SASSA Child Support Grant 2026: Amount, Eligibility, Apply

The Child Support Grant helps parents and caregivers pay for basics like food, clothes, and school needs. If you look after a child under 18 and your household income is low, this guide shows you who qualifies, what to bring, and how to apply without stress.

Child Support Grant Payment Dates - May 2026 and June 2026

Child Support is paid third each month, after old age and disability grants. Upcoming dates:

• May 2026: child grants pay Thursday, 7 May 2026
• June 2026: child grants pay Thursday, 4 June 2026
• July 2026: child grants pay Monday, 6 July 2026

How much is the Child Support Grant (2025)?

The amount is set by government and can change once or twice a year. In 2025, the grant pays:

• The Child Support Grant pays R560 per child, per month.
• There is a Top‑Up for orphans or kinship care that adds R280 each month (total R840).

This money helps with everyday needs like food, school costs, and transport. It is paid every month.

Who qualifies for the Child Support Grant?

You can apply if you are the person who looks after the child every day (the primary caregiver). The child must live in South Africa. Your income must be below the limit.

• You must be the primary caregiver of a child under 18. This can be a parent, a grandparent, or another adult who looks after the child every day.
• The child needs to live in South Africa and must not be living in a state-funded institution.
• Your household income must be under the limit (about R67,200/year if you are single, or R134,400/year combined if you are married).

Documents needed for the Child Support Grant

Bring original documents if you can. If something is missing, SASSA can advise what temporary proof is accepted.

• Please bring your ID and the child’s birth certificate.
• If you are not the parent, bring proof that you are the person who cares for the child (for example, a school letter or a social worker letter).
• Bring proof of income if you have any, because SASSA uses this for the means test.
• Bank details are recommended so the money can be paid straight into your account.

How to apply for the Child Support Grant (step‑by‑step)

You can apply online or at a SASSA office. The application is free and a SASSA official will assist you.

1. Go to a SASSA office or apply online
   Online: services.sassa.gov.za (create an account and follow the prompts). In‑person: visit your nearest SASSA office.
2. Bring your documents (originals if possible): ID/temporary ID, child’s birth certificate (or proof of the child), proof you are the caregiver if not the parent, proof of income (if any), and bank details if you want payment to your bank.
3. Complete the form with help
   The official will help you fill in the form and capture your documents. Ask questions if you are unsure of anything.
4. Keep your receipt and wait for the SMS
   Decisions can take up to 90 days. If approved, you will be paid from your application date (back‑pay is included in your first payment).

How the Child Support Grant is paid (bank or card)

Choose the option that is easiest and safest for you. You can change later.

• Into your personal bank account (recommended) - change details any time: Banking Details Guide
• SASSA/Postbank card (use at retailers/ATMs)

Child Support Grant payment dates

Grants are paid in this order: Older Persons → Disability → Children & Others. See this month’s dates here: SASSA Payment Dates. Funds remain available after the official date, so you can collect on a quieter day.

Child Support Grant Top‑Up for orphans (CSG Top‑Up)

If the child is an orphan or in kinship care, you can receive an extra 50% each month.

• The Top‑Up is for orphaned children or children in kinship care (looked after by relatives).
• With the Top‑Up, you receive an extra 50% of the grant (R280) every month.
• Please bring proof, such as death certificates of the parents or a letter from a social worker.

Reviews, changes and timelines

The Child Support Grant does not end each year. It continues until the child turns 18, but SASSA may review your details.

• The grant continues until the child turns 18
• Tell SASSA if your income, address, bank, or caregiving situation changes

Reasons the Child Support Grant can stop

• Child turns 18
• Caregiver no longer looks after the child
• Income rises above the means test after a review

Child Support Grant FAQs and tips

• Each eligible child can have one grant. If you care for more than one child, you can receive a grant for each child, as long as every child meets the rules.
• Once approved, the grant continues every month until the child turns 18. You do not need to apply again each year.
• Please keep your details up to date (address, phone, or bank). If you change banks, see: Banking Details.
• For more answers, visit the full FAQ: SASSA Mega FAQ.

Child support grant payment dates - full 2026 calendar

Child support, foster care and other children's grants pay on the third working day of each month, after older persons and disability. Below are all twelve months for 2026. The current month is highlighted.

Dates are computed against the South African public-holiday calendar; if a usual payment day falls on a weekend or public holiday, the payment moves to the next working day.