SASSA Child Support Grant Top-Up

The SASSA Child Support Grant Top-Up is a social relief initiative provided by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to support children in need, particularly those who are orphaned and under the care of relatives or child-headed households.

This article provides all the details about who qualifies, how to apply, and what documents are required.

What is the SASSA Child Support Grant Top-Up?

The SASSA Child Support Grant Top-Up is an additional financial aid provided to children who qualify for the standard SASSA Child Support Grant but have lost both parents. This top-up allows caregivers to receive an extra amount on top of the regular Child Support Grant to ensure that orphaned children receive adequate care and support.

It was introduced as a way to help extended family members or child-headed households take care of orphaned children without the need for a formal foster care grant, which requires a court order.

Who Can Apply for the SASSA Child Support Grant Top-Up?

To qualify for the SASSA Child Support Grant Top-Up, the applicant must meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. The Applicant Must Be:

• A South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
• A relative (grandparent, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, or cousin) of the child OR
• A child between the ages of 16 and 18 who is heading a household.

2. The Applicant and the Child Must:

• Permanently reside in South Africa.
• Be younger than 18 years old (child).
• Live together, with the applicant as the primary caregiver.
• Meet the Means Test requirements (income must be below a certain threshold).
• Not be cared for in a State-funded institution.

3. Proof of Orphan Status:

• Both parents must be deceased, and death certificates must be submitted.
• If only one parent’s death certificate is available and the other parent’s status is unknown, an affidavit will be required.

4. Education Requirement:

• If the child is of school-going age, proof of school attendance must be provided.

5. Limitation on Number of Children:

• The applicant cannot apply for more than six children.

Required Documents for the SASSA Child Support Grant Top-Up

To apply for the SASSA Child Support Grant Top-Up, the following documents are needed:

1. The child’s birth certificate.
2. The applicant’s identity document (ID).
3. If applicable, the spouse’s ID.
4. Death certificates of both parents (or an affidavit if one is unavailable).
5. Proof of school attendance (for children of school-going age).
6. Alternative identification (if the applicant or child does not have a birth certificate or ID).
7. Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill or affidavit).
8. Bank details (if the grant will be paid into a bank account).

How Much is the SASSA Child Support Grant Top-Up?

• The SASSA Child Support Grant Top-Up is an additional R250 per month on top of the regular Child Support Grant amount.
• For example, if the standard SASSA Child Support Grant is R500, with the top-up, the total amount would be R750 per child per month.

How to Apply for the SASSA Child Support Grant Top-Up

1. Visit a SASSA Office

Applicants must visit their nearest SASSA office to apply for the grant.

2. Complete the Application Form

• Application forms are available free of charge at any SASSA office.
• A SASSA official will assist in filling out the form.

3. Submit the Required Documents

• Ensure that all necessary documents are submitted along with the application form.

4. Receive a Receipt

• A receipt will be issued as proof that the application has been submitted.

5. Application Processing

• The processing time can take up to three months.
• If approved, payments will be backdated to the application date.

6. Grant Payment

• The SASSA Child Support Grant Top-Up can be received through:
  • Bank deposit (if provided bank details).
  • SASSA cash pay points.
  • Post office.
  • Retail stores (Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Checkers, etc.)

Related: Download SASSA Consent Form for Bank Payment – A Guide for SASSA Beneficiaries

What Happens If the Application Is Rejected?

If the application is denied, SASSA will provide reasons in writing. If the applicant disagrees with the decision, they can appeal within 90 days of receiving the rejection letter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can a child-headed household apply for the SASSA Child Support Grant Top-Up?

A: Yes. A child between the ages of 16 and 18 who is heading a household can apply for the SASSA Child Support Grant Top-Up on behalf of their siblings.

Q: Can a caregiver apply for more than six children?

A: No. An applicant cannot apply for more than six children under the SASSA Child Support Grant Top-Up.

Q: What happens if one parent is missing or their status is unknown?

A: If only one parent’s death certificate is available and the other parent’s status is unknown, the applicant must provide an affidavit stating the circumstances.

Q: Do I need a court order to apply?

A: No. Unlike foster care grants, the SASSA Child Support Grant Top-Up does not require a court order.

Q: How long does it take for the application to be processed?

A: Processing can take up to 90 days (3 months). If successful, payments are backdated to the date of application.

The SASSA Child Support Grant Top-Up is a vital social grant designed to assist orphaned children in the care of relatives or child-headed households. If you or someone you know meets the eligibility criteria, it is essential to apply for this support.

For more information, visit your nearest SASSA office or call SASSA’s toll-free number: 0800 60 10 11.