant in 2026, both the child and the caregiver must meet specific criteria:
Child Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be under 18 years of age
- Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Must live in South Africa
- Cannot be cared for in a state institution
- Must not receive any other social grant for their care
Caregiver Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be the primary caregiver of the child (parent, grandparent, or other person taking care of the child)
- Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Must pass the means test based on income thresholds
Income Thresholds (2026):
- Single caregiver: Annual income must not exceed R56,880 (R4,740 per month)
- Married caregiver or living with a partner: Combined annual income must not exceed R113,760 (R9,480 per month)
Caregivers can apply for the grant for up to six non-biological children, provided they meet all eligibility requirements.
How to Apply
There are two ways to apply for the Child Support Grant in 2026:
Option 1: Apply at SASSA Offices (Manual Application)
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
- Your ID document (caregiver)
- Child’s birth certificate (if under 16) or ID document (if 16-17 years)
- Proof of income for you and your spouse/partner (payslips, bank statements, or unemployment letter)
- Proof of residence (utility bill, lease agreement, or letter from traditional leader)
- If you’re not the biological parent, bring proof of guardianship or an affidavit explaining your relationship to the child
Step 2: Visit Your Nearest SASSA Office
- Locate your nearest SASSA office and visit during operating hours (typically Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
- Arrive early as offices can be busy, especially at month-end
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
- Request the Child Support Grant application form from the SASSA official
- Fill out the form completely and accurately
- Submit all required documents with your application
Step 4: Home Verification Visit
- A SASSA official may conduct a home visit to verify your living conditions and relationship with the child
- Ensure someone is available at your residence during business hours
Step 5: Await Approval
- Applications typically take 3 months to process
- You’ll receive a notification once your application is approved or rejected
- If approved, payments will be backdated to the application date
Option 2: Online Application (Limited Availability)
Currently, SASSA does not offer a fully online application process for the Child Support Grant. However, you can:
Use the SASSA Website for Information:
- Visit service.sassa.gov.za to fill the online application forms and upload the required documents.
- Check payment dates and eligibility requirements
- Find your nearest SASSA office
Check Application Status Online:
- After applying at a SASSA office, you can check your application status by calling the SASSA toll-free number: 0800 60 10 11
Important Note: All Child Support Grant applications can be submitted in person at a SASSA office with original documents. Online submission is currently available for this grant type.
Payment Dates 2026
SASSA grants are paid on specific dates each month. For 2026, Child Support Grant payments typically occur during the first week of the month. Always check the official SASSA website or contact their helpline for exact payment dates.
Click on the Link Below For Full Payments Calendar
All Year SASSA Grants Payment Dates Here
Related SASSA Grants
If you’re caring for a child with special needs, you may also qualify for the Care Dependency Grant, which provides R2,180 per month for children with severe disabilities.
Parents or caregivers may also be eligible for additional support through the Child Support Grant Top-Up, which provides extra financial assistance in specific circumstances.
If you’re over 60 years old and caring for a child, you might qualify for the Old Age Grant in addition to the Child Support Grant.
For foster parents, the Foster Care Grant offers R1,180 per child per month, which is higher than the standard Child Support Grant.
If you’re unemployed and don’t qualify for other grants, consider applying for the SRD Grant R370, which provides temporary relief for those in distress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for multiple children? Yes, you can apply for the Child Support Grant for multiple children, and you’ll receive R530 per child per month.
What happens when my child turns 18? The grant automatically stops when the child turns 18 years old. You’ll need to apply for other forms of assistance if needed.
Can grandparents apply? Yes, grandparents who are the primary caregivers can apply for the Child Support Grant on behalf of their grandchildren.
How long does it take to get approved? The standard processing time is up to 3 months from the date of application.
Contact SASSA
- Toll-Free Number: 0800 60 10 11
- Website: www.sassa.gov.za
- Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
For persons with disabilities requiring additional support, you can also explore the Disability Grant or Grant in Aid for extra assistance with daily living costs.
