New SASSA Child Grant Increased to R560 – Check Eligibility and How to Apply

In 2025, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) formally announced that the Child Support Grant would experience a massive increase to R560 per month. This number alone is a relief for millions of care givers and guardians relying on the payment to keep their children’s basic needs afloat.

This is intended to help low-income families with care givers of children under 18 years in the face of rising living costs. If you are a care giver or are a parent, continue to read this page for everything you need to know about the New Grant, the eligibility requirements, the application process, and the documentation needed.

What Child Support Grant Is For SASSA?

The Child Support Grant of SASSA is a state program for poorer households to support dependent children. It is a cash grant given monthly to primary caregivers-parents, grandparents, or legal guardians-who qualify.

The recent increase of R560 per child per month would ensure that more families are able to meet some of the basic needs in terms of food, school supplies, and medical care.

Why Was The Grant Increased?

In the last year, the cost of living in South Africa took a turn for the worse. Food, electricity, transport to and from school, and health service expenses rose, increasing the financial demands on the family especially those in disadvantaged communities.

In helping with this burden, the government, via SASSA, increased the Child Support Grant by R560 for 2025. This amount will help with increased financial needs on the side of families so that these funds can go towards preventing malnutrition and poverty among children.

Who Will Get the R560 SASSA Child Grant?

To claim the new grant, you must satisfy certain criteria, both as a citizen and financially:

General Requirements:

• You need to be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
• The child needs to be below the age of 18.
• The child needs to reside with the primary caregiver, who is not receiving payment to care for them.
• The caregiver and child need to reside in South Africa.
• The child cannot be receiving care in a government facility (e.g., state child care or prison).

Income Limits (Means Test):

• If single, your income cannot be more than R60,000 per year.
• If married, your household income cannot be more than R120,000 per year.
• These limits ensure that only those who are truly in need of financial support qualify for the program.

How Much Will You Get?

As of 2025, qualifying beneficiaries will get R560 per child per month.

For instance:

• If you’re taking care of two children, you’ll get R1,120 per month.
• For three children, you’ll get R1,680 per month.

This amount is reviewed from time to time and adjusted according to economic conditions and inflation rates.

Steps to Apply for the SASSA Child Grant

It is easy to apply for the grant. You may apply in person at the local SASSA office or apply online through the SASSA portal (where available in your area).

Documents You’ll Require:

• Applicant’s South African ID or refugee ID.
• Child’s birth certificate (should bear the name of the parent).
• Proof of income (such as a pay slip or bank statement).
• Proof of residence (utility bill or affidavit).
• If the applicant is not the biological parent:
• A court order or affidavit of guardianship.

Application Steps:

• Go to the nearest SASSA office or visit the online portal.
• Complete the application form (SASSA staff will help you if necessary).
• Hand in all the required documents.
• You’ll be given a receipt as proof of application (keep it safe).
• Wait for approval, which may take a maximum of 3 months.

When approved, payments will be made retroactively from the application date.

How Are Payments Made?

SASSA provides various payment options to make it convenient for recipients:

• Direct bank deposit (most preferred and secure option).
• SASSA Gold Card (can be used at ATMs and retail outlets).
• Cash pay points (for rural areas with no banking facilities).

Beneficiaries are invited to choose bank payments for quicker, safer, and more secure access to money.

What Happens If Your Application Is Refused?

If your application is refused, you will get a letter stating the reason. If you think that the refusal was unfair, you can appeal within 90 days by making a written application to the Department of Social Development. The appeal will be processed, and if it is determined to be valid, your grant can be approved retroactively.

Can You Apply for More Than One Child?

Yes! If you are the sole caregiver for more than one child, you can apply for each child separately. Each application must be accompanied by the child’s birth certificate and other documents.

Tips for a Smooth Application Process

• Make sure all documents are valid and current.
• If paying from a bank account, ensure it’s in your name.
• Keep your contact information up to date with SASSS for notice purposes.
• Safeguard your receipt as proof of application.

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Conclusion

The SASSA Child Grant increase to R560 in 2025 is a further indication of the government’s commitment to helping vulnerable households and allowing children to develop in a secure, supportive environment. Whether you are a single parent, unemployed caregiver, or grandparent who is caring for grandchildren, this increase can have a real impact on your monthly budget.

Ensure you verify your eligibility, compile the necessary documents, and apply early to begin receiving the payments. Through this grant, children and their families throughout South Africa are able to provide for their children’s development, health, and education more adequately.

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