Child Support Grant (CSG)
The Child Support Grant helps caregivers provide for children under 18 years of age. It is the most widely distributed social grant in South Africa.
The Child Support Grant (CSG) is a monthly cash transfer from SASSA to the primary caregiver of a child. It is designed to help caregivers meet the basic needs of children, including food, clothing, education, and healthcare.
The grant is paid to the primary caregiver, who may be the biological parent, grandparent, or any other person who takes primary responsibility for the daily care of the child. The caregiver does not need to be the biological parent.
Each qualifying child in a household can receive the grant separately, meaning a caregiver can apply for multiple children if they meet the criteria for each.
Current Grant Amount
R580 per child per month
Child Requirements:
- Must be under 18 years of age
- Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Must not be cared for in a state institution
- Must not already be receiving another child grant (except Care Dependency Grant)
Caregiver Requirements:
- Must be the primary caregiver of the child
- Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Must reside in South Africa
- Must meet the means test requirements
Means Test Thresholds (2026)
Single Caregiver: Annual income below R57,600 (R4,800/month)
Married Caregiver: Combined annual income below R115,200 (R9,600/month)
Child Support Grant payments are made after the Older Persons and Disability Grants. Here are the confirmed payment dates for 2026:
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January 2026 | 8 January 2026 |
| February 2026 | 5 February 2026 |
| March 2026 | 5 March 2026 |
| April 2026 | 8 April 2026 |
| May 2026 | 8 May 2026 |
| June 2026 | 5 June 2026 |
| July 2026 | 6 July 2026 |
| August 2026 | 7 August 2026 |
| September 2026 | 4 September 2026 |
| October 2026 | 6 October 2026 |
| November 2026 | 6 November 2026 |
| December 2026 | 4 December 2026 |
Apply at your nearest SASSA office. The application is free and you do not need to pay anyone to help you apply.
Required Documents:
- Your South African ID document (Smart ID or green ID book)
- Child's birth certificate or ID document
- Proof of residence (utility bill, affidavit, or letter from headman/chief)
- Proof of income (payslips or affidavit if unemployed)
- Bank statement or proof of banking details (if you want direct deposit)
If You Are Not the Biological Parent:
- Affidavit stating that you are the primary caregiver
- Letter from the biological parents (if available) or proof of why they cannot care for the child
Important
Children can be registered for the Child Support Grant from birth. Early registration ensures the child receives benefits as soon as possible.
You can apply for the Child Support Grant as soon as your baby is born. Here is how:
- 1
Register the Birth
Register your baby at the hospital or Home Affairs within 30 days of birth
- 2
Get the Birth Certificate
Obtain an abridged or unabridged birth certificate from Home Affairs
- 3
Visit SASSA
Take all required documents to your nearest SASSA office to apply
- 4
Receive Your Grant
Once approved, you will receive the grant from the next payment cycle