SASSA Child Grant – In a major shift expected to bring relief to thousands of South African households, a new law set to take effect from July 2025 will allow grandparents to legally apply for and receive the SASSA Child Support Grant on behalf of their grandchildren. This significant update to the Social Assistance framework is designed to accommodate the increasing number of children being raised by grandparents due to a variety of social and economic reasons, including orphaned children, parental abandonment, and labor migration. Previously, many grandparents were excluded from receiving the grant because they were not the legal guardians or parents of the children, despite being the primary caregivers. The updated policy now legally recognizes these caregiving arrangements and allows older family members to step in without going through lengthy court procedures. With the cost of living on the rise and many elderly South Africans relying solely on the Old Age Pension, this move is expected to ease the financial burden significantly. The Department of Social Development has confirmed that grandparents who meet certain eligibility criteria and can prove they are the child’s primary caregiver will be allowed to apply for the grant starting July 1, 2025. The new framework provides clear documentation requirements, streamlined verification processes, and access to legal aid where necessary. This article covers everything you need to know about the law, how to qualify, how to apply, and what documents are required. Let’s take a deeper look into this much-needed change and how you can benefit from it.
Overview of the New Law Allowing Grandparents to Apply for SASSA Child Grant
The law officially allows grandparents and elderly caregivers to apply for the SASSA Child Support Grant on behalf of the children they raise. Here’s what this new update includes:
- Applies nationwide from July 1, 2025
- Legal recognition of informal caregiving by grandparents
- Eliminates court order requirement in many cases
- Aims to reduce child poverty and support grandparent-led households
SASSA Child Grant – Who Passed the Law and Why It Matters
This law was passed by the Department of Social Development with support from Parliament, after months of advocacy from child rights groups and elder support organizations.
- Designed to address rising numbers of child-headed or grandparent-led households
- Recognizes the role grandparents play in child upbringing
- Reduces red tape in accessing crucial support grants
- Aligns with South Africa’s constitutional obligation to protect children’s welfare
SASSA Child Grant – Eligibility Criteria for Grandparents Under the New Law
Not every grandparent automatically qualifies. To be eligible for the Child Support Grant under the new rules, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Must be the primary caregiver of the child
- Must live with the child in South Africa
- Monthly income must fall below the income threshold
Income Threshold for 2025 Applicants
Here is the latest income criteria for SASSA Child Support Grant eligibility in 2025:
| Category | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| Single Grandparent (Unmarried) | R5,500 |
| Married Grandparent (Combined) | R11,000 |
| Refugee Grandparent | R5,500 |
| Pensioner Grandparent | R5,500 (Excludes pension) |
| Informal Worker Grandparent | R5,500 |
| Retired with Other Benefits | R5,500 |
| Foster Grandparent | Exempt from income test |
| Applicant with Disability | R6,000 |
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for the SASSA Child Grant as a Grandparent
This section provides a detailed walkthrough on how grandparents can apply for the Child Support Grant from July 2025.
- Step 1: Visit your nearest SASSA office or mobile outreach point
- Step 2: Request a Child Support Grant Application Form
- Step 3: Fill in all required sections, including caregiver status
- Step 4: Submit required documents (see next section)
- Step 5: Wait for verification and home visit (if needed)
- Step 6: Receive approval SMS within 2-3 weeks
- Step 7: First grant payment will be deposited to your bank/post account
Documents Required for the Application
To ensure your application is not delayed, bring the following documents with you:
- Your South African ID (Green barcoded or Smart ID)
- The child’s birth certificate
- Proof of primary caregiving (affidavit or school letter)
- Three months’ bank statements or pension slip
- Proof of address (utility bill or affidavit)
- Death certificate of parents (if applicable)
- Affidavit from community leader or church (optional for extra support)
Application Timeline and Deadlines for July 2025 Rollout
Applications officially open from July 1, 2025, and are expected to continue throughout the year without a fixed closing date for now.
| Month | Event | Status |
|---|---|---|
| June 2025 | Law Gazette Publication | Completed |
| July 1, 2025 | Official Start of Application Process | Starts |
| July 1–15 | Priority Window for Elderly Applicants | Open |
| July 16–30 | SASSA Home Visits and Verifications Begin | Scheduled |
| August 2025 | First Payments Expected for Early Applicants | Pending |
| September | Review of System Challenges (if any) | Planned |
| Ongoing | Nationwide Access Expansion | Rolling |
Application Centers and Online Availability
SASSA has announced both physical and digital platforms will be available for application.
- Local SASSA service offices across all provinces
- SASSA mobile service points for rural applicants
- Online portal via www.sassa.gov.za (beta launch in August 2025)
- Option to apply via South African Post Office in some locations
Benefits of the Grant for Grandparent Caregivers
Grant money can make a big difference in a grandparent-led household, especially with inflation.
- R530 per child per month (subject to annual increase)
- Payments made directly to bank account or SASSA card
- Access to other support services like food parcels and school uniform assistance
- Priority access to legal aid if custody questions arise
- Potential for top-up grants if child has disabilities
Challenges Grandparents May Face in the Process
While the law change is positive, some hurdles may still exist for older applicants.
- Lack of formal documentation like birth certificates or legal custody
- Transportation costs to SASSA offices
- Limited awareness of new procedures in rural areas
- Need for digital literacy for online applications
- Delays due to home visit verifications
Common Application Issues and Solutions
| Challenge | Solution Offered by SASSA |
|---|---|
| No birth certificate | School letter or affidavit accepted |
| Missing proof of guardianship | Community affidavits allowed |
| Applicant too old to travel | Mobile teams to visit home |
| Delayed processing | SMS tracking and helpline now available |
| Confusion over forms | Free assistance at local offices |
Legal Support and Rights of Grandparents in 2025
This section explains what legal protections and tools grandparents can now use to support their claim.
- Grandparents automatically qualify as caregivers under new clause
- Legal aid clinics available in every province
- Free legal consultations for disputed custody cases
- Can apply for foster child grant if legal guardianship obtained
- Court no longer mandatory in most simple caregiving cases
Difference Between Child Grant and Foster Child Grant
Understanding which grant to apply for is crucial.
| Feature | Child Support Grant | Foster Child Grant |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Amount | R530 | R1,130 |
| Legal Guardianship Needed | No | Yes |
| Income Means Test | Yes | No |
| Target Group | Informal caregivers | Court-appointed carers |
| Documents Required | ID, affidavit, birth cert | Court order, ID, proof |
| Duration | Until age 18 | Until age 18 or per order |
| Top-Up Available? | Yes | No |
FAQs of SASSA Child Grant
Q1: Can a grandmother who is not the legal guardian still apply for the grant?
Yes, as long as she is the primary caregiver and has supporting documents like affidavits or school letters.
Q2: What happens if the parents are still alive but not supporting the child?
You can still apply, provided you prove the child lives with you and you provide care.
Q3: Will the payment be made to the child or the grandparent?
The payment will go to the grandparent who applied as the caregiver.
Q4: Can I apply online instead of visiting a SASSA office?
Yes, online applications are expected to start in August 2025 on the official SASSA portal.
Q5: Is there a deadline to apply for this grant?
There’s no strict deadline as of now. Applications are ongoing, but early applications are encouraged.