Raising a child comes with many expenses, and not every family has the financial strength to meet all those needs. In South Africa, the government helps support children through a monthly grant known as the Child Support Grant (CSG). The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) manages and distributes this grant.
The main goal of this grant is to help families with low income take care of children under the age of 18. Whether you are a parent, a grandparent, or another responsible adult who looks after the child, you may qualify for this help. The grant is not limited to biological children, and one caregiver can receive support for up to six children who are not legally or biologically theirs.
For the month of April 2025, SASSA is paying out R560 per child under the basic scheme. There is also a top-up grant of R250 for orphaned children. This brings the full amount for eligible cases to R810 per child. This grant helps cover food, clothing, school needs, and other basic expenses that help children live a healthy and secure life.
Who Can Receive the R560 Grant from SASSA?
SASSA has set specific rules to ensure that only eligible families receive the Child Support Grant. Here is a look at the main conditions:
- The applicant must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or recognized refugee.
- Both the child and the caregiver must live in South Africa.
- The caregiver should not receive any other grant for caring for the same child.
- The child must be under 18 years old.
- If the child is of school age, they must be enrolled in school.
- The child should not live full-time in a state-run institution (like an orphanage).
Updated Grant Amounts for April 2025
SASSA has shared the payment details for April 2025. The grant is divided into two parts: the standard payment and the extra support for orphaned children.
Here is a simple table to show the updated monthly amounts:
| Type of Grant | Amount Per Child (Monthly) |
|---|---|
| Basic Child Support Grant | R560 |
| Extra Top-Up for Orphaned Child | R250 |
| Total (if Top-Up Applies) | R810 |
How You Can Receive the Grant Money
SASSA gives families the choice to receive the money in different ways. Here are the available options:
- Direct Bank Transfer: The grant is paid directly to the caregiver’s bank account.
- SASSA Gold Card Pay Points: The money can be collected in cash using the Gold Card at SASSA-approved locations.
- Institutional Payment: Some children under special care may receive the payment through certain institutions.
Ensure your bank account details are correct and updated with SASSA to avoid delays.
How to Check SASSA Payment Status
It’s easy to stay updated about your grant payment. SASSA allows you to check your status using various methods. Here’s a helpful list of options:
- Online Check: Visit the SASSA Status Check Website and enter your ID and details to check updates.
- WhatsApp Service: Send the word “Status” to 082 046 8553 and follow the steps.
- USSD Code: Dial 134*7737# on your mobile phone and follow the on-screen guide.
- Call Center: Call the toll-free number 0800 60 10 11 for help with your application or payments.
These options are available 24/7, and it’s best to check once every month around the time grants are paid.
Key Points Caregivers Must Remember
Even after qualifying for the grant, caregivers need to keep a few things in mind to avoid delays or rejection:
- Always report any change in your home address, bank details, or caregiving status to SASSA.
- If your income changes or you stop taking care of the child, SASSA must be informed.
- Make sure your child’s school records are up-to-date if they are school-aged.
Missing or outdated information may lead to a pause or stop in payments.