The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Child Support Grant offers critical assistance to South Africa’s most vulnerable families. But for many, the journey from application to approval isn’t always smooth.
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or guardian, understanding the root causes of delays or denials could save you months of waiting—or even outright rejection.
Below are five of the most common reasons your application may be denied or delayed, along with solutions to set things right. In some cases, we’ve included two additional issues that applicants frequently overlook.
1. Missing or incorrect documentation
The problem:
Applicants often fail to provide key documents like a birth certificate, 13-digit ID, or proof of income. Incomplete or inaccurate forms—especially mismatches between ID numbers and Home Affairs records—also lead to automatic rejections.
How to fix it:
Double-check all documents before submission. If you’re missing an ID or birth certificate, consult your nearest SASSA office for acceptable alternatives like affidavits or social worker reports. Ensure names and ID numbers match exactly with the Department of Home Affairs.
2. Failure to meet the means test criteria
The problem:
The means test determines whether your income is low enough to qualify. If your (or your spouse’s) income exceeds the threshold—currently R61,200 per year for singles or R122,400 for married applicants—you won’t qualify.
How to fix it:
Review your financial records before applying. “Social Assistance is subject to means testing which implies that SASSA evaluates the income and assets of the person applying,” SASSA notes. If your income has dropped due to unemployment or other factors, submit updated documents or bank statements showing the change.
ALSO READ: Proposed SASSA increases for 2025: old age R2,340, child support R580 – all grant amounts revealed
3. Not being the legal or primary caregiver
The problem:
You must prove you’re the child’s primary caregiver. If you’re not the biological parent, SASSA requires an affidavit from a police officer, social worker’s report, or a letter from the school principal.
How to fix it:
Gather and submit one of the accepted documents proving your caregiver status. Remember: “If you are not the child’s parent, you must provide proof that you are the child’s primary caregiver,” according to SASSA.
4. Child is in State Care or Institutional Care
The problem:
Children cared for in state-funded institutions (like children’s homes) are ineligible for the child support grant. This includes temporary foster or institutional placements.
How to fix it:
If the child has been removed from state care and is now living with you, provide evidence such as court orders or social worker documentation proving the child is no longer institutionalised.
5. Already receiving a conflicting grant
The problem:
You can’t receive a child support grant if you’re already receiving another grant for the same child (e.g., a foster care grant) or if the child is registered under another guardian.
How to fix It:
Ensure the child is not listed under another caregiver’s grant. If there’s a duplicate application, SASSA may block both. Visit your local office to resolve any overlap in records or disputes in caregiver claims.
6. Lack of proof of school attendance (for School-age children)
The problem:
While failure to submit proof of school attendance won’t result in an automatic rejection, it may cause delays in processing or be flagged for further review.
How to fix It:
If your child is of school-going age, it’s recommended to provide proof of enrollment or attendance. This could be a school letter, report card, or principal’s note.
7. Delayed communication or unreported changes
The problem:
If your contact details, address, marital status, or financial situation changes and you fail to inform SASSA, your grant may be suspended.
How to fix it:
Update your details immediately with SASSA. “It is the responsibility of beneficiaries to keep SASSA informed of changes in their circumstances,” the agency warns. Reactivating a suspended grant requires formal reapplication within 30 days.
ALSO READ: SASSA SRD Grant April 2025/26 application: 4 costly mistakes to avoid
What to do if your application Is rejected
If your application is denied, you have the right to request a reconsideration within 90 days. Visit your nearest SASSA office or call the toll-free helpline at 0800 601 011 to lodge an appeal and get guidance on the next steps.
As SASSA reminds applicants: “No person who is in receipt of a social grant may receive the grant and social relief of distress simultaneously.” Be sure you’re not unintentionally disqualifying yourself by accessing other government support.
Here’s a cleaned-up and well-formatted version you can include under a “How to Apply & Contact Information” section:
How to Apply & Contact Information
To apply for the SASSA Child Support Grant, you can:
- Visit your nearest SASSA office or counter service point to complete an application form and submit the required documents.
- Apply online via the official SASSA Services Portal.
- Find contact details for your nearest regional office on the SASSA Contact Us page.
Contact SASSA
- Toll-free number: 0800 60 10 11
- Email: GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za
- Website: www.sassa.gov.za
Head Office
SASSA House
501 Prodinsa Building, Corner Beatrix and Pretorius Streets, Pretoria
Private Bag X55662, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083
Phone: 0800 60 10 11 or 012 400 2322
Email: GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za
Bottom line
Applying for the SASSA Child Support Grant can feel overwhelming, but avoiding these common mistakes can improve your chances significantly. Stay informed, keep your documentation in order, and always follow up.
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