The Child Support Grant (CSG) in South Africa is a vital social assistance program designed to support primary caregivers of children living in poverty. To qualify, applicants must meet specific income and age criteria, ensuring the grant reaches the most vulnerable families.
Age Requirements for the Child Support Grant
To be eligible for the Child Support Grant, the child must be under the age of 18. This means the grant supports children from birth up until their 18th birthday. Additionally, the child cannot be in the care of a state institution; they must live with the primary caregiver who is applying for the grant. The caregiver must be the person primarily responsible for the child’s care, regardless of biological or legal parenthood. Importantly, the grant cannot be claimed for more than six children who are not the applicant’s biological or legally adopted children. The caregiver and child must both reside in South Africa at the time of application and throughout the period of receiving the grant.
Income Eligibility and Means Test
Income eligibility is assessed through a means test to ensure the grant supports those with limited financial resources. For single caregivers, the maximum allowable income is R52,800 per year or R4,400 per month. For married couples applying jointly, the combined income must not exceed R105,600 per year or R8,800 per month. These thresholds apply regardless of whether a couple is married in or out of community of property, and only the income of the applicant and their spouse (if applicable) is considered, not the total household income.
The means test is designed to target poor families, helping to reduce child poverty by providing monthly financial support. In October 2025, the monthly Child Support Grant amount is R530 per eligible child. This payment assists caregivers in covering essential needs such as food, clothing, and healthcare for their children.
Additional Eligibility Considerations
The applicant must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee living in South Africa. It does not matter if the applicant is the biological parent, foster parent, or another primary caregiver, as long as the child lives with them. Caregivers who receive other social grants for the child can still apply, but only one grant can be paid per child. Also, if the caregiver is paid to look after the child, they are not eligible for the grant.
Applications are submitted at SASSA offices or designated service points, and beneficiaries are encouraged to keep their contact and banking details updated to avoid payment delays. Grants are paid monthly through bank deposits, SASSA pay points, or retail outlets.
Recent Adjustments and Context
Recent updates have slightly increased the income thresholds for the means test, reflecting inflation and economic changes to better support families in need. The Child Support Grant remains a cornerstone of South Africa’s social protection framework, significantly contributing to child welfare and poverty alleviation. As of 2025, these eligibility criteria and payment amounts ensure the grant remains accessible to those most in need while maintaining sustainability in government support programs.
