Grants are a vital part of creating a more leveled ground for people in a community. The child support grant is a grant awarded to families who need monetary support for raising their kids or kids under their care.
This article will outline all you need to know about the child support grant. This includes who can apply, what you need to apply, how to apply, what to expect, and how to apply properly.
We’ll pay special attention to who qualifies for this grant so that you can determine if it’s something you should consider. Keep reading to learn all this information and more.
Who Qualifies?
This section outlines who qualifies for the child support grant.
For the parent to qualify, they must be the child’s (or children’s) sole or main caregiver. For example, you may be the parent, grandparent, or elder sibling over the age of 16.
All that matters is that you’re the child’s main caregiver. There are a few exceptions to this, which we have outlined below.
- If you are not the child’s parent (either biological or adoptive), then you need to present a tangible form of evidence that you are that child’s main caregiver. You can do this by presenting an affidavit from the court, a legal document stating you’re the child’s main caregiver, or an affidavit from the police.
- If you’re unable to access these documents, you can also present a report from a certified social worker of the state, an affidavit signed by the child’s biological parents, or an official letter from the school the child attends. The letter should be written and signed by the school principal.
About the Parent or Caregiver
The parent must also be a permanent resident or a citizen of South Africa. There are no allowances for refugees in this grant. However, there are other grants specifically tailored towards them, such as the foster child grant.
You can not apply if you earn more than R52,800 per year as a single person. For married couples, your combined salary income should not exceed R105,600 yearly. SASSA will obtain details of your earnings from your place of work, so it is advisable to work in an office that can provide these files to SASSA.
About the Child
As for the child, they should be living with their main caregiver, who does not receive money to look after the child. The child should not be living with other relatives or a nanny. They should be with their primary caregiver.
The child must be under 18, as people above 18 cannot qualify for this grant unless they are applying for their own kids. Also, the child should not be under the care of any state institution. This includes orphanages and state-funded institutions.
Again, both the caregiver and the child (children) should live in South Africa. If you move out of South Africa, your grant may be suspended. Also, you cannot apply for more than six children who aren’t biologically yours or who have been legally adopted by you.
Amount and Methods Of Payment
The child support grant awards R450 per child each month. You can receive grants as long as you follow the guidelines until the child turns 18.
These are several methods of payment that are authorized by SASSA (South African Social Security Agency). The first is physical cash collection at pay points on particular days.
Alternatively, you can use an automated system that will deposit the money into your account monthly. Please note that your bank may charge you for the transaction.
You can receive the funds through a smaller institution, like a welfare organization. Finally, you can appoint someone to collect the grant on your behalf if you can’t go yourself.
Items Needed
There are several items you will need to apply for this grant. The first is your 13-digit bar-coded identity document (ID).
You will also need to provide evidence of your marital status, such as your marriage certificate. If divorced, you must show legal proof from the court that you won custody of the child.
Furthermore, you will need the child’s birth certificate or ID. If applicable, you will need the death certificate or missing reports if one or both parents are missing or dead.
How To Apply
You can apply at a SASSA office close to your residence with the items outlined above. Simply fill out the application form given to you by the SASSA official.
You must fill out the form in their presence. No one besides you and the SASSA official is allowed to complete the form. Keep the receipt given to you as proof that you have applied.
How Long Is the Application Process?
It’ll take no more than 3 months to process your application and accept or reject it. If your application is rejected, you can appeal within 90 days of finding out.
If your application is successful, you’ll get paid the child support grant based on the day you applied.
Other Conditions
SASSA decides when to review the application. However, you will be notified three months in advance.
There is also a yearly condition that states you must visit a SASSA office and sign a life certificate to confirm that you’re still alive. This is only for people who do not collect the grant themselves.
Conditions that could lead to the suspension or end of your child support grant include the following.
- Fraud
- Results of the review
- The child’s passing
- The child gaining admission into a state institution
- The child being taken out of your care
- The child no longer residing in the country
- The child turning 18
- Failure to collect the grant 3 months in a row
Contact SASSA here to get started. If you’re on the lookout for online or remote jobs to apply for so that you can spend more time at home with your family, visit Career Pages for details and guidelines on all sorts of careers available for you to pursue.
Summary
The child support grant is an initiative of the South African government. It is overseen by SASSA (South African Social Security Agency), and it is responsible for allocating the funds from the grant to families that need it.
If you or someone you know qualifies based on the information above, feel free to further investigate the grant and its application process.
