SASSA Child Support Grant

Raising a child is never easy, but raising a foster child can feel like carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Many foster parents struggle to provide the love, care, and basic needs their children deserve while managing limited resources. The sleepless nights, extra school expenses, and medical costs can feel overwhelming.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) understands this struggle. That’s why they offer the Foster Child Grant to ease your burden. Every month, foster parents receive R560 to support the child’s daily needs. For children who require additional care, SASSA provides an extra R280, helping cover special needs, medical care, or extra attention they require.

This grant ensures that foster children get a better start in life while giving parents some financial breathing room. SASSA is there to support you, so you can focus on giving your child love, care, and a brighter future.

SASSA Child Support Grant Eligibility 2026

SASSA uses a strict qualification criterion to be eligible for this grant. This is due to fighting fraudulent applications so only deserving people get the payment. Here are the terms and conditions for the SASSA Child Support grant application.

1. Income Requirements

  • Single Parent: Annual income must be less than R52,800.
  • Married or Co-Parents: Combined yearly income must not exceed R105,600.
    This ensures the grant reaches families who truly need financial support.

2. Child Age and Residence

  • The child must be under 18 years old.
  • The child should live with their legal parents or guardians.
  • Children living in state-run institutions are not eligible for this grant.

3. Caregiver Requirements

  • There is no age limit for the caregiver.
  • The primary caregiver must not receive any financial assistance from other institutions for the child’s care.

4. Purpose of the Grant

The Child Support Grant helps families cover essential needs like food, clothing, and school supplies. It ensures children grow in a stable and supportive environment.

Why Is the SASSA Child Support Grant Necessary?

The SASSA Child Support Grant helps families in South Africa provide for their children. According to a 2023 UNICEF report, more than 19.7 million individuals under the age of 18 live in the country. Many of these children grow up in households that struggle to meet basic needs. The grant provides financial support to ease this burden in several ways:

1. Reduces Child Poverty

Many families earn very little and find it hard to provide food, clothing, and healthcare. The grant helps caregivers cover these costs, reducing hunger and improving health for children.

2. Supports Education

School supplies, uniforms, and transport can be expensive. With the grant, parents can afford these essentials, helping children stay in school and perform better academically.

3. Eases Financial Pressure on Families

Raising a child is expensive, especially for single parents or low-income households. The grant provides regular support, helping families manage daily expenses without stress.

4. Promotes Child Well-Being

Children in families receiving the grant are more likely to have a stable environment. This contributes to better emotional and social development.

5. Targets the Most Vulnerable

The grant ensures children living with caregivers who earn below the income thresholds receive consistent support, giving them a chance at a better life.

The SASSA Child Support Grant helps millions of children in South Africa get basic needs, education, and care, making daily life more manageable for families.

SASSA Child Support Grant Payment Dates for 2025

Please visit our SASSA payment dates page to get all the SASSA social grant payment dates for 2025. The payday for Child Support grant is available on our website. Just check your phone if you have received the SMS from SASSA about the approval of your grant then check the payment date to get the cash payment.

How to Fill and Submit an Affidavit for the SASSA Child Support Grant?

If you are missing one or more required documents, you will need to submit an affidavit to support your claim for the SASSA Child Support Grant. Here’s a step-by-step guide to downloading, filling out, and submitting the affidavit:

Download the Affidavit Form

Click on the PDF File option to get the PDF of the affidavit for the SASSA Child Support grant.

Fill Out the Affidavit Form

  • Personal Details: Enter your full name, ID number, contact information, and relationship to the child.
  • Child’s Information: Provide the child’s full name, date of birth, and other relevant details.
  • Reason for Affidavit: Clearly state why you are submitting the affidavit (e.g., missing documents, inability to provide certain paperwork).
  • Statement of Truth: Affirm that the information you are providing is true and correct, acknowledging any consequences for providing false information.

Notarize the Affidavit

After completing the form, take it to a commissioner of oaths or a notary public to have it officially notarized. This step ensures the affidavit’s validity.

Attach Supporting Documents

Include any relevant documents that support your claim, such as:

  • Proof of guardianship (if applicable).
  • Identification documents.
  • Any other paperwork that can help verify your eligibility for the grant.

Submit the Affidavit

Once the affidavit is complete and notarized, submit it to the nearest SASSA office, either in person or by mail. Ensure you keep a copy for your records.

Application Submission Procedure for SASSA Child Support Grant

Visit Your Nearest SASSA Office

Find your closest SASSA office and bring the following required documents:

  • South African ID (your ID document).
  • Child’s Birth Certificate (proof of your child’s identity).
  • If you do not have any of these documents, you must fill out an affidavit and submit it.

Additional Documentation

You will also need to provide the following, if applicable:

  • Proof of Aid: If you are receiving any financial aid to support the care of your child, provide evidence of this.
  • Income Proof: Submit a document proving your income (e.g., payslips, bank statements, or other financial records).
  • Marriage Certificate: If you are married, include your marriage certificate.
  • Death Certificate: If one or both parents are deceased, include the relevant death certificate(s).

Fill Out the Application Form

Complete the application form at the SASSA office. You will need to fill it out in the presence of a SASSA officer. Only you (the caregiver) and the SASSA officer are allowed to complete this form.

Submission and Reference Number

Once the form is completed, submit it to the SASSA officer. Upon submission, you will receive a reference number, which you can use to track the progress of your application.