The SASSA Child Support Grant is set to rise from R530 to R560 in April 2025. This 5.7% increase is part of the government’s broader plan to assist low-income families in coping with the rising cost of living.
While some sources claim the grant may reach R580, the officially confirmed amount remains R560. Here’s what you need to know about the increase, eligibility, application process, and how to make the most of the additional funds.
Child Support Grant
The Child Support Grant is a monthly payment aimed at helping caregivers provide basic necessities for children under 18 years old. This financial support plays a crucial role in reducing child poverty and ensuring access to essential services such as food, education, and healthcare.
Grant Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Grant Amount | R530 |
| New Grant Amount (April 2025) | R560 |
| Increase Percentage | 5.7% |
| Number of Beneficiaries | Over 13 million children |
| Next Payment Date | 4 April 2025 |
| Application Process | Online or at SASSA offices |
| Official Source | www.sassa.gov.za |
Grant Increasing
The government periodically increases social grants to keep up with inflation and economic conditions. According to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s 2025 Budget Speech, the grant increase aims to provide relief to families struggling with rising costs, particularly in areas such as food, transportation, and education.
This adjustment follows historical trends where annual increases align with the inflation rate. While a R30 increase may seem small, when applied to millions of beneficiaries, it represents a significant allocation of government funds.
Impact
The 2025 national budget allocates over R266 billion to social grants, with nearly R90 billion directed toward child support grants alone. This funding helps sustain millions of vulnerable households across South Africa.
Who Qualifies?
Not all children automatically qualify for the grant. Caregivers must meet specific criteria:
- The child must be under 18 years old.
- The caregiver and child must be South African citizens or permanent residents.
- The caregiver’s income must be below R5,500 per month (single) or R11,000 per month (married).
- Both the caregiver and the child must reside in South Africa.
Compares
The Child Support Grant is the lowest among government-issued social grants but has the highest number of beneficiaries.
| Grant Type | Monthly Amount (from April 2025) |
|---|---|
| Old Age Pension | R2,200 |
| Disability Grant | R2,200 |
| Foster Care Grant | R1,180 |
| Child Support Grant | R560 |
Despite being lower in value, the Child Support Grant is a key tool in the fight against child poverty, ensuring millions of children have access to essential resources.
Caregivers
While many caregivers appreciate the increase, some feel it is insufficient given rising living costs.
“It’s not much, but every rand counts. With three children, that extra R90 a month can buy extra lunchbox items or data for online school apps,” said Thandi Mokoena, a caregiver from Soweto.
Others have called for higher increases to match the rising costs of school uniforms, transport, and household expenses.
Making the Most of the Increase
Even a small increase can make a difference when used wisely. Here are some practical ways to allocate the additional R30 per child:
Nutrition Boost
Use the extra funds to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, or protein-rich foods to support a child’s health.
School Essentials
Set aside a portion for school supplies, uniforms, or transport fees.
Digital Learning Support
Many educational resources require internet access—this increase can help pay for mobile data to access online learning platforms.
How to Apply
If you are not yet receiving the grant, follow these steps:
Gather Required Documents
- Your South African ID
- The child’s birth certificate
- Proof of income
- Proof of residence
Submit Your Application
- Online: Apply through services.sassa.gov.za
- In Person: Visit your nearest SASSA office
Wait for Approval
The process takes about 21 working days. Once approved, you will receive an SMS notification.
Payment Schedule
SASSA follows a staggered payment schedule to prevent long queues and ensure smooth transactions.
| Grant Type | Payment Date (April 2025) |
|---|---|
| Older Persons Grant | 2 April 2025 |
| Disability Grant | 3 April 2025 |
| Child Support & Other Grants | 4 April 2025 |
Beneficiaries can access funds through various methods, including:
- SASSA/Postbank Cards – Usable at ATMs and retailers.
- Direct Bank Deposits – Money goes directly into the beneficiary’s account.
- Retailers – Withdraw from Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Boxer, and Checkers.
Future Outlook
Social policy experts argue that while small, regular increases in child grants help reduce poverty, dropout rates, and malnutrition. Organizations such as UNICEF advocate for larger, inflation-linked increases to ensure children’s needs are adequately met.
The government may need to consider more strategic adjustments in future years to ensure that the Child Support Grant keeps pace with actual living costs, particularly in education and healthcare.
FAQs
Is the SASSA Child Grant increasing in 2025?
Yes, it will increase from R530 to R560 in April 2025.
Will the grant reach R580 in 2025?
No, the confirmed increase is only to R560.
When is the next Child Grant payment?
The next payment is scheduled for 4 April 2025.
Who qualifies for the SASSA Child Grant?
Caregivers earning below R5,500/month (single) or R11,000/month (married).
How do I apply for the Child Grant?
Apply online at services.sassa.gov.za or visit a SASSA office.
