Who qualifies for the SASSA Child Grant Top Up?
The South African Social Security Agency Child Support Grant (CSG) is an important source of financial support for millions of families.
This grant provides caregivers with monthly assistance to meet the basic needs of children under 18.
However, for some families facing even greater challenges, the SASSA Child Grant Top Up offers additional support.
Start SASSA Status Check NowWhat is the SASSA Child Grant Top Up?
The Child Grant Top Up is an additional amount added to the standard CSG.
Think of it as a supplement designed to further assist caregivers facing a specific hardship: caring for orphaned children.
Currently, the standard CSG amount is R530 per month.
The Top Up adds R240 to this amount, bringing the total monthly grant to R720 for qualifying caregivers.
Who Qualifies for the SASSA Child Grant Top Up?
The main factor determining eligibility for the Top Up is your relationship to the child you are caring for.
The South African government recognizes the unique challenges faced by relatives who take on the responsibility of raising orphaned children.
Therefore, only caregivers of orphaned children qualify for the Child Grant Top Up.
This is a breakdown of the qualifying criteria:
- You must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
- Both you and the child/children must reside in South Africa.
- You must be the primary caregiver of the orphaned child(ren). This means you have daily responsibility for the child’s well-being.
- The orphaned child/children must be under 18 years old.
There is a distinction between orphaned children and children living in child-headed households.
A child-headed household is one where a minor (under 18) is caring for younger siblings, often due to the loss of both parents.
While these children face significant challenges, they are not considered orphaned for the purposes of the Top Up.
However, if a child under 18 is caring for orphaned siblings in a child-headed household, they will need to see a social worker before applying for the Top Up.
The social worker will assess the situation and ensure the well-being of the children.
Documents Required to Apply for the Top Up
Once you’ve confirmed you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for the Child Grant Top Up.
To simplify the process, be sure to have the following documents on hand:
- Your South African ID book or valid refugee permit.
- The orphaned child’s birth certificate.
- Proof of death for both biological parents of the orphaned child (e.g. death certificates).
- Proof of your residency (e.g. utility bill with your address).
- If applicable, a social worker’s report for child-headed households with a minor caregiver.
How to Apply for the SASSA Child Grant Top Up
There are two convenient ways to apply for the Top Up. They are:
- Visit your nearest SASSA office. A SASSA staff member can assist you with the application process and answer any questions you may have.
- Apply online at the SASSA website. The online application process is user-friendly and can be completed from the comfort of your home.
Do I need a social worker’s report to apply for the Child Grant Top Up?
In most cases, you do not. A social worker’s report is only required if you are a minor (under 18) caring for orphaned siblings in a child-headed household.
How much is the SASSA Child Grant Top Up?
The Child Grant Top Up is currently R240 per month.
This amount is added to the standard CSG amount, bringing the total monthly grant to R720 for qualifying caregivers.
What if I am not a relative of the orphaned child?
Unfortunately, the Child Grant Top Up is only available for relatives caring for orphaned children.
However, you may still be eligible for the standard CSG depending on your circumstances.
We recommend contacting SASSA for more information.