In following a seasonal lifestyle, the CSG representatives to South Africa issue them monthly to caregivers for the support of children who consider it as a source of their food, education, health, and so forth. In 2025 somewhere, there were rumors that it will be raised to R790 (or some variant thereof). Whether such a proposal will take effect or simply remain a proposal is really beside the point- the caregiver should now familiarize him/herself with its know-how, criteria, and application procedure. Some details toward this end follow.
About the R790 Grant Proposal
The amount to be paid was said to have been less than the R790; the Child Support Grant was said to be about R560 if paid per child in 2025. In the discussion and advocacy under the large increase, R790 takes into consideration the cost of living. Should the increase be implemented, it would go a long way to continue to sustain indigent families. However, the old grant rules are still in force and not yet gazetted or announced through SASSA.
Who Qualifies: Eligibility for Child Support Grant
Several requirements need to be fulfilled before a person receives a child support grant (or an increased grant). They are as follows:
- Primary Caregiver Status: You are an actual primary caregiver for this child: either a parent or a grandparent or a legal guardian, providing full-time care and supervision—covering whatever needs the child has. Your age must be at least 16 years.
- Child’s Age & Circumstances: The child should be below 18 years. The child must neither be under the care of a state institution nor does he/she have to be living with the caregiver in South Africa.
- Residency and Nationality: Both the applicant and child need to be residing in South Africa, while the caregiver is to be a South African citizen, a permanent resident, or a recognized refugee.
- Means Test (Income & Asset Limits): In other words, Sassa sets an earnings limit. Some sources have revealed that if one is a single caregiver, then earning more than R61,200 per annum (approximately R5,100 per month) would render one ineligible to receive the grant.
- Other Grants for the Same Child: Only one person may be granted benefits for a child. So, should another person be awarded for the child, you could be disqualified.
- Cooperation with Periodic Reviews: SASSA shall be entitled to review your standing periodic grants of the same or other period, as well as renewal of such eligibility, by submission of documentation requested by SASSA, subject to legislation, after award of a grant. Suspension may be entertained on/non-compliance.
Making an Application for the Child Support Grant (CSG)
The steps involved in applying are as follows:
- Go to SASSA Office: You will be required to physically appear at a SASSA office or counter within your region.
Have Documents with you:
- Your valid ID, whether bar-coded or smart ID, must have 13 digits on it.
- The child’s birth certificate or other proof of identity.
- Proof of income or earnings (e.g., payslips, bank statements, or an affidavit if these cannot be procured).
- Evidence of any maintenance money received, where applicable.
- Proof of physical address (could be a utility bill, a municipal letter, etc.).
- In case you are not the biological parent, any letters or affidavits proving so.
Tips & Considerations
- Watch for official confirmation of the R790 increase. Until SASSA issues a gazette or formal notice, rely on current grant amounts.
- Keep your documents up to date. Any change in income, residence, or caregiver status must be reported.
- Don’t miss reviews. Not responding to reviews can lead to suspension.
- Appoint a procurator if you are unable to attend SASSA offices (e.g. due to disability).
also read : Updated Grant Rules and Payment Calendar Released by SASSA for Late 2025