Child Grant Eligibility: Income and Age Requirements

South Africa’s Child Support Grant (CSG) remains a cornerstone of the country’s social protection system, designed to alleviate child poverty and support vulnerable households. As of October 2025, with persistent economic challenges—including high unemployment, inflation, and widening inequality—the CSG is more vital than ever for millions of families. The grant is administered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and targets primary caregivers of children under 18, provided they meet strict income and residency criteria. Recent adjustments to the means test and grant amounts reflect both inflationary pressures and government efforts to expand social safety nets. For example, the monthly CSG payment increased to R560 per child in September 2025, with a possible top-up depending on household circumstances. Understanding the precise eligibility rules, application process, and compliance requirements is essential for South African consumers seeking this critical support. This guide provides a comprehensive, up-to-date analysis of CSG eligibility, focusing on income and age requirements, with real-world examples, step-by-step application advice, and expert recommendations tailored to the current socio-economic climate.

Overview of the Child Support Grant in South Africa

The Child Support Grant is a non-contributory social assistance benefit aimed at improving the living conditions of children in low-income households. It is distinct from other grants, such as the Foster Child Grant or Care Dependency Grant, which have different eligibility criteria and purposes. The CSG is means-tested, meaning eligibility depends on the income and assets of the primary caregiver and, if applicable, their spouse. The grant is paid monthly directly to the primary caregiver, who is legally responsible for using the funds to meet the child’s basic needs—food, clothing, health care, and education.

Purpose and Impact

The CSG was introduced to reduce child poverty and improve access to essential services. Research indicates that the grant has a measurable impact on child health, nutrition, and school attendance, particularly in rural and township communities. Despite these benefits, challenges such as application delays, documentation requirements, and limited awareness persist, especially among first-time applicants.

Eligibility Criteria: Income and Age Requirements

Eligibility for the CSG hinges on two main factors: the age of the child and the financial circumstances of the primary caregiver. Both criteria are strictly enforced by SASSA, and applicants must provide documentary proof to support their claims.

Age Requirements

• The child must be under 18 years old at the time of application.
• There is no minimum age; newborns are eligible from birth, provided all other criteria are met.
• The grant ceases when the child turns 18, unless the child is still in secondary school, in which case an extension may be possible under specific conditions (though this is not standard for the CSG and typically applies to other grants).

Income and Means Test

The means test is a critical component of CSG eligibility. It assesses the combined income of the primary caregiver and their spouse (if applicable) to determine financial need. As of April 2025, the income thresholds are as follows:

Applicant Status	Annual Income Threshold (April 2025)
Single Primary Caregiver	R67,200
Married Primary Caregiver (combined income)	R134,400

These thresholds are adjusted periodically to account for inflation and cost-of-living increases. It is essential to check the latest figures on the SASSA website or at a local office, as outdated information can lead to application rejection.

Asset Test

While the primary focus is on income, SASSA also considers the value of assets owned by the applicant. However, for the CSG, the asset test is less stringent compared to grants for older persons or people with disabilities. Most household assets, such as a primary residence, furniture, and personal belongings, are excluded. Significant assets like additional properties, investments, or luxury vehicles may affect eligibility, but this is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Residency and Citizenship

• Both the primary caregiver and the child must be South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees.
• They must reside in South Africa at the time of application and for the duration of the grant.
• The primary caregiver must live with the child and not be paid to care for the child (i.e., not a foster parent or paid childminder).

Other Key Conditions

• The child must not be cared for in a state institution (e.g., a government children’s home).
• An applicant cannot receive the CSG for more than six non-biological children (unless they are legally adopted).
• If the primary caregiver is not the biological or adoptive parent, additional documentation (e.g., affidavit, social worker’s report) is required to prove caregiving responsibility.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for the CSG involves several steps, each requiring careful attention to detail to avoid delays or rejection.

1. Gather Required Documentation

• South African ID or birth certificate for the child
• ID or passport of the primary caregiver
• Proof of residence (utility bill, lease agreement)
• Proof of income (payslips, affidavit if unemployed, bank statements)
• If applicable, proof of caregiving (affidavit, social worker’s report, school letter)
• Marriage certificate or affidavit of marital status (if applicable)

2. Complete the Application Form

Application forms are available at SASSA offices, online via the SASSA portal, or at selected South African Post Office branches. The form must be completed in full, with all sections signed and dated.

