R510 Child Grant & School Meals – In a significant development for millions of South African households, the government has officially confirmed the dual activation of two major child-focused social relief benefits — the R510 Child Support Grant and the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP). These measures aim to ease the financial burden on low-income families and ensure that no child goes hungry in school. The R510 Child Support Grant, managed by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), continues to be a lifeline for parents and guardians who are struggling with the cost of raising children amid rising living expenses. Meanwhile, the Department of Basic Education has resumed and expanded the School Meals Programme across provinces — a move welcomed by parents who now benefit from not just cash, but consistent nutritional support for their children. With rising food prices and persistent unemployment affecting millions, this combined support offers real relief. For many households, the ability to receive both R510 per child per month and guaranteed school meals every day translates into direct monthly savings and healthier lifestyles. More than 13 million children are expected to benefit from either or both of these programmes in July 2025, according to official estimates. Here’s everything you need to know about how these benefits work, who qualifies, what the payment schedules are, and how to access them before the mid-July deadlines.
Who Qualifies for the R510 Child Grant & School Meals?
Eligibility is based on income and care status. Here are the key requirements parents or guardians must meet:
- Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Must be the primary caregiver of the child
- Child must be under the age of 18
- Both applicant and child must live in South Africa
- Annual income must be below:
- R60,000 for single individuals
- R120,000 for married couples
- Child must not be receiving care in a state institution
- Application must be made through SASSA
R510 Child Grant & School Meals – Latest Payment Dates for July 2025
SASSA has released the official payment calendar for the July 2025 cycle. Ensure you check your type of grant and the corresponding date.
| Grant Type | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| Older Persons Grant | 3 July 2025 |
| Disability Grant | 4 July 2025 |
| Child Support Grant | 5 July 2025 |
| Foster Child Grant | 5 July 2025 |
| Care Dependency Grant | 5 July 2025 |
| War Veterans Grant | 3 July 2025 |
| SRD R370 Grant | Based on last 3 digits |
How to Apply for the R510 Child Grant & School Meals
Applying for the grant is simple, and you can do it online or at a SASSA office. Here’s how:
Steps for Online Application
- Visit the official SASSA website at www.sassa.gov.za
- Click on “Apply for Grant” section
- Register using your South African ID and contact details
- Upload necessary documents (ID, proof of income, child’s birth certificate)
- Receive SMS confirmation of submission
- Wait for approval (usually within 30 days)
Documents You’ll Need
- Your South African ID
- Child’s birth certificate
- Proof of income (payslip or bank statement)
- Proof of residence (utility bill or lease agreement)
- Court order if you’re a foster parent
What is the School Meals Programme and Who Gets It?
The National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) provides free meals to children at public primary and secondary schools. Over 9 million learners receive daily meals to support concentration, attendance, and long-term health.
Key Points About the Programme
- Available in all provinces
- Meals provided on all school days
- Priority given to quintile 1, 2, and 3 schools
- Covers breakfast and/or lunch depending on the school
- No application required — schools manage distribution
| Province | Active Schools | Learners Benefiting |
|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | 1,200+ | 1.4 million |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 2,300+ | 2.1 million |
| Eastern Cape | 2,000+ | 1.7 million |
| Western Cape | 900+ | 1.1 million |
| Limpopo | 1,800+ | 1.5 million |
| Mpumalanga | 1,000+ | 900,000 |
| North West | 850+ | 700,000 |
| Free State | 750+ | 650,000 |
What Kind of Meals Are Provided?
The Department of Basic Education ensures meals meet nutritional standards. Typical meals include:
- Breakfast: Maize porridge, milk or fruit
- Lunch: Rice/pap with beans, vegetables, protein (chicken or soya)
- Occasional fruit or yogurt snacks
- Fortified with vitamins and iron
Can Parents Receive Both the Grant and Meals?
Yes — and many do. If your child is eligible for the R510 grant and attends a public school participating in the NSNP, you automatically qualify for both forms of relief.
Benefits of Receiving Both Supports
- Total monthly value of support can exceed R1,000
- Reduces grocery bills by up to 30%
- Ensures better nutrition and academic performance
- Families can redirect savings to transport, school supplies, or other essentials
How to Check Grant Status or Balance
If you’re unsure whether your R510 grant was paid, here’s how to check:
- Dial 1203210# from your cellphone
- Visit the SASSA status website and enter your ID
- Use your SASSA card at an ATM to check balance
- Contact SASSA call centre at 0800 60 10 11
What to Do If You Missed a Payment
If your grant didn’t reflect in your account or if there’s a delay:
- Confirm your bank details on the SASSA website
- Visit your nearest SASSA office with your ID
- Lodge a complaint through the SASSA Help Desk
- Payments are often reprocessed within 7 working days
| Issue Type | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Grant Not Paid | Confirm bank details & reapply |
| Bank Account Closed | Provide new account info to SASSA |
| ID Document Expired | Update with Home Affairs |
| School Not Offering Meals | Speak to school principal or DBE |
These combined benefits from the R510 Child Support Grant and school meal programme are more than just short-term relief — they are powerful tools in the fight against poverty and child hunger. South African parents are encouraged to take full advantage of both schemes before the July 15, 2025 deadlines, to ensure their children thrive both at home and in school.
FAQs on R510 Child Grant and School Meals
Q1: Can I get the R510 grant if I earn R10,000/month?
A: If you’re single and earn over R5,000/month, you likely won’t qualify unless you’re supporting multiple children with no other support.
Q2: Do I need to reapply every year?
A: No. Once approved, the grant continues monthly unless your circumstances change.
Q3: My child changed schools — will they still get meals?
A: As long as the new school is part of NSNP, they will continue receiving meals.
Q4: Can I collect the grant in cash if I don’t have a bank account?
A: Yes. SASSA allows cash collection through mobile pay points and Post Office.
Q5: What happens if I provide incorrect details in the application?
A: Incorrect info may lead to delays or rejection. Always double-check before submitting.
Q6: Can I use both grant and school meals to support more than one child?
A: Yes, each child is individually eligible based on criteria — apply per child.