As a parent, caregiver or foster parent you may have heard about SASSA Child Grant, a grant offered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to assist with the upkeep of children. Applying for the grant can certainly be a useful source of income to support your child’s development, education and nurture. In this article, we will walk you through the steps of how to apply for SASSA Child Grant.
Eligibility criteria for the SASSA Child Grant
Before you start the application process, you need to ensure that you meet the SASSA Child Eligibility criteria:
- The child must be under the age of 18.
- The child must be a South African resident or permanent resident.
- The child must reside in South Africa with their primary caregiver.
- The applicant must show proof of income or lack thereof.
Documents required for SASSA Child Grant application
When applying for SASSA Child Grant, it is important to have the following documents in order:
- Identity documents of both the child and the primary caregiver.
- Proof of residence e.g. a utility bill or a lease agreement.
- Birth certificate of the child.
- Proof of income or an affidavit in lieu of income.
The application process
Once you have confirmed you meet the eligibility criteria and have the necessary documents, you can visit your nearest SASSA office where a SASSA officer will assist you with the application. Alternatively, you can apply online by visiting the SASSA website and following the steps below:
- Visit the official SASSA website – www.sassa.gov.za.
- Click on the "Grant to apply" section.
- Click on the "Child" category.
- Click on the "Apply Now" button.
- Fill in the required details, such as personal information, residential address information, proof of income information and any additional information required by SASSA.
- Attach all the required documents as indicated.
- Click on the "Submit" button once the application is complete.
After submitting your application, it can take up to two months for the application to be processed. If your application is approved, you will receive a letter from SASSA stating the amount you will receive, mode of payment and payment dates. Payment will typically be made on a monthly basis, which can come in the form of cash, electronic transfer or voucher. You will be required to have an active South African bank account in order to receive payments.
In conclusion
Applying for SASSA Child Grant can be a lengthy process, but it is worth it if you are a primary caregiver with little to no income. Make sure you have all the necessary documents and meet the eligibility criteria. Above all, be patient as the application process can take time to process, but once approved, it can ease the financial burden of raising a child.