R350 School Bonus – The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has officially confirmed a significant relief for millions of low-income families—an additional R350 bonus will be paid out from 15 September 2025 to beneficiaries of the Child Support Grant. This special school supplies allowance comes at a critical time, as children across the country prepare to return to school for the final term. The bonus aims to ease the burden of purchasing essential educational items such as uniforms, stationery, and backpacks. This temporary top-up was introduced after strong public demand and mounting pressure from child welfare organizations calling for targeted support for education-related costs. With inflation and school material prices surging, the government stepped in to ensure no child is left behind due to financial hardship. SASSA’s intervention, through the Department of Social Development, will benefit over 13 million children who are currently supported under the Child Support Grant program. This move is not just a once-off gift—it’s a reflection of the government’s commitment to education and child welfare. If you’re a parent or guardian receiving the Child Support Grant, it’s crucial to verify your bank details and eligibility to ensure you receive this payment without delay. The funds will be paid directly into your registered account or the method you’ve previously used to receive grants. Here’s everything you need to know about the new R350 education bonus, eligibility requirements, payment methods, and where to get help.
Who Is Eligible for the R350 School Bonus?
This section covers the qualifying criteria for the extra R350 bonus for school-related expenses.
- Only beneficiaries of the SASSA Child Support Grant
- Children between the age of 0 and 17 years
- Beneficiaries must have been approved before 31 August 2025
- Valid ID and birth certificates must be submitted
- Payment details must be verified and active
- No duplication of grant claims on the same child
- Must be a South African citizen or permanent resident
Additional Notes on Age and Income Limits for R350 School Bonus
These conditions are specifically designed to help low-income households and ensure equitable distribution.
- Household income must fall below the means test threshold
- Guardians must not be earning more than R4,000/month (single) or R8,000 (married)
- Children above 18 not eligible even if still in school
- Foster Child Grant beneficiaries will not qualify for this R350 bonus
- Recipients must be residing in South Africa at the time of disbursement
When Will the R350 School Bonus Be Paid Out?
The R350 bonus is a one-time payment meant to align with the September 2025 back-to-school cycle.
- Official payment start date: 15 September 2025
- Payments will be made in batches based on ID numbers
- Expect full distribution by 22 September 2025
- SMS and email alerts will be sent before payment
- Any delays will be communicated by SASSA
- Applicants can track status via the SASSA portal or WhatsApp
- Bank account holders may receive the funds sooner than card users
Expected Payment Timeline by ID Number (Example Table)
| ID Number Ending | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| 0, 1 | 15 Sept 2025 |
| 2, 3 | 16 Sept 2025 |
| 4, 5 | 17 Sept 2025 |
| 6, 7 | 18 Sept 2025 |
| 8, 9 | 19 Sept 2025 |
| Card Collection | 20 Sept 2025 |
| Final Batch | 22 Sept 2025 |
What Can the R350 School Bonus Be Used For?
The R350 bonus is strictly intended for school-related expenses. While SASSA does not monitor how it’s spent, the expectation is that families use it to support their child’s education.
- School uniforms and shoes
- Stationery and writing materials
- School bags or backpacks
- Exam preparation materials
- Basic transport costs to school
- Textbooks and learning aids
- Meal supplements for school days
Suggested Spend Breakdown for R350 Bonus
| Item | Suggested Spend |
|---|---|
| School Shoes | R120 |
| Backpack | R80 |
| Stationery Pack | R60 |
| Exercise Books | R30 |
| Pens, Pencils, Erasers | R20 |
| Calculator or Study Aids | R40 |
| Transport or Lunch Snacks | R50 |
How to Ensure You Receive the Bonus?
To receive the bonus without delays or rejections, it is important to double-check your banking details and registration status with SASSA.
- Visit the SASSA online services portal
- Confirm or update your banking information
- Avoid switching banks after 5 September 2025
- Use the same payment method as your regular Child Grant
- Check SMS alerts or visit your nearest Post Office or SASSA branch if uncertain
- Make sure your mobile number is active and linked to your SASSA profile
Where to Get Help if You Face Issues
In case of missing payments, verification delays, or incorrect information:
| Support Type | Contact Details |
|---|---|
| SASSA Toll-Free Number | 0800 60 10 11 |
| grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za | |
| WhatsApp Support | 082 046 8553 |
| SASSA Website | www.sassa.gov.za |
| Local Branches | Visit nearest SASSA office |
| Post Office Queries | Available at selected locations |
| DSD Helpline | 012 312 7727 |
| Operating Hours | Mon–Fri: 08:00–16:00 |
What If You Do Not Receive the Bonus?
If you haven’t received the R350 by 22 September, take the following steps immediately:
- Contact SASSA with your ID and grant reference number
- Visit your nearest office with a printout of your latest SASSA payment slip
- Re-verify your bank details if flagged for mismatch
- Ensure your phone number is correctly registered
- Monitor your SASSA portal profile daily between 15–22 September
- If funds were deposited but not received, inquire with your bank or Post Office
Bank Rejections or System Errors
There may be system-based rejections or banking errors. Here’s what you can do:
- Re-submit bank verification online
- Visit SASSA with your original ID and banking letter
- Ask for manual override or reissue
- Double-check if your child’s grant was suspended or flagged
Possible Reasons for Non-Payment
Sometimes the bonus is delayed due to backend or profile-related issues.
- Incorrect banking details
- Duplicate ID issues
- Grant not approved by August deadline
- Inactive mobile number
- System overload on payout days
Reinstatement Timeline
If your bonus is blocked or rejected, processing can take up to 21 days after re-submission of documents.
SASSA’s Broader Plan for School Support
This R350 school bonus may be the first of more targeted child education initiatives. SASSA has hinted at continued assistance tied to educational progress.
- Pilot projects are being tested for textbook allowances
- Possibility of annual school readiness top-up from 2026
- Strong collaboration with the Department of Education underway
- Additional focus on digital learning support
- Community learning centres may get supplementary support
- NGOs and community leaders are encouraged to help identify gaps
Departmental Contact Details for Escalations
Should your issue not be resolved at the SASSA level, contact these departmental lines:
| Department | Contact Number | Email Address |
|---|---|---|
| Dept of Social Development | 012 312 7727 | info@dsd.gov.za |
| SASSA National Office | 012 400 2322 | sassa@sassa.gov.za |
| Education Department | 0800 202 933 | enquiries@education.gov.za |
| Child Welfare SA | 021 762 8195 | info@childwelfaresa.org.za |
| Presidency Hotline | 17737 (Toll-Free) | contact@presidency.gov.za |
SASSA’s move to provide this R350 bonus for school supplies highlights a government initiative that acknowledges the real needs of struggling families. While this bonus is temporary, it sets a precedent for targeted social relief in the education sector. Parents and guardians should act swiftly to confirm their status and ensure they receive this support on time.
FAQs of R350 School Bonus
Q1: Can I receive the R350 bonus if my child turns 18 in September?
A: No, only children under 18 years old by 31 August 2025 qualify.
Q2: Will I receive the bonus automatically?
A: Yes, if you are an approved Child Grant recipient with valid banking details.
Q3: Can the bonus be collected at a Post Office?
A: Yes, but bank payments will be prioritized for quicker processing.
Q4: What if my banking details were recently changed?
A: Ensure changes are made before 5 September to avoid disqualification.
Q5: Will there be another bonus in December?
A: Not confirmed yet, but SASSA is evaluating future top-up grants.