3. Submit the Application

Submit the completed form and supporting documents at your nearest SASSA office. All applicants (including children over 16) must be present for fingerprinting and an interview with a SASSA officer.

4. Await Notification

SASSA typically processes applications within three months. Successful applicants receive a notification letter with payment details. If rejected, applicants have 90 days to appeal the decision.

5. Receive Payments

Once approved, the grant is paid monthly, usually into a bank account or through cash pay points. It is the caregiver’s responsibility to ensure the funds are used for the child’s benefit.

Current Payment Amounts and Adjustments

As of September 2025, the CSG payment is R560 per child per month. Additional top-ups may be available depending on household circumstances, but these are not automatically applied and require separate application or assessment. The grant amount is reviewed annually, with increases typically announced in the national budget. These adjustments aim to keep pace with inflation and the rising cost of living.

Historical Context and Recent Increases

The CSG has seen consistent increases over the past decade, reflecting both inflationary pressures and policy commitments to expand social protection. For example, the grant was R500 per child in 2024, increasing to R560 in September 2025. These adjustments are critical for maintaining the purchasing power of the grant in the face of rising food, transport, and education costs.

Compliance and Review Processes

SASSA conducts regular reviews of grant beneficiaries to ensure ongoing eligibility. Failure to respond to review requests can result in suspension or termination of the grant. The agency is increasingly using online self-service platforms to streamline the review process and reduce office queues. Beneficiaries must report any changes in their circumstances (e.g., income, marital status, residence) to SASSA promptly.

Real-World Scenarios and Case Studies

To illustrate the practical application of CSG eligibility rules, consider the following scenarios:

Case Study 1: Single Mother in Johannesburg

Thandi, a 28-year-old single mother, earns R4,500 per month (R54,000 per year) as a domestic worker. She lives with her two children (aged 3 and 7) in a rented flat. Thandi applies for the CSG at her local SASSA office, providing her ID, the children’s birth certificates, a lease agreement, and her payslips. Her annual income is below the R67,200 threshold, so she qualifies for R560 per child per month, totaling R1,120 monthly. This supplement helps cover school fees, uniforms, and groceries.

Case Study 2: Grandparent Caregiver in Limpopo

Gogo Maria, a 62-year-old pensioner, cares for her three grandchildren after their parents passed away. She receives an Older Person’s Grant of R2,080 per month (R24,960 per year) and has no other income. The combined income of Maria and her spouse (if applicable) must be considered, but as a single applicant, her pension income is below the CSG threshold. She provides affidavits from the school principal and a social worker to prove her caregiving role. She receives R560 per child, totaling R1,680 monthly, which is crucial for meeting the children’s needs alongside her pension.

Case Study 3: Married Couple in Cape Town

Sipho and Nomsa are married and jointly earn R11,000 per month (R132,000 per year). They have two children under 18. Their combined annual income is just below the R134,400 threshold for married applicants. They qualify for R560 per child, totaling R1,120 monthly. This income is vital for covering after-school care and transport costs in an expensive city.

Statistics and Data: The Broader Picture

According to recent studies, the CSG reaches over 13 million children annually, making it one of the largest social assistance programs in Africa. Despite its scale, challenges such as application delays, lack of awareness, and administrative bottlenecks persist, particularly in underserved communities. The grant’s impact is significant: research shows that CSG recipients are more likely to access healthcare, attend school regularly, and experience improved nutrition compared to non-recipients.

However, gaps remain. For example, some eligible families do not apply due to complex documentation requirements or mistrust of government systems. Others face delays in processing, which can exacerbate household poverty during the waiting period. Ongoing efforts to digitize and streamline the application process aim to address these barriers, but progress is gradual.

Comparison Table: Child Support Grant vs. Other Grants

Grant Type	Age Requirement	Income Threshold (Annual)	Monthly Payment (2025)	Key Conditions
Child Support Grant	Under 18	Single: R67,200 Married: R134,400	R560 per child	Primary caregiver, means-tested, residency
Foster Child Grant	Under 18	No income test	R1,180 per child	Court-ordered foster care, no income test
Care Dependency Grant	Under 18, severe disability	Single: R107,880 Married: R215,760