R720 Back-To-School Allowance – As the new academic term approaches, thousands of South African families are breathing a sigh of relief. The government has officially announced that the R720 Back-To-School Allowance will begin disbursing from 21 July 2025 to eligible families. Designed to assist parents with school-related expenses such as uniforms, stationery, and transportation, this financial aid is part of the broader School Support Program aimed at reducing the burden on low-income households. For many parents, especially those relying on social grants, the mid-year back-to-school period often becomes financially stressful. This allowance is timely, arriving just weeks before the reopening of schools, ensuring that learners can return with necessary supplies and renewed confidence. The Department of Social Development has urged parents to gather and verify essential documentation in advance to avoid disqualification or delays in payments. The support initiative targets households with school-going children, especially those already registered under SASSA programs. The funds will be deposited directly into the bank accounts linked to the child’s grant profile. Beneficiaries are also being encouraged to confirm their banking and contact details through the official SASSA website or nearest office to ensure smooth processing. This article outlines everything you need to know about the disbursement schedule, eligibility rules, required documentation, and steps to track your application. All important details and FAQs have been compiled below to assist every parent in securing the R720 Back-To-School Allowance successfully.
R720 Back-To-School Allowance – Who Will Receive It?
This section explains who qualifies for the R720 allowance and what groups are automatically considered for the payout.
- Children registered under any existing SASSA child grant
- Families with an income threshold below the updated poverty line
- Students aged between 5 and 18 attending registered public schools
- Parents or guardians who have submitted complete and valid documents
- Households without any flagged fraudulent grant activity
- Children in foster care and formal adoption systems
- Those who received the January School Uniform Allowance
Key Eligibility Table – Are You Included?
| Criteria | Requirement | Status Check Method |
|---|---|---|
| SASSA Grant Beneficiary | Must be registered under SASSA system | SASSA portal or local office |
| Age of Learner | Between 5 – 18 years | Birth certificate / School ID |
| School Type | Public/government school only | Valid School Enrollment Letter |
| Parental Income | Below R7,800 per month | Bank statements |
| Required Documents | ID, school letter, bank proof, birth cert. | Submission via online or in-person |
| Bank Account Status | Must be active and linked to SASSA file | Contact your bank or SASSA |
| Grant Status | Must be active and not suspended | SASSA online status checker |
| Region | Applicable in all 9 provinces | Based on registered residential area |
How to Apply for the R720 Back-To-School Allowance?
Applicants don’t need to fill out a separate form if already registered under an active child support or foster care grant. However, verification of details is essential.
- Visit your nearest SASSA office or log in at [sassa.gov.za]
- Confirm all child details are updated and linked with the right ID
- Submit your recent school enrollment or proof-of-education letter
- Attach bank details or verify through existing SASSA-linked account
- Await SMS or email confirmation within 5–7 working days
Documents You Need to Prepare in Advance
Make sure you collect these documents early to avoid rejection:
| Document Required | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Parent/Guardian South African ID | Identity verification |
| Child’s Birth Certificate | To confirm age and guardianship |
| Proof of School Enrollment | Ensures school attendance eligibility |
| Latest Bank Statement or Confirmation | Needed for direct deposit |
| SASSA Grant ID Number | Must match the child’s official profile |
| Foster/Adoption Legal Papers (if any) | For children under alternative care |
| Residence Proof (Utility bill, etc.) | To verify eligible area |
When Will the Payments Start and How Will You Receive Them?
The disbursement process is split across provinces and will begin on 21 July 2025. Payments are being processed directly into the bank accounts linked to the child’s SASSA profile.
- Payments begin: 21 July 2025
- Disbursement ends: 31 July 2025
- Daily transfers based on ID number scheduling
- No ATM withdrawals if account is inactive or blocked
- No payment for duplicate entries or invalid school records
Payment Tracking Table by Province and ID Suffix
| Province | Payment Day Based on ID End Digit | Contact Support Line |
|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | 0,1 – July 21 | 0800 60 10 11 |
| Western Cape | 2,3 – July 22 | 021 469 0235 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 4 – July 23 | 031 065 2435 |
| Eastern Cape | 5,6 – July 24 | 043 703 1100 |
| Free State | 7 – July 25 | 051 410 8339 |
| North West | 8 – July 26 | 018 397 3333 |
| Limpopo | 9 – July 27 | 015 291 7500 |
| Northern Cape | All digits – July 28 | 053 802 4900 |
| Mpumalanga | All digits – July 29 | 013 754 9446 |
What If You Haven’t Received the Money Yet?
If you haven’t received your R720 payment by the expected date, don’t panic. It may be due to minor errors or banking delays.
- Check the SASSA status online using your ID number
- Confirm if your child is still enrolled in the grant system
- Call the toll-free helpline for direct updates
- Visit the local SASSA office if status shows “pending”
- Ensure your account is not frozen or under investigation
Common Delays and Their Fixes
| Issue Detected | Action Needed |
|---|---|
| Incorrect banking details | Submit updated details through SASSA portal |
| Expired ID or birth certificate | Renew at Home Affairs and upload again |
| Missing school documents | Request from school admin and attach to profile |
| SASSA file not updated | Re-submit application for reactivation |
| Suspended grant or flagged record | Visit SASSA office to lodge a formal query |
What Can the R720 Allowance Be Used For?
The R720 grant is intended strictly for education-related expenses. Authorities are urging beneficiaries to utilize the money responsibly.
- Purchase of school uniforms and shoes
- Buying textbooks, stationery, and backpacks
- School transportation arrangements (e.g., minibus fares)
- Payment of registration or tuition support
- Meals and lunchbox supplies for children
List of Approved Expenses Under the Allowance
| Item | Approved for Use |
|---|---|
| Uniforms and School Bags | Yes |
| Tuition Fees for Government Schools | Yes |
| Private Tuition or Tutors | No |
| Cellphones or Gadgets | No |
| School Bus Fares | Yes |
| Grocery or Toiletries | Limited (for lunch) |
| Internet Recharge (for schoolwork) | Yes |
Safety Tips and Fraud Alerts from SASSA
Due to a spike in scams targeting child support grant recipients, SASSA has issued safety alerts.
- Never share your SASSA number or OTP with anyone
- Beware of fake “application links” sent via SMS or WhatsApp
- Only use [sassa.gov.za] for checking status and updates
- Do not pay any fee to “agents” promising faster payouts
- Report scams to the nearest SASSA or police office
How to Secure Your Grant Information
| Tip | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Update phone number regularly | To receive authentic notifications |
| Use SASSA’s official website only | Prevent phishing or ID theft |
| Keep banking details private | Avoid unauthorized debit or fraud |
| Enable SMS alerts on your bank account | Know the moment money is credited |
| Cross-check all documents before upload | Avoid unnecessary rejection or delay |
All eligible parents are strongly encouraged to act quickly before the disbursement window closes. Preparing documents and verifying grant status in advance will ensure your child doesn’t miss out on this essential back-to-school support.
FAQs of R720 Back-To-School Allowance
Q1. Can I receive this allowance if my child attends a private school?
No, the allowance is only applicable to children enrolled in public or government schools.
Q2. Will this allowance be provided every year?
Yes, it is part of the semi-annual education relief support program and is expected again in January 2026.
Q3. What if I have two or more school-going children?
You will receive R720 per eligible child if all documents are correctly submitted.
Q4. Can I collect the grant in cash from a SASSA office?
No, all payments are made via direct deposit to prevent fraud and queuing.
Q5. I changed my bank recently. How do I update the account with SASSA?
Log in to your SASSA online portal or visit the office with the new bank details and ID.