February 2025 SASSA child support grants: payments dates and how to qualify

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) manages three childcare grants aimed at supporting families in need: the Child Support Grant, Foster Child Grant, and Care Dependency Grant. These grants collectively form a cornerstone of South Africa’s social welfare system, benefitting millions of families.

Last week (January 22, 2025), Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe praised the success of the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) graduates, noting that over 80% of these students (572,338 out of 724,156) were recipients of SASSA’s Child Support Grant.

With a national pass rate of 86%, this milestone reflects the impact of the Department of Social Development (DSD) in alleviating poverty and fostering educational achievement among SASSA beneficiaries.

SASSA disburses over 13 million Child Support Grants, with each beneficiary receiving R530 per month. This grant program accounts for the largest share of South Africa’s social welfare budget, surpassing even the R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant in reach and expenditure. Currently 9 million South Africans rely on SRD grants, however the historic January 2025 High Court judgement affirmed that up to 18.3 million people should be able to access the SRD grant.

Parents can register their children from birth and receive continuous support until the child’s 18th birthday. Over 18 years, a household can receive an estimated R135,480 in support, assuming an annual 5% grant increase (with the next adjustment expected in April 2025).

Key grant dates

For February 2025, grant payouts begin on Thursday, February 6. The remaining grant date before April is Thursday, March 6, 2025.

How to qualify for SASSA childcare grants

The February 2025 SASSA Childcare Grants remain a vital resource for financially struggling families. To ensure uninterrupted support, parents are encouraged to apply promptly and maintain updated documentation.

To qualify for any SASSA childcare grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Income means test

• Married Applicants: Earn less than R8,800 per month (R105,600 annually).
• Single Applicants: Earn less than R4,400 per month (R52,800 annually).

General requirements

• The child must be under 18 years old.
• Applications take up to three months to process, but successful applicants receive back payments from the date of application.

Documentation needed

• Valid identity documents for the applicant and spouse (if married).
• Proof of marital status (e.g., marriage or death certificate).
• Child’s official birth certificate and ID.
• Proof of income (for both applicant and spouse).
• A recent (within three months) bank statement.
• Proof of address (utility bill no older than three months).

Specialised grants

1. Foster Child Grant (R1,190/month): For court-appointed foster parents under the Child Care Act.
2. Care Dependency Grant (R2,190/month): For children with mental or physical disabilities, as certified by a government doctor.

Applying for grants

To apply:

1. Register your newborn at the Department of Home Affairs.
2. Schedule an appointment on the upgraded SASSA online service portal before visiting a SASSA branch.
3. Submit all required documents.

Contact SASSA

For assistance, reach out to SASSA via:Toll-Free Call: 0800 60 10 11, Head Office: 012 400 2322, Email: grantenquiries@sassa.gov.za.

Alternatively, email:  president@presidency.gov.za for further inquiries.