How much is the SASSA Child Grant 2023
The SASSA Child Support Grant is a staple in the South African government’s campaign against child poverty.
This monthly amount helps poor families afford the basic necessities of life such as food, clothes, and schooling.
While the grant formula, criteria, and monthly payment amount change regularly, the current grant amount in 2023 is R480 per child.
Eligibility Criteria for the SASSA Child Grant in 2023
For SASSA Child Support Grant applicants to qualify in 2023, certain conditions must be met:
- Minimum Income Limits: An individual caregiver should earn less than R48,000 a year and the combined income for married caregivers shouldn’t exceed R96,000.
- Criteria for Residence: Caregiver (applicant) and child should both be residents of South Africa.
- Child’s Age: This grant is open only to children under the age of 18.
- Primary Caregiver: Applicant must be the child’s primary caretaker (parent, grandparent, legal guardian)
These conditions help SASSA direct the Child Support Grant to families in real need of financial assistance.
How much is the SASSA Child Grant 2023
As of 2023, the SASSA Child Support Grant amounts to R480 per child monthly. This amount is set to allow parents to cover the minimum costs of supporting a child (food, clothes, school supplies).
Even though it may seem low, this amount can significantly ease the financial burden for poor families.
SASSA Child Grant 2023 Payment Dates and Amounts
SASSA publishes a monthly payment plan every year to help caregivers budget.
Below are the SASSA Child Support Grant payment dates for 2023:
| Month | Payment Date | Monthly Payment Amount (per child) |
|---|---|---|
| January 2023 | 3 January 2023 | R480 |
| February 2023 | 2 February 2023 | R480 |
| March 2023 | 2 March 2023 | R480 |
| April 2023 | 4 April 2023 | R480 |
| May 2023 | 3 May 2023 | R480 |
| June 2023 | 2 June 2023 | R480 |
| July 2023 | 4 July 2023 | R480 |
| August 2023 | 2 August 2023 | R480 |
| September 2023 | 4 September 2023 | R480 |
| October 2023 | 3 October 2023 | R480 |
| November 2023 | 2 November 2023 | R480 |
| December 2023 | 5 December 2023 | R480 |
Note that grant payment is made on the specified date of each month, providing a predictable and regular rhythm to help with monthly budgeting.
How to Apply for the SASSA Child Grant
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Visit the nearest SASSA Office
- Applications must be submitted in person at a nearby SASSA office
- Fill out the Application Form
- SASSA staff will provide the form for you to complete
- Submit Documents
- Submit ID/Income Proof documents and any other required documentation
- Receive a Receipt
- After submitting your application, you will receive a receipt confirming your application has been received
- Wait for Decision
- Applications can take up to 3 months
- After approval, payment is made retroactively to the application date
Documents Required for Application
Be sure to include the following documents to avoid delays in the application process:
- ID of Primary Caregiver
- You need a formal South African ID
- Birth Certificate of Child
- The Child’s birth certificate should be a full-length copy
- Sources of Income
- Recent bank statements or an employment letter
- Proof of Address
- Utility bill, letter, or affidavit of address
- Court Order (where applicable)
- You’ll require a court order or proof of guardianship if you are the legal guardian of the child
Having these documents organized will make your application process smoother and prevent unnecessary delays.
How to Collect SASSA Child Grant
SASSA offers different ways to collect the monthly Child Support Grant so that caretakers can choose the most convenient method:
- Bank Direct Deposit
- The grant is directly transferred to a bank account for ease of access
- SASSA Card
- You can withdraw funds from your SASSA card at ATMs or stores
- Cash Collection Points
- Available for families who prefer to collect their grant payments at SASSA cash points in rural districts
Annual Review of SASSA Child Grant
The grant amount is reviewed annually according to inflation and economic circumstances in South Africa. While it’s currently R480 per child in 2023, this could increase in future years to buffer against rising prices of necessary commodities and services. Adjustments are typically announced each year in the government’s budget speech.
Click here to do a SASSA status check and be sure all your information is up-to-date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a third party receive the SASSA Child Grant?
Yes, any grandparent or legal guardian who is the primary caretaker may apply for the grant on the child’s behalf.
Where can I track my SASSA Child Grant application status?
You can track your SASSA Child Grant application status on our homepage.
What should I do if my SASSA Child Grant application is declined?
You have the right to appeal, and SASSA will provide information on the appeal process.
Is the SASSA Child Grant amount going to increase?
The grant amount is reviewed each year, and any increase will be announced in the government budget.
Can I receive grants for multiple children?
Yes, the grant is provided per child, so caregivers can receive support for each qualifying child.