Monthly Grant Amount: R580 per child

Child Support Grant

The Child Support Grant (CSG) is a monthly SASSA payment of R580 that helps primary caregivers cover the basic needs of children under 18 years old.

How to Apply Check Status

Last reviewed:

Grant Amount

R580

Per child per month

Child Age

Under 18

Years old

Application

In Person

At SASSA office

What is the Child Support Grant?

The Child Support Grant (CSG) is a monthly social grant provided by SASSA to help primary caregivers meet the basic needs of the children in their care. It is the largest social grant programme in South Africa, reaching millions of children, and is a key part of the government's effort to reduce child poverty.

The grant is paid for each qualifying child and currently amounts to R580 per child per month. The money is intended to help pay for essentials such as food, clothing, school supplies and transport. There is no limit on the number of biological children a caregiver can claim for, although claims for more than six children may require additional verification.

The grant is means-tested, so it is aimed at caregivers whose income falls below a set threshold. Payments continue every month until the child turns 18, provided the caregiver remains eligible. When the child turns 18, the grant lapses automatically.

Who Qualifies for the Child Support Grant?

Caregiver Requirements:

  • South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
  • The primary caregiver of the child (parent, grandparent or relative)
  • Lives in South Africa
  • Meets the income requirements (means test)
  • Not paid to care for the child by an institution

Child Requirements:

  • Under 18 years old
  • Born in South Africa or a South African resident
  • Not cared for in a state-funded institution
  • Living with the caregiver who applies
Income Requirements (Means Test)

To qualify for the Child Support Grant, your income must fall below the annual thresholds set by SASSA. The means test looks at the income of the caregiver and, if married, the combined income of the couple.

Single Caregiver

R67,200

Per year (about R5,600 per month)

Married Couple

R134,400

Combined per year (about R11,200 per month)

Required Documents

  • Identity Document

    Original green barcoded ID or smart ID card of the caregiver (not a copy).

  • Child's Birth Certificate

    Original birth certificate for each child you are applying for.

  • Proof of Address

    Utility bill, lease, or a signed affidavit confirming where you live.

  • Proof of Income

    Recent payslips, or an affidavit confirming that you are unemployed.

  • Proof of Marital Status

    Marriage certificate or divorce order, if applicable.

Full Documents Checklist
How to Apply for the Child Support Grant
  1. 1

    Gather Your Documents

    Collect your original ID, the child’s birth certificate, proof of address and proof of income before you go.

  2. 2

    Visit a SASSA Office

    Go to your nearest SASSA office. Child Support Grant applications cannot be made online – they must be done in person.

  3. 3

    Complete the Application Form

    A SASSA official will help you fill in the form. You must sign it in the presence of the official.

  4. 4

    Submit for Verification

    Hand in your documents so SASSA can verify your identity, income and the child’s details.

  5. 5

    Receive Your Reference Number

    Keep the reference number safe so you can track your application status.

Find a SASSA Office
Apply at Your Nearest SASSA Office

Child Support Grant applications must be made in person at a SASSA office.

Find SASSA Office
Payment Information

Payment Methods

  • Bank account (EFT)
  • SASSA gold card
  • Cash collection at retailers
View Payment Dates
Related Grants
Foster Child Grant (R1,295)Care Dependency Grant (R2,400)View all SASSA grants

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the Child Support Grant per month?
The Child Support Grant is R580 per child per month. You can receive the grant for more than one qualifying child in your care, and the amount is paid for each child separately.
Who can apply for the Child Support Grant?
The primary caregiver of a child under 18 can apply. This is the person mainly responsible for the child’s daily needs – it can be a parent, grandparent, or another relative. The caregiver must be a South African citizen, permanent resident or refugee, and must pass the income means test.
What is the income threshold (means test) for the Child Support Grant?
A single caregiver must earn less than R67,200 per year (about R5,600 per month), and a married couple must earn less than R134,400 combined per year (about R11,200 per month) to qualify for the Child Support Grant.
Can a grandparent or relative apply for the Child Support Grant?
Yes. Any primary caregiver who is mainly responsible for the child can apply, including grandparents and other relatives, even if they are not the biological parent. SASSA may ask for proof that you are the primary caregiver.
How long does it take for the Child Support Grant to be approved?
The Child Support Grant is usually processed within a few days to a few weeks after you submit a complete application at a SASSA office. If approved, payments are backdated to the date of application. You will receive a reference number to track your application.
What documents do I need for the Child Support Grant?
You need your original South African ID, the child’s original birth certificate, proof of residence, and proof of income (payslips) or an affidavit if you are unemployed. Bring originals, not copies, when you apply at a SASSA office.

Conclusion

The Child Support Grant is a vital, reliable source of support for millions of South African families, providing R580 per month for each qualifying child under 18. Because it is means-tested, the most important things to get right are proving that you are the child's primary caregiver and showing that your income falls below the threshold.

To apply, gather your original documents and visit your nearest SASSA office in person — the grant cannot be applied for online. Once approved, keep your contact and banking details up to date so payments are never interrupted, and remember that all SASSA services are completely free of charge.

Official Sources & References

The information on this page is based on and verified against the following official South African government sources:

This is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by SASSA or the South African government. Grant amounts, dates and eligibility rules can change — always confirm the latest details on the official SASSA website before acting.