Child Support – South Africa’s Department of Social Development has announced a major policy shift that will significantly expand the number of households eligible for the Child Support Grant (CSG). Beginning 1 September 2025, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) will increase the age limit for the Child Support Grant from 18 to 25 years. This extension comes as part of the government’s efforts to reduce youth unemployment, support low-income families, and ensure financial stability for dependents still pursuing education or unable to find employment. For decades, the Child Support Grant has been a vital social protection measure targeting children under 18. However, with rising youth dependency ratios, unemployment rates, and increased education costs, many young adults between 18 and 25 still depend heavily on their parents or guardians. Recognizing this need, the government has revised the eligibility age, allowing families to continue receiving monthly support for qualifying dependents up to age 25. This change is expected to impact over 1.2 million households across South Africa. Many caregivers, especially in poor and rural areas, have expressed relief, saying this move will ease the financial pressure of caring for older children, especially those enrolled in tertiary institutions or unable to find jobs. The grant amount remains the same at R530 per month per child, but the extended duration will result in cumulative financial relief of up to R4,240 annually per child. The extended age cut-off aims to bridge the financial gap for families supporting young adults who are still dependents, especially in an economy facing serious challenges. In this article, we’ll break down the eligibility criteria, how to apply, verification steps, and more.
Who Qualifies for the Child Support Grant Under the New Age Cut-Off?
This new rule extends the grant to include dependents up to 25 years of age, provided certain conditions are met.
- The dependent must be between 18 and 25 years old.
- The dependent must be currently enrolled in school, university, or undergoing training.
- The caregiver must meet the means test thresholds.
- The dependent must be financially reliant on the caregiver.
- The caregiver must be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
- Both the caregiver and dependent must reside in South Africa.
- The dependent must not be employed full-time or earning above the income threshold.
- Proof of enrollment in an educational or training institution is required.
Means Test Thresholds and Other Eligibility Factors for Child Support
To prevent misuse, SASSA will continue enforcing the means test and other existing filters.
- Single caregiver income must not exceed R54,000 per year (R4,500 per month).
- Combined income (for couples) must not exceed R108,000 per year (R9,000 per month).
- Applicants must have valid South African ID or smart card.
- Bank account details are mandatory for payment processing.
- Reapplication may be required annually for dependents above 18.
Required Documents for Application or Reverification
All applicants must present specific documents to either apply or continue receiving the grant for dependents aged 18–25.
| Document Type | Requirement Description |
|---|---|
| Applicant’s ID | Green ID book or smart card |
| Dependent’s Birth Certificate | Unabridged certificate preferred |
| Proof of School/University | Letter of enrollment or registration form |
| Proof of Income | Payslip or affidavit (if unemployed) |
| Bank Statement | Last 3 months showing income and expenses |
| SASSA Application Form | Completed and signed at local SASSA office |
| Utility Bill or Proof of Address | Not older than 3 months |
| Guardianship Proof (if needed) | Court order or affidavit |
Where and How to Apply
You can apply both online and in person, depending on your location and access to digital tools.
- Online: Visit https://services.sassa.gov.za and use your mobile number for OTP login.
- Walk-in Applications: Visit your nearest SASSA local office.
- Mobile Units: In rural areas, SASSA sends mobile vans for registration.
- Community Outreach: Temporary kiosks at schools, clinics, and malls.
What Happens After 18: Transitioning into Extended Grant Period
SASSA will implement a smooth transition for beneficiaries who are currently receiving grants and turning 18 soon.
- Notification via SMS one month before current grant expires.
- Caregivers must submit educational proof and ID copies to continue receiving payment.
- A fresh means test will be conducted for dependents turning 18.
- If approved, the grant continues monthly until the child turns 25.
Important Cut-Off Dates to Keep in Mind
Families must stay alert to key dates to ensure uninterrupted payments.
| Activity | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Submission of education proof | 25 August 2025 |
| Reapplication window for 18+ | 1–15 September 2025 |
| Grant extension rollout begins | 1 September 2025 |
| SMS reminders begin from | 10 August 2025 |
| Payment for extended grants begins | 5 October 2025 |
| Deadline for missed claims | 30 October 2025 |
| Next reassessment cycle | March 2026 |
Benefits of the Extended Age Limit for South African Families
This shift in policy offers significant short-term and long-term financial and social benefits.
- Eases pressure on single parents with unemployed adult children.
- Reduces school and university drop-out rates.
- Supports families during prolonged economic hardship.
- Promotes education and skills development in youth.
- Assists children with disabilities or health conditions who may still be dependent.
- Reduces financial reliance on informal loans or debt traps.
How the Grant Helps Youth Between 18–25
The R530 monthly might seem small, but it adds up significantly over time.
| Month | Total Payment (1 Child) |
|---|---|
| 6 Months | R3,180 |
| 12 Months | R6,360 |
| 18 Months | R9,540 |
| 24 Months | R12,720 |
| Full 7 Years | R44,520 |
| 1 Household, 2 Children | R89,040 |
What to Do If Your Application Is Rejected or Delayed
Some applications may be rejected if the documents are incomplete or if the means test criteria are not met.
- Recheck the completeness of your documents.
- Visit your nearest SASSA office to file an appeal.
- Use the online appeal option at https://sassa.gov.za/appeals
- Ensure your child’s education verification is renewed every year.
- Contact the toll-free helpline for guidance on unresolved applications.
SASSA and Departmental Contact Information
For any queries or assistance regarding this grant update, reach out to the official departments listed below:
| Department | Contact Number | Email Address |
|---|---|---|
| SASSA Head Office | 0800 60 10 11 | grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za |
| Department of Social Dev | 012 312 7500 | info@dsd.gov.za |
| SASSA WhatsApp | 082 046 8553 | (Chatbot for quick support) |
| Grant Appeals Unit | 0800 60 10 11 (Option 3) | appeals@sassa.gov.za |
| Website | https://www.sassa.gov.za | For forms, updates, and status |
Final Checklist for Caregivers with Children Over 18
- Make sure the child is still dependent.
- Get a valid letter of enrollment from an institution.
- Ensure the caregiver’s income meets the threshold.
- Submit the reapplication form before deadlines.
- Keep your contact details updated with SASSA.
While the extension to age 25 has brought new hope for families, it is vital to stay up to date with documentation and deadlines. This move not only supports the youth through challenging financial transitions but also reflects a step forward in promoting inclusive and sustained development for South Africa’s vulnerable communities.
FAQs of Child Support
Q1. Can a child over 18 get the grant directly?
No, the grant is paid to the caregiver, not directly to the child, even after age 18.
Q2. Do I need to reapply every year after 18?
Yes, annual verification is required to confirm ongoing eligibility.
Q3. Will the grant increase from R530?
No, the amount remains R530 for now. Any future adjustments will be officially announced.
Q4. What if the child drops out of school?
If not enrolled in any form of education or training, the grant may be discontinued.
Q5. Can I apply for more than one child aged 18–25?
Yes, if each child meets the eligibility criteria, you can apply for each separately.