R870 Monthly Subsidy – As the new academic term begins in South Africa, families struggling with the cost of daily transport for school-going children have a major reason to rejoice. From August 1, 2025, the Department of Transport has confirmed the disbursement of R870 per month as part of the School Learner Transport Subsidy Programme. This initiative aims to support low-income households by covering part or all of their children’s transportation costs to school. The R870 monthly subsidy is intended for qualifying learners who reside in rural areas, informal settlements, or far from government schools without access to safe, reliable public transportation. The goal is to reduce school absenteeism caused by financial transportation barriers and ensure all learners, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, have equal access to education. The payouts will be transferred directly to approved beneficiaries starting August 1, 2025. Parents or guardians are encouraged to verify their eligibility status and ensure their application details are correct to avoid payment delays. The scheme is being executed in collaboration with provincial Departments of Education and Transport, and payments will reflect based on verification and school attendance confirmation. Check the details below to see if your child qualifies, when you’ll receive the payment, and how to apply or track your status.
Who Qualifies for the R870 Monthly Subsidy?
This section outlines the key eligibility requirements for learners and their households to receive the R870 school transport payout.
- Learners must attend a public school registered with the Department of Basic Education
- The school must be more than 5 km away from the learner’s home
- The learner must not be receiving any other transport support
- The learner must be from a household with a combined income of R3500/month or less
- Only learners in Grades R to 12 are eligible
- Must reside in rural, farming, or informal areas without safe public transport
- Priority is given to learners with documented school attendance records
Key Dates & Payment Schedule for R870 Monthly Subsidy
The following table outlines the expected timeline for subsidy payments and application processing for August:
| Date | Activity/Event | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 August 2025 | Subsidy disbursement begins | Funds transferred to verified applicants |
| 3–5 August | SMS/email notifications to beneficiaries | Sent by Department of Transport |
| 6–10 August | Application corrections/re-openings | For declined or incomplete submissions |
| 15 August | Payment reconciliation round 1 | Follow-up payments for delayed beneficiaries |
| 20 August | Submission deadline for new applicants | Last date for August batch processing |
| 25 August | Final disbursement for August | End-of-month top-up for late processed cases |
| 1 September | September cycle begins | New verification for September |
How to Apply for the R870 Monthly Subsidy
If your child qualifies, here is how you can apply for the R870 transport subsidy.
- Visit the nearest Department of Education or Transport office
- Carry a copy of your child’s birth certificate and school admission letter
- Submit proof of residence and household income documents
- Fill out the Learner Transport Subsidy Form (available online and offline)
- Submit before the monthly cutoff to be eligible for that month’s payout
Important Documents Required for Application
Applicants must ensure they provide complete documentation to avoid delays or rejections.
| Required Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Child’s birth certificate | Verify identity and age |
| Parent/guardian ID copy | Proof of relationship and identity |
| Proof of residence (utility bill) | To confirm rural/informal residence |
| School admission/enrollment letter | Confirm schooling and distance from home |
| Bank details (guardian/parent) | To process monthly payouts |
| Proof of household income | To confirm financial eligibility |
| Signed declaration form | Acknowledge policy terms and conditions |
What to Do If Your Application Is Rejected?
Rejections usually happen due to incomplete documentation or failure to meet eligibility.
- Visit your local Department of Transport to request a review form
- Ensure all required documents are included and are certified
- Submit a corrected application before 15th of the month
- If rejected due to ineligibility, re-apply only if financial or location status changes
Contact Details for Departmental Support
For queries or help with applications, contact your provincial Department of Transport:
| Province | Contact Number | Email Address |
|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | 011 355 7000 | transport@gauteng.gov.za |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 033 341 9600 | learner.transport@kzn.gov.za |
| Western Cape | 021 483 2282 | school.transport@westerncape.gov.za |
| Eastern Cape | 040 602 4000 | transport@ecape.gov.za |
| Limpopo | 015 295 1000 | learner.support@limpopo.gov.za |
| Free State | 051 403 2200 | freestate.transport@fs.gov.za |
| Mpumalanga | 013 766 8000 | schooltransport@mpu.gov.za |
| Northern Cape | 053 839 1700 | transport@ncape.gov.za |
| North West | 018 388 1000 | learnersupport@nwpg.gov.za |
How the Monthly Subsidy Will Be Paid
The payment process is automated through the National Learner Transport System (NLTS). Approved parents or guardians will receive the R870 monthly via EFT.
- Payouts are sent to the verified bank account of the guardian
- SMS confirmation will be sent within 24–48 hours after disbursement
- In case of rejected bank accounts, you will be notified to update banking info
- Funds are intended only for school transport expenses, though no strict audit is imposed
Full Eligibility Criteria at a Glance
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| School Distance | More than 5 km from residence |
| Household Income | Less than R3500/month combined |
| School Type | Must be a government/public school |
| Residency Type | Rural, informal, or farming settlements |
| Learner Age Range | Grades R to 12 |
| Existing Transport Benefits | Must not be receiving any other transport benefit |
| Attendance Requirement | Regular school attendance (85%+) |
FAQs of R870 Monthly Subsidy
1. How will I know if my application is approved?
You will receive an SMS and email confirmation within 5–7 working days after submission.
2. Can I use the R870 subsidy for other expenses?
While not monitored strictly, the subsidy is meant for transport and may be revoked if misused.
3. What if my child misses school regularly?
Frequent absences can disqualify your child from future subsidy payments.
4. Do I need to reapply every month?
No. Once approved, the subsidy continues unless your status changes or a re-verification is triggered.
5. Can private school learners apply?
No. Only learners in registered public/government schools are eligible.