What is SASSA Child Support Grant?

Child Support Grant from the South African Government is helping the citizens grow their children. Sassa Child Grant Support is specially designed for those who don’t have enough income to raise their child and helps the parents fulfill their child’s basic needs. If you are also one of them, then submit an SASSA Child Support Grant Application to the Sassa team and they let you know if you are eligible or not for the Child Support Grant.

If you have already applied for the SASSA Child Support Grant and want to check the Status of the Child Support Grant, then the below tool can help you in checking the status.

SASSA Child Support Grant Online Application

If you want to apply for the Sassa Child Support Grant, then follow the below process:

 Eligibility Criteria 

The eligibility criteria for the Child Support Grant typically include:

1. Residency: The child and the primary caregiver must be residents of South Africa.
2. Age of Child: The child must be under the age of 16.
3. Income Threshold: The primary caregiver’s income must fall below a certain threshold. Earning must be under R4000/m as a single parent, or under R8000 as a married couple.
4. Child Birth: The child’s birth must be registered with the Department of Home Affairs
5. Child’s Health: The child must meet specific health requirements, such as being adequately immunized.
6. Children: You must have 5 or less children not receiving any grant before
7. Custody: The primary caregiver must have legal custody or guardianship of the child, or be in the process of obtaining it.
8. Means Test: The grant is means-tested, meaning the primary caregiver’s income and assets will be assessed to determine eligibility.
9. Child’s Education: In some cases, the child must be attending school regularly.

These criteria may vary slightly depending on the specific regulations and policies of the administering agency or department.

 Required Documents

The necessary documentation required to apply for a Child Support Grant typically includes:

1. South African identity document of the primary caregiver.
2. Identity document or birth certificate of the child.
3. Evidence of legal custody or guardianship, such as court orders, standby guardianship designation, or parental affidavit.
4. Proof of the child’s income, if applicable.
5. Verification of school attendance for the child(ren), if applicable.

It is important to ensure that all copies of the required documents are certified. Certification involves having them signed and stamped by a police officer or any other commissioner of oaths. 

Additionally, upon application submission, applicants should receive either a copy of the application or a dated receipt signed by the relevant officer as proof of application. In the event of application rejection, a letter will be sent detailing the reasons for rejection. There is also a right to appeal against this decision.

How to Apply for the Sassa Children Support Grant?

If you have all of the above things and fall under the criteria required for a Support grant, then follow the below process for a Child Support Grant Application:

1. Visit the nearest South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office.
2. Bring your 13-digit bar-coded identity document and the child’s birth certificate.
3. If these documents are unavailable, complete an affidavit in a standard SASSA format.
4. The affidavit must be done in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths who is not from SASSA.
5. Additionally, bring along other relevant documents such as:
   • Proof of maintenance was received for the child.
   • Proof of earnings.
   • Marriage certificate (if applicable).
   • Court order for custody (if divorced).
   • Death certificate of deceased parent (if applicable).

Below is the easiest way to apply for the Sassa Child Support Grant in office:

• At the SASSA office: An official will help you fill out the necessary forms. They’ll also talk to you and take your fingerprints.
• If you can’t go yourself: You can ask a friend or family member to go for you. Just give them a letter from you and a note from your doctor explaining why you can’t come. A SASSA official will then organize a visit to your home.
• Choosing how you get paid: When you apply, you’ll decide how you want to get the money. Think about whether you’d like to collect cash on a specific day each month or have it put into a bank account. You can always change your mind later by filling out a form at a SASSA office.
• Keeping your receipt: After you apply, SASSA will give you a receipt. It’s important to hang on to this receipt because it proves you applied.

Office to Apply for Child Grant Support

Below are the offices of Sassa for applying:

How much time is needed for the Child Support Grant Application Process?

The process for applying for the Child Support Grant typically takes around three months for payments to commence after approval. Approved applicants will receive payments retroactively from the date of their grant application. 

Additionally, individuals will be notified three months before any review of the grant. If payments are received through a bank, institution, or procurator, an annual life certificate for the child must be completed at the SASSA offices.

Child Support Grant Payment Methods

Following are the ways to receive Grant payment if your application is approved:

Collecting Cash Grant

• It’s crucial to collect cash grants every month if you’ve opted for this method.
• If the grant hasn’t been collected for three consecutive months, it will lapse, requiring you to reapply.

Grant Renewal

• The grant doesn’t require annual renewal. Instead, SASSA sends a registered letter each year requesting updated financial information.

Reporting Changes

• Inform SASSA promptly if your financial situation improves to avoid committing fraud by receiving grants you’re no longer eligible for.

Grant Termination

• Grant payments cease when the child turns 18, is admitted to a state-funded institution for over six months, or in the event of the child’s death.

Keeping Contact Details Updated

• Ensure all contact details with SASSA are current, and notify them immediately of any changes in your or the child’s circumstances.

Flexibility in Paypoints

• You can visit any PayPoint monthly; it’s not necessary to stick to the same one.
• While you can collect in a different province, it’s advisable to use the same pay point to avoid potential issues.
• If you plan to collect in a different province, inform SASSA beforehand at 0800 601 011.

SASSA Child Support Grant Review and Suspension

SASSA may review the grant based on the income declared during the application process. Failure to cooperate during reviews, committing fraud, changes in circumstances, or if the child is no longer in your care can lead to suspension or termination of the grant.

Child Support Grant Payment Date

Those whose application for a Child Support Grant is approved can receive the payment on the date they applied. If you are one of them and want to check the Payment Date, then visit the given link and you will see the complete details of Payments. If you face any issues, then let us know in the comment section. We will try our best to help you as soon as possible.

What if my Child Support Grant Application is Rejected?

If your application for the Child Support Grant is declined, you have options to address the situation based on the information provided in the sources:

Understand the Reasons

It’s essential to grasp why your application was rejected. Reasons could include incomplete documentation, failure to meet eligibility criteria, or errors in the application process.

Appeal the Decision

You have the right to appeal the rejection. Follow the appeals process outlined by the relevant authority, which may involve providing additional information or correcting errors.

Seek Feedback

If possible, ask for feedback from the grantmaker or relevant authority. Understanding why your application was rejected can help you improve future submissions.

Explore Other Opportunities

If unsuccessful, consider exploring alternative grant opportunities or funders that may align better with your proposal. Thorough research before applying can boost your chances of success.

Enhance Skills and Network

Consider enrolling in courses to improve grant writing skills. Networking with grant writers and nonprofit professionals can offer valuable advice and support for future applications.

By taking these steps and addressing the reasons for rejection, you can increase your chances of securing a Child Support Grant in the future.

How to renew a child support grant for more than 6 children?

To renew a child support grant for more than six children, you must submit a renewal application at the nearest South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office or Regional Office counter service point. The renewal application is typically free of charge. Once completed in the presence of a SASSA officer, you will receive a receipt as proof of your renewal application.

You may need to provide updated documentation and information along with the renewal form. This includes proof of legal guardianship or custody, the children’s birth certificates, and any other relevant documentation required for the renewal process. It’s crucial to ensure that all necessary documents are up to date and accurately submitted to successfully renew the child support grant for more than six children.

Contact Details

FAQs for Child Support Grant

Summary

The Child Support Grant is a financial assistance program provided by the South African government to support primary caregivers in meeting the basic needs of children under the age of 18. It aims to alleviate poverty and improve the well-being of children by providing monthly cash transfers.

Eligibility is based on factors such as income level and custody status, and applications are processed through the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). The grant can be used to cover expenses related to education, health care, nutrition, and other necessities for the child’s welfare.