How much is the SASSA Child Grant 2020
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in 2020 provided low-income families with essential cash via the Child Support Grant. This grant was a way to help with the everyday needs of children under 18 years old.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government of South Africa implemented temporary increases to this grant.
In this article, we look into all the details of how much the SASSA child grant is in 2020.
What is the SASSA Child Support Grant?
The SASSA Child Support Grant is a monthly grant for primary caregivers of children under 18 years old who meet certain income restrictions. It’s part of the funding that enables children in poor, vulnerable families to survive.
The default child grant was set at R440 per month per child in 2020 to help reduce poverty and improve the living conditions of vulnerable children.
Scope of Application for the SASSA Child Support Grant
Caregivers and children had to meet the following eligibility requirements for the SASSA Child Support Grant:
- Income Requirement: Caregiver’s income must not exceed R48,000 (if single) or R96,000 (if married)
- Age Limit: Only children under 18 years were eligible.
- Citizenship: The parent and child needed to be South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees in South Africa.
- Primary Caregiver Status: The applicant had to be the primary caregiver of the child and be responsible for their daily care and wellbeing.
These standards ensured that support was available to those in need and that vital assistance went to families experiencing financial hardship.
How much is the SASSA Child Grant 2020
For most of 2020, the standard payment for the SASSA Child Support Grant was R440 per month per child. However, when COVID-19 impacted South Africa, this grant received temporary extensions.
Below are the monthly payments including COVID-19 relief amounts:
| Month | Standard Child Grant per Child | COVID-19 Additional Payment | Total Payment per Child | Caregiver Top-Up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January – April | R440 | N/A | R440 | N/A |
| May | R440 | R300 (per child) | R740 | N/A |
| June – October | R440 | N/A | R440 | R500 (per caregiver) |
| November – December | R440 | N/A | R440 | N/A |
This temporary increase was structured as follows:
- Single R300 Payment in May 2020: Each child grant beneficiary received an additional R300 in May, bringing the total to R740 per child.
- R500 Monthly Caregiver Top-Up (June – October 2020): Every primary caregiver received an extra R500 regardless of how many children they cared for.
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How To Apply For the SASSA Child Support Grant
The application process for the SASSA Child Support Grant included several steps to ensure only eligible families received assistance:
- Visit a SASSA Office: Family members had to visit a SASSA office in person
- Provide Required Documents: Applicants needed to submit identity documentation, proof of income, and residence
- Approval Process: After application submission, SASSA reviewed the application, and approved caregivers received monthly payments
Required Documents for Application
Caregivers needed to submit the following key documents with their application:
- Primary caregiver’s ID
- Child’s birth certificate
- Proof of income
- Proof of residence
- School records (for children over 7 years)
These documents ensured that all applicants met the grant’s requirements and that funds were directed to the children who needed them most.
How Payments Were Distributed
SASSA offered multiple payment methods to make the grant accessible:
- Bank Transfer: Funds could be deposited directly into the caregiver’s bank account
- SASSA Card: This card allows caregivers to withdraw money at pay points or ATMs
- Post Office Collection: Payments could be collected from local post offices, providing an alternative for those without bank accounts
These flexible payment options ensured that caregivers could access funds when and where they needed them.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Did the SASSA Child Grant Pay in 2020?
The standard amount was R440 per child per month, with additional COVID-19 relief top-ups during specific months of 2020.
What were the COVID-19 Relief Top-ups for Child Support Grants?
An additional R300 was provided per child in May, and from June to October, caregivers received an extra R500 per month.
Who was eligible for the SASSA Child Support Grant?
Primary caregivers of children under 18 who fell within specified income thresholds were eligible for the grant.
How many children received the Child Support Grant?
More than 12 million children in South Africa received the grant in 2020.
Is the Child Support Grant still available?
Yes, the SASSA Child Support Grant remains available, though the temporary COVID-19 relief top-ups have ended.