The Child support grant is one of the grants offered by the South African Social Security Agency. This SASSA grant support low-income parents who have children under the age of 18 with an annual income of less than R105 600 or R52 800 for a single parent.
The SASSA Child Support Grant (CSG) is a monthly financial assistance provided by the South African government to low-income families to help them care for their children. The grant is paid to a primary caregiver, usually the mother, and is intended to cover the costs of food, clothing, and other basic necessities for the child.
To qualify for the CSG, a family must meet certain income and residence requirements, and the child must be younger than 18 years of age. The grant is paid directly to the primary caregiver and can be used to pay for school fees, uniforms, and other expenses related to the child’s well-being.
The SASSA Child Support Grant is also intended to help reduce poverty and inequality among children in South Africa. The grant is part of the government’s broader social protection program, which aims to provide support to vulnerable individuals and families. The grant is paid on a monthly basis and the amount changes every year; it is determined by the government budget. To apply for the SASSA Child Support Grant, the primary caregiver must provide proof of income, residence, and the child’s birth certificate. The application process can be done at any SASSA office, and the grant is typically paid into a bank account or through a SASSA card.
It’s worth mentioning that the grant is subject to review every year, and the primary caregiver must reapply for the grant every year to continue receiving it. The grant can be stopped if the primary caregiver doesn’t meet the requirements or if the child turns 18 years old. In addition, the grant can be stopped if the primary caregiver is found guilty of fraud or misuse of the grant.
Child Support Grant Application Process
You can apply for the child support grant at any SASSA office closer to you. When there you will be required to fill in an application form in the presence of an officer from SASSA. When done submit your application and make sure to include the required documentation as listed below.
You will receive a receipt as proof of application, keep it safe. The outcome of your application will be communicated with you in writing. If you are unhappy with the outcome, you will be allowed to apply for a reconsideration.
Once approved, you receive the grant from the date of application.
Child Support Grant Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- A South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee must be the primary caregiver.
- The petitioner and the child must both be South African residents.
- The applicant must be the child’s or children’s primary caregiver.
- The child must have been born after December 31, 1993.
- The applicant and spouse must satisfy the means test conditions.
- A child may not request more than six adopted children.
- The child should not be cared for in a state institution.
Required Documents for SASSA Child Support Grant Application
- Certified copy of the identity document of the applicant and a certified copy of the identity document or birth certificate of the child.
- Certified copy of proof of spousal relationship or marital status (i.e., marriage certificate, the decree of divorce, death certificate).
- Certified copy of identity documents of the spouse if married.
- Proof of income – if means is declared.
- If no income is declared an affidavit to that effect is required.
- Proof that the applicant is the primary caregiver of the child.
- Proof of school attendance (children should be encouraged to attend school), if not attached, the application will still be processed.
- Confirmation of banking details i.e., certified copy of bank statement.
Child Support Grant Suspension
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) child support grant may be suspended if the recipient no longer meets the eligibility criteria, such as if the child reaches the age limit for the grant or if the recipient’s income exceeds the limit. The grant may also be suspended if the recipient is found to be committing fraud or if they fail to provide the necessary documentation or information. Additionally, the grant may be suspended if the recipient is no longer the primary caregiver of the child, or if the child dies or moves away.
Other reasons for suspension of the SASSA child support grant include non-compliance with grant conditions, such as failure to send the child to school or to take them for regular health check-ups, and if the grant is used for purposes other than the well-being of the child. The grant may also be suspended if the recipient is found to be in violation of any laws or if they are no longer a South African citizen. Additionally, if the recipient is found to be in arrears with any other government grants or benefits, their child support grant may be suspended.
When does the SASSA Child Support Grant Application Lapse?
The SASSA child support grant may lapse, or come to an end, when the child reaches the age limit for the grant. The age limit for the child support grant is typically 18 years old, although in some cases it may be extended to 21 years old if the child is still in full-time education or has a disability. The grant may also lapse if the recipient’s income exceeds the limit for the grant, if the child dies or moves away, or if the recipient is no longer the primary caregiver of the child. Additionally, if the recipient’s circumstances change and they no longer meet the eligibility criteria for the grant, the grant may lapse.
Other reasons why the SASSA child support grant may lapse include if the recipient fails to renew their grant application or provide updated information, if the recipient is found to be committing fraud or in violation of any laws, or if they are no longer a South African citizen. Additionally, if the recipient is found to be in arrears with any other government grants or benefits, their child support grant may be suspended or lapsed.
It is important to note that the SASSA reviews the beneficiaries of the Child Support Grant regularly and may require an application to be submitted again, or a home visit to be conducted, to ensure that the grant is being used for the well-being of the child and that the recipient is still eligible for the grant.