SASSA Child Care grants costs

Caring for children can be expensive, but the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is here to ease some of the financial burden through its Child Care Grant.

This grant is designed to assist eligible caregivers in providing for the basic needs of their children.

What is the cost of a SASSA Child Care Grant?

The SASSA Child Care Grant currently provides R500 per month per child.

This amount is reviewed annually to adjust for inflation and other economic factors.

While it may not cover all expenses, it’s a significant contribution to help caregivers with essential costs like food, clothing, and school supplies.

Who qualifies for a SASSA Child Care Grant?

You must be the primary caregiver of a child under the age of 18.

The child must be a South African citizen or permanent resident.

Your household income should fall below the threshold set by SASSA. 

For single caregivers, your income must not exceed R60,000 per year, while for married caregivers, the combined income must be below R120,000 per year.

You’ll need to provide proof of income, identity documents, and the child’s birth certificate when applying.

How can you use the SASSA Child Care Grant?

The grant is intended to support the basic needs of the child.

You can use it to buy nutritious food to ensure proper growth and development.

It can help cover costs for clothing, school fees, and learning materials.

Some caregivers also use it to pay for medical expenses not covered by public healthcare services.

Can you apply for more than one child?

Yes, you can apply for a Child Care Grant for each eligible child in your care.

There is no limit to the number of children you can apply for, provided you meet the eligibility criteria for each child.

This ensures that families with multiple children receive adequate support.

How do you apply for a SASSA Child Care Grant?

Visit your nearest SASSA office to submit an application.

Bring all required documents, including your ID, proof of income, and the child’s birth certificate.

You may also need to provide proof of your address and an affidavit if you are not the child’s biological parent.

The application process is free, and you will receive a receipt to track your application’s progress.

What are the common challenges in accessing the grant?

One common issue is missing or incorrect documentation.

Ensure that all your documents are up-to-date and accurate to avoid delays.

Another challenge is long waiting times at SASSA offices.

You can mitigate this by arriving early and checking for the least busy days.

Lastly, technical issues in the payment system can occasionally delay grant disbursements.

Are there additional grants you can apply for?

Yes, SASSA offers other grants that may complement the Child Care Grant.

The Foster Care Grant provides R1,130 per month for caregivers of foster children.

The Care Dependency Grant offers R2,080 per month for children with severe disabilities requiring full-time care.

These grants can help provide comprehensive support for families with unique needs.

How do you ensure continued access to the grant?

You must update your information with SASSA annually.

This process, known as means testing, ensures that you still qualify for the grant based on your income and other criteria.

Failure to update your details can result in suspension or cancellation of the grant.

Additionally, always report any changes in your financial situation or caregiving status to SASSA promptly.

Scroll to Top