Child Support Grant — R580 per month for your child
If you have a child under 18 and you cannot afford to take care of them properly, the government will pay you R580 every month for each child. This is called the Child Support Grant. You do not need to be unemployed to get it — you just need to earn below a certain amount.
Grant amount
R580/mo
Per child
yes
Up to age
17
Apply at
SASSA office
child_care
Good news: This is the most common grant in South Africa. Over 13 million children benefit from it. If you have a child and are struggling, you likely qualify.
Do I qualify?
check_circleYou are the primary caregiver of a child under 18 (you look after them every day)
check_circleYou are a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
check_circleYour monthly income is below R4,900 (if single) or R9,800 (if married)
check_circleThe child's income is below R4,900 per month
check_circleYou do not already receive a grant for that same child
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You do not have to be the biological parent. Grandmothers, aunts, older siblings — anyone who is the main caregiver can apply.
What documents do I need?
check_circleYour South African ID document (green ID book or smart ID card)
check_circleThe child's birth certificate (unabridged if possible)
check_circleYour proof of income — payslip, or a sworn affidavit saying you have no income
check_circleThe child's Road to Health booklet (if the child is under 5)
check_circleIf you are not the parent: a court order or death certificate of the parent, or an affidavit explaining the situation
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You do not need money to apply. SASSA offices do not charge any fees. If anyone asks you to pay, report them.
How to apply — step by step
1
Go to your nearest SASSA office
You can find your nearest office at sassa.gov.za or call 0800 60 10 11 (free call). Arrive early — offices get busy.
2
Bring all your documents
Bring originals AND copies of everything. SASSA will make copies but it is faster if you bring your own.
3
Fill in the application form
A SASSA official will help you fill in the form. It is free and they must help you. You do not need to be able to read to apply.
4
Wait for your SMS
SASSA will send you an SMS when your application is approved or if they need more information. This usually takes 3 months.
5
Choose how you want to be paid
You can receive the money at a Post Office, pick it up at a SASSA pay point, or have it deposited into your bank account.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. You do not need to be employed to apply for the Child Support Grant. Even if you have no income at all, you can qualify.
The grant stops automatically when the child turns 18. SASSA will notify you. If the child is still in school, you can apply for the Care Dependency Grant if they have a disability.
Yes. You can receive the Child Support Grant for each child you look after, as long as each child qualifies separately.
You have the right to appeal. Ask SASSA for the reason in writing, then appeal within 90 days. You can also visit a SASSA office and ask to speak to a supervisor.
This guide provides general information only. Always verify at official government websites. Mzansi Money Guide is independent and not affiliated with any government department.
