Child Support Grant 2026
Complete guide to eligibility, the current R580 monthly amount, step-by-step application process, and how to appeal a declined application.
Child Support Grant — Quick Facts 2026
What Is the Child Support Grant?
The Child Support Grant (CSG) is a monthly payment from SASSA to help primary caregivers support children under 18 years of age. It is one of South Africa’s most important social grants, reaching approximately 13 million children every month.
The grant is paid to the primary caregiver — this does not have to be the biological parent. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and legal guardians all qualify as primary caregivers, provided they are the person mainly responsible for the child’s daily care, food, clothing, and shelter.
The grant amount was increased from R560 to R580 per child per month effective 1 April 2026, as part of the 2026/27 National Budget increases approved by National Treasury.
Who Qualifies for the Child Support Grant?
The Child Must:
- Be under 18 years of age
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee with valid documentation
- Live in South Africa with the caregiver
The Caregiver Must:
- Be the primary caregiver — the person mainly responsible for the child’s daily care
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or recognised refugee
- Live in South Africa
- Pass the means test — income below R61,200 per year if single (R5,100 per month)
- If married or living with a partner — combined income must not exceed R122,400 per year (R10,200 per month)
- Not be receiving the grant for more than 6 children who are not your biological or legally adopted children
Documents Required to Apply
You must bring original documents — photocopies are not accepted. Have all of these ready before your SASSA appointment:
How to Apply for the Child Support Grant — Step by Step
Applications must be done in person at a SASSA office or service point. The application is completely free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
- Gather all required documents Collect all original documents listed above before visiting SASSA. Incomplete applications cause delays — missing even one document may mean a second trip.
- Visit your nearest SASSA office Go to your nearest SASSA office or SASSA service point at a post office or community centre. Offices are open Monday to Friday, 07:30 to 16:00. Arrive early as queues can be long.
- Complete the application form A SASSA officer will assist you to complete the application form (DSD-1). The officer fills in the form in your presence and explains each section. You do not need to pre-fill the form.
- Submit your documents and keep your receipt Hand over all your original documents. SASSA will make copies. You will receive a receipt — keep this as proof of your application. Your receipt has a reference number for follow-up queries.
- Biometric verification SASSA will capture your fingerprints and photograph for identity verification. This is mandatory for all new applications in 2026 and cannot be skipped.
- Await approval (up to 3 months) Processing can take up to 3 months. Once approved, payments are backdated to your application date — you will not lose money during the waiting period. Check your status by calling 0800 60 10 11 or visiting your nearest office.
- Choose your payment method Once approved, choose how you want to receive your grant: direct deposit to a bank account, or collection at a SASSA pay point or Post Office. A bank account in your own name is the safest and most convenient option.
Common Reasons for Child Support Grant Rejection
| Rejection Reason | What It Means | How to Fix It |
|---|---|---|
| Income above threshold | Your income or combined household income exceeds R61,200/R122,400 per year | Provide 3 months of bank statements. If income was temporary, submit an affidavit explaining the circumstances |
| Child over 18 | The child has turned 18 — the grant stops automatically | The grant cannot be reinstated once a child turns 18. Apply for other assistance if needed |
| Incomplete documents | Missing birth certificate, proof of residence, or income documents | Return to SASSA with all original required documents and resubmit |
| Not primary caregiver | SASSA could not verify you are the main person caring for the child | Obtain an affidavit from a police station or a court order confirming caregiving status |
| Duplicate application | Another person has already applied for the grant for the same child | Visit SASSA office with proof of caregiving — only one caregiver can receive the grant per child |
| Identity verification failure | Your details do not match Home Affairs records | Correct your details at the Department of Home Affairs first, then reapply |
How to Appeal a Declined Child Support Grant
If your Child Support Grant application was declined and you believe the decision was incorrect, you have the right to appeal. The appeal process is completely free — no lawyer is required.
- Request written reasons for the decline — Ask SASSA to provide the specific reason for your rejection in writing. You have the right to this information.
- Gather supporting documents — Collect bank statements, affidavits, proof of income, and any documents that address the reason for rejection.
- Submit your appeal within 90 days — Visit your nearest SASSA office or submit your appeal to the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA). Appeals submitted after 90 days will not be considered.
- Await the tribunal decision — The ITSAA independently reviews your case. If successful, your grant will be reinstated with back-pay from the original application date.
For help with your appeal, read our full guide: How to Appeal a Declined SASSA Grant 2026 →
Frequently Asked Questions — Child Support Grant 2026
How much is the Child Support Grant in 2026?
The Child Support Grant is R580 per child per month from April 2026. This is an increase from the previous amount of R560, as part of the 2026/27 National Budget adjustments approved by National Treasury.
Can I apply for the Child Support Grant for more than one child?
Yes. You can receive the Child Support Grant for multiple children, provided each child meets the eligibility requirements. However, you can only receive the grant for a maximum of 6 children who are not your biological or legally adopted children.
Can a grandmother or aunt apply for the Child Support Grant?
Yes. Any person who is the primary caregiver of a child can apply, including grandmothers, aunts, uncles, older siblings, and family friends. You must be able to prove you are the person mainly responsible for the child’s daily care through an affidavit or other documentation.
How long does it take for the Child Support Grant to be approved?
Processing takes up to 3 months from the date of application. Once approved, payments are backdated to your application date, so you will not lose any money during the waiting period. Keep your application receipt as proof of your application date.
What happens to the Child Support Grant when the child turns 18?
The Child Support Grant stops automatically when the child turns 18. SASSA will send a notification before the child’s 18th birthday. The grant cannot be extended beyond age 18 under any circumstances.
Can I receive the Child Support Grant if I am employed?
Yes, provided your income does not exceed the means test threshold. A single caregiver earning less than R61,200 per year (R5,100 per month) qualifies. If you are married or living with a partner, your combined income must not exceed R122,400 per year (R10,200 per month).
Related SASSA Guides
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