Child Support Grant
The primary caregiver must be a South African citizen, permanent resident or refugee residing in South Africa with the child, and the applicant and spouse must meet the means test.
Always open
Grant
You can apply at any time
There is no closing date. Apply through the official channel below.
About
A social grant for a primary caregiver of a child under 18. The caregiver and child must reside in South Africa and meet the stated requirements.
What it covers
R580 a month per child.(Top-up R580 + R290)
- Monthly support to help raise the child.
Who can apply
Primary caregiver must be a South African citizen, permanent resident or refugee
Applicant and child must reside in South Africa
Applicant must be the child's primary caregiver
Child must be under 18
Applicant and spouse must meet the means test
Applicant cannot apply for more than six non-biological children
Child cannot be cared for in a State Institution
Documents to prepare
13 digit-bar-coded identity document (ID) and the child’s birth certificate.
If the caregiver is not the child’s parent, proof of primary caregiving: an affidavit from a police official, a social worker’s report, an affidavit from the biological parent or a letter from the child’s school principal.
If ID or birth certificate is unavailable: a SASSA-format affidavit completed before a Commissioner of Oaths who is not a SASSA official; a sworn statement from a reputable person who knows the applicant and child; proof of application for
Proof of any maintenance received for the child.
Proof of earnings.
Marriage certificate, if applicable.
If divorced, the court order confirming custody of the child.
If one or both parents are dead or missing, the death certificate or proof that the parent is missing, such as a police missing person’s report.
How to apply
- 1Go to the SASSA office nearest to where you live and bring the required documents.
- 2Complete the application form in the presence of a SASSA official; only you or a SASSA official may complete it.
- 3Keep the receipt as proof that you applied.
Sources
Official sourceSouth African Social Security Agency (SASSA)Checked against services.sassa.gov.za on 29 Oct 2026. Govnet is independent — always confirm with the provider.