The Child Support Grant is the social grant with the most beneficiaries in South Africa, supporting more than 12 million children, according to National Treasury. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) pays it to the primary caregivers of children under 18. Here is what it pays in 2026, who qualifies, and how to apply.
Last checked: October 2026.
How much is the Child Support Grant in 2026?
The Child Support Grant is R580 per child per month from April 2026, up from R560 in 2025/26. The increase was announced in National Treasury’s 2026 Budget, which also raised the grant-in-aid to R580.
Grants are paid monthly. For this month’s dates, see our SASSA payment dates guide.
Who qualifies?
According to SASSA, the applicant must:
- be a South African citizen, permanent resident or recognised refugee living in South Africa, with the child also living in South Africa;
- be the child’s primary caregiver;
- apply for a child who is under 18;
- not apply for more than six children who are not their biological children;
- not apply for a child who is permanently cared for in a state-funded institution;
- pass the means test, which looks at the income of the applicant and, if married, their spouse.
SASSA asks for proof of school attendance for children of school-going age, but it says that failing to attend school or to submit this proof will not lead to the grant being refused.
The means test: income limits
The Child Support Grant has an income test only; it does not look at your assets. SASSA counts your income and, if you are married, your spouse’s income. The limits are adjusted each year.
SASSA’s means test sets the income limit at ten times the grant amount. Under the social assistance regulations, your income after permitted deductions must be below ten times the annual value of the grant. At R580 a month, that works out to R69 600 a year, or R5 800 a month, for a single caregiver. For a married couple, SASSA put the limit at about double, R11 600 a month, in an explainer reported in May 2026. Confirm the limit that applies to you with SASSA before you apply.
Documents you need
- A certified copy of your valid 13-digit barcoded ID (and your spouse’s, if married), or a valid Section 24 refugee permit. SASSA accepts alternative identification if you do not have an ID.
- A certified copy of the child’s 13-digit birth certificate.
- Proof of marital status, such as a marriage certificate, a spouse’s death certificate, a divorce decree or an affidavit in the case of desertion.
- Your latest payslip, not older than three months (and your spouse’s, if married).
- Three months of bank statements for all active accounts held by you and your spouse.
- A bank confirmation letter or three months of statements for the account you want the grant paid into.
- Proof of school attendance if the child is aged 7 to 18.
SASSA may ask for more documents during your one-on-one screening.
How to apply and get help
To apply, contact or visit your nearest SASSA office with the documents above. For questions, call SASSA’s toll-free line on 0800 60 10 11 or email [email protected]. You can find more on the SASSA Child Support Grant page.
