VerifiedYes. The child support grant increased by R20 to R580 a month per child on 1 April 2026, following the February 2026 Budget. The new amount was paid from the April 2026 payment run, and existing beneficiaries did not need to reapply.
Recent child support grant amounts
| From | Monthly amount | Increase |
|---|---|---|
| April 2024 | R530 | R20 |
| April 2025 | R560 | R30 |
| April 2026 | R580 | R20 |
Increases are announced in the national Budget in February and take effect in April. There is no second increase for the child support grant later in 2026.
The top-up for orphans
A relative, such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, sibling or cousin, who cares for an orphaned child can receive a top-up worth half the grant. From April 2026 that is R290 extra, making R870 a month per child. See who qualifies for the top-up.
Do you qualify?
- You are the primary caregiver of a child under 18.
- You and the child live in South Africa.
- Your income is below R5,800 a month if single, or R11,600 a month combined if married. The limit is ten times the grant, so it rose with the April increase.
During the Covid-19 pandemic government paid temporary top-ups on grants. Those ended long ago. There is no temporary top-up on the child support grant in 2026.
When will it increase again?
The next change, if any, will be announced in the February 2027 Budget and would take effect in April 2027.
Applying
Apply at a SASSA office with your ID, the child’s birth certificate and proof of income. Our guide to applying for the child support grant lists every document.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the child support grant in 2026?
R580 a month per child from 1 April 2026, up from R560.
Do I have to reapply to get the child support grant increase?
No. SASSA applies the new amount automatically to all existing beneficiaries.
What is the income limit for the child support grant in 2026?
A single caregiver must earn less than R5,800 a month, and a married couple less than R11,600 a month combined.