Child Support Grants – The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is set to roll out a massive financial expansion in its Child Support Grant (CSG) program starting from September 2025. A staggering R8.2 billion has been allocated to increase monthly support for millions of children across the country. This expansion comes as part of the government’s broader strategy to combat child poverty, address inflation impacts, and strengthen the social safety net for low-income families. The announcement was welcomed by advocacy groups and struggling households alike, particularly those in rural and informal settlement areas where poverty remains most acute. The increase is not just about additional money – it’s about providing stability, nutrition, access to education, and overall improved living conditions for South Africa’s most vulnerable population segment: children under the care of unemployed or underemployed caregivers. SASSA’s R8.2 billion boost will cover an estimated 13 million child beneficiaries, many of whom currently receive a base CSG of R530 per month. With the new allocation, payments are expected to rise by R100–R200 per child per month depending on the household’s verified needs and location. This targeted upliftment aims to reduce long-term dependency while enabling healthier development environments for young South Africans. The funding will be disbursed through existing SASSA grant mechanisms, including Postbank and direct-to-account payments. With tighter verification and improved digital tracking in place, the distribution will also be faster and more transparent than previous years. Here’s a detailed look at who qualifies, what changes are coming, and how the new funding will benefit families across South Africa.
What Is the New Child Support Grants Increase About?
The grant increase is a result of targeted budget allocation by the National Treasury to address rising living costs for families with children.
- Total allocated budget: R8.2 billion
- Effective date: September 2025
- Aimed at households with children aged 0–18
- Part of the government’s poverty-alleviation and food-security strategy
- Additional top-ups to be added for caregivers of multiple children
Who Qualifies for the Increased Child Support Grants?
The qualification criteria remain similar but with stricter income verification to ensure only the neediest households benefit.
Updated Eligibility Guidelines for September 2025
- South African citizen or permanent resident
- Caregiver earns less than R60,000 annually (single) or R120,000 (combined household)
- Child must be under 18 years old
- The child must not be receiving care in a state institution
- Must not receive other similar government aid for the same child
- Must provide updated proof of school enrollment for children above 6 years
New Payment Structure for Child Support Grants from September 2025
This increase brings a new tiered approach to support different levels of need.
| Category of Household | Current CSG (Monthly) | New CSG from Sept 2025 | Estimated No. of Beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rural, unemployed caregiver | R530 | R730 | 3.5 million |
| Urban informal settlements | R530 | R680 | 4.1 million |
| Single parent (employed) | R530 | R630 | 2.2 million |
| Large families (3+ children) | R530 per child | R700 per child | 1.8 million |
| Orphan care by grandparents | R530 | R750 | 600,000 |
| Disabled caregiver families | R530 | R770 | 400,000 |
| School-enrolled bonus | R0 | +R50 | 8 million (age 6–18) |
Monthly Grant Payment Schedule for September–December 2025
| Month | Disbursement Date | Payment Channels | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | 5th Sept 2025 | Postbank, EFT, SASSA pay points | Includes first top-up |
| October | 7th Oct 2025 | Bank transfers, Retail stores | Includes education bonus |
| November | 6th Nov 2025 | Postbank, Mobile money (trial) | Mobile trial in select areas |
| December | 4th Dec 2025 | All regular methods | Early payout for holidays |
How Families Can Use the Extra CSG Money Wisely
The additional funds aim to uplift family well-being beyond just survival needs.
Recommended Spending Priorities
- Improved nutrition and meal variety for children
- Transport allowance for school-going kids
- School supplies, uniforms, and stationary
- Winter clothing and health supplements
- Digital learning tools or mobile data for online classes
- Community savings groups for emergency needs
What Makes You Eligible for Extra Bonuses Under the New Grant System?
Caregivers meeting additional criteria will receive further top-ups.
Education-Linked Top-Up
If your child is enrolled in school and has above 80% attendance, you may receive an additional R50 per month.
- Applies to children aged 6–18
- Verified through school enrollment records
- Must submit updated proof every 6 months
Multiple-Child Household Top-Up
Households caring for three or more children under 18 may receive an additional R100–R300 depending on their location.
- R100 per child (urban), R150 (rural), R200 (deep rural)
- Max bonus cap: R600 per household
- Requires submission of birth certificates for all children
How to Update Your SASSA Child Grant Details for the September Increase
Many families will need to update records to receive new payment amounts.
Documents Required for Update
| Document | Needed For | Format Accepted |
|---|---|---|
| Caregiver ID | Identity verification | Original or certified copy |
| Child’s Birth Certificate | Age and relationship proof | Original or certified copy |
| Proof of Income | Means test | Payslip/Sworn affidavit |
| School Enrollment Confirmation | Educational bonus | School letter/report card |
| Bank Account Details | Direct deposit | Bank-stamped confirmation |
Departmental Contact Details for Assistance
If you face any trouble updating records or understanding your eligibility, contact the following departments:
| Office/Department | Contact Number | Email Address | Address / Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| SASSA Head Office | 0800 60 10 11 | [email protected] | www.sassa.gov.za |
| Postbank Helpdesk | 0860 111 190 | [email protected] | www.postbank.co.za |
| Department of Social Development | 012 312 7500 | [email protected] | www.dsd.gov.za |
| Child Welfare SA | 011 452 4110 | [email protected] | www.childwelfaresa.org.za |
| Western Cape SASSA | 021 469 0200 | [email protected] | Cape Town Regional Office |
| Gauteng SASSA | 011 241 8300 | [email protected] | Johannesburg Office |
| KwaZulu-Natal SASSA | 033 846 3400 | [email protected] | Pietermaritzburg Regional Office |
This expansion in the Child Support Grant is one of South Africa’s largest social interventions in recent years, aiming to reach children where support is needed most. As inflation and unemployment continue to challenge families, this initiative provides not just relief—but a foundation for a more hopeful and healthier generation.
FAQs of Child Support Grants
Q1: When will the increased child support grant payments start?
A1: The increased payments will begin from 5th September 2025.
Q2: How much more money will I get per child?
A2: You may receive between R100 and R200 more per child depending on your household type.
Q3: Do I need to reapply for the new grant amount?
A3: No reapplication is needed, but updating documents is mandatory for verification.
Q4: Will I get the education bonus automatically?
A4: No, you must submit proof of school enrollment and attendance to qualify.
Q5: Can I receive the grant if I already receive a disability or foster care grant?
A5: No, the same child cannot receive multiple grants simultaneously.