SASSA Child Support Grant Application Process
The SASSA Child Support Grant is meant to help families who don’t earn much money. It gives financial support to parents or caregivers to help with the child’s daily needs. Just like the SASSA Foster Grant, remember that you can only apply for one of these at a time.
The Child Care Grant is given to the main person who looks after a child under 18 years old. This can be a parent, grandparent, or anyone caring for the child. Good news – you can apply for grants for up to 6 children, even if they are not your own biological or legal kids.
Who Can Apply for the SASSA Child Grant?
Before applying, make sure you fit the rules for the grant.
- You must be a South African citizen, have permanent residency, or be a registered refugee.
- It’s best if you have an ID, but if not, you can still apply.
- The child must be younger than 18 years old.
- You and the child must live in South Africa.
- Must be the one who mainly takes care of the child.
- The child should not be staying in a government institution.
- From April 1, 2024, your income must be below R60,000 if you’re single, or below R120,000 if you’re married.
What Documents Do You Need to Apply?
When you go to the SASSA office to apply, bring these documents:
- Your original 13-digit ID.
- If you don’t have an ID, fill out the affidavit form from SASSA. You can get it at the office or online.
- Baptism certificate if available.
- If there’s no ID or birth certificate, someone you trust (like a local leader or social worker) can write a note saying they know you and your child.
- School certificate if you have one.
- RTHC, if you can provide it.
You can also download the child grant affidavit form.
Extra Papers for Caregivers Who Aren’t the Parents
If you’re not the child’s parent, you’ll need to show that you’re the one who cares for them.
- Letter from the child’s school principal with the child present.
- Sworn note from police or any legal office.
- Permission letter from the child’s parent.
- Court order showing custody if you are divorced.
- If you work, bring your latest payslips or bank statements (last 3 months).
- If you’re getting unemployment help, bring your UIF card.
- If you receive pension, bring the latest slip.
- The main goal of this grant is to help children stay in school. If the child doesn’t go to school, the grant may be stopped.
How to Apply for the SASSA Child Grant
You can apply at your nearest SASSA office or do it online by following the steps on their official website.
If You Can’t Apply Yourself
If you are sick or too old to go to the office, someone you trust can go for you. That person must take a letter from you and a doctor’s note explaining why you can’t go.
Visit a SASSA Office
Go to the nearest office and get an application form. You can fill it yourself or ask an officer to help. They will also ask you some questions to check if you qualify.
Get a Receipt
After completing your form and interview, you’ll receive a receipt. This receipt has the date and the name of the officer who helped you. Keep it safe, even if you’re not approved. It proves you applied and includes your application ID.
How to Check Your Child Grant Status
You can easily see the status of your application using several options.
Visit https://statuschecksrd.com/
Enter your ID and phone number.
Click “Check SASSA Status.”
You’ll see the current status on your screen.
Other Ways to Check Status
- Use the Moya App (no data needed).
- Send an SMS to 082 046 8553.
- Message the WhatsApp number 082 046 8553.
- Call the SASSA toll-free number: 0800 601 011.
How to Check Your Grant Balance
After your grant is approved, keep checking your balance to know when you’ll get your payment.
Online Method
- Go to www.sassa.gov.za.
- Click on “Grants.”
- Choose “Child Support Grant.”
- Click on “Check Balance.”
- Enter your ID and SASSA card number.
- Click “Submit.” Your balance will show.
SASSA USSD Code
Dial 1203210# from your registered phone. Follow the steps to check your balance.
SASSA WhatsApp
Save the number 082 046 8553 and send a message saying “balance.” You’ll get a reply with your child grant balance.
Toll-Free Call
Call 0800 601 011 and ask for your balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take for SASSA to Approve My Grant?
It takes about 3 months. If approved, you’ll get payments from the day you applied. If rejected, they’ll send a letter explaining why.
Why Can a Grant Be Suspended?
You no longer meet the rules.
Wrong or false info on your form.
You didn’t give SASSA the info they asked for.
A mistake happened, and the grant was wrongly given.
Why Can a Grant Stop?
Child stays in a state institution for more than 4 months – grant drops to 25%. It returns after discharge.
Child has passed away.
Caregiver didn’t collect payments for 3 months.
Child is now getting help from the state.
Child no longer lives in South Africa.
Child turns 18.
How to Get Your Grant Back If It Was Stopped?
If your grant was stopped by mistake or you don’t agree with the reason, you can send an appeal within 90 days. Send your documents to the National Department of Social Development to support your case.
Is There Any Fee to Apply for the Grant?
No. Applying for the child support grant is completely free.
