At What Age Does Sassa Child Grant End?

At What Age Does Sassa Child Grant End?

Child Support Grant Ending Age in South Africa:

If you are a parent or caregiver in South Africa relying on the SASSA Child Support Grant to help care for a child, it is significant to understand when this financial assistance ends. Many people often ask, “At what age does the SASSA child grant end?” Knowing the correct information can help you plan ahead and avoid any disruptions in your household budget.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides monthly child support grants to eligible low-income families to help with the basic needs of their children. However, this grant is not permanent, it is only paid until a certain age limit is reached. According to SASSA rules, the child support grant will automatically end at the end of the month in which the child turns 18 years old.

This means that once a child celebrates their 18th birthday, the grant will stop the same month, regardless of whether they are still in school or living at home. There are no automatic extensions or renewals beyond this age. It is important for caregivers to prepare in advance for this change, especially if the child is still financially dependent.

Other reasons that may cause the child’s grant to lapse before 18 include the child’s death, admission into a state institution, or if the caregiver fails to claim the grant for three consecutive months. Also, if the child permanently leaves the country, the grant will be discontinued. Understanding the age limit for the SASSA child grant helps ensure you stay compliant and financially prepared for the future.

When Will The Child Support Grant Be Reviewed?

SASSA may review your child’s grant at any time. This review is usually based on your income as declared during your application.

You will be informed at least 3 months before the review date or when a life certificate (proof of life) is due.
If you are receiving the grant via bank, institution, or procurator, you must complete a life certificate at your nearest SASSA office once a year.

When Can the Child Support Sassa Grant Be Suspended?

Your child’s grant may be suspended for the following reasons:

Changes in your financial or personal situation.
Results of a review.
Failure to comply during the review process.
Committing fraud or giving false information.
Errors during the approval process.
The child is no longer in your care.

At What Age Does Sassa Child Grant End?

The child support grant will stop if:

The child dies.
The child enters a state institution.
The grant is not claimed for 3 straight months.
The child leaves South Africa.
The child turns 18 (grant ends at the end of that month).

Knowing the Age Limit for the SASSA Child Grant

“SASSA would like to remind child support grant beneficiaries that the grant lapses when the child is 18 years old. Some beneficiaries become confused and do not understand when the payment is suddenly stopped during that period.

Beneficiaries must note that the child support grant can also stop if the child has passed on, and is no longer in the custody of the caregiver if the caregiver does not claim the child support grant for three consecutive months and when the living condition improves and becomes above the threshold. According to the Social Assistance Act, it is required that beneficiaries must report any changes in living standards to ensure that the grant is reviewed immediately.

Social grant recipients must be aware that the child support grant is aimed at lower-income households, to assist parents in providing the basic needs of their children. The child support grant is not meant for a luxurious life or to replace other income but is intended to bridge the gap in the cost of living and look after the child.

Society is reminded that nobody is allowed to receive child support grants for more than six children who are not biological or legally adopted children. SASSA would like to encourage the communities to report all beneficiaries who misuse the child support grant at the nearest local offices”/ SASSA for 18-year-old

How Much Does Sassa Pay Per Child?

The amount changes every year, but the child support grant is currently R500 per month per child. You will get R530 a month per child. (Top-up R530 + R260)

Who can apply for the Child grant?

To apply for the SASSA Child Support Grant, you must meet the criteria to apply (note that these criteria are subject to change). The criteria are as follows:

You must be a South African Citizen, a Permanent Resident or a Refugee
You and the child must both reside in South Africa
You must be the primary caregiver of the child (you may be the parent, grandparent, or anyone over 16 years old who is the main person responsible for caring for the child)
You must NOT be receiving any payment to care for the child
The child must be under 18 years old
The child must be attending school if they are of school-going age
The child must NOT be receiving care in a state institution
You and your spouse must meet the requirements of the means test

Step By Step Guide To Apply For a Child Grant in 2026

If you are applying for a Care Dependency Grant, Child Support Grant, Foster Child Grant, Disability Grant, Older Persons Grant, or Grant-In-Aid, follow these steps:

Visit the SASSA services website on any device with internet connectivity (cellphone, tablet, laptop, desktop computer).
Register as a new user on the SASSA services website, by clicking the yellow “Register” button on the home page.
Log in to the SASSA services website using your username and password.
Click on “Apply for a Grant” and then select the type of grant you wish to apply for.
Fill in the grant application form by providing all the required information.
Print the SASSA-generated affidavit and have it certified by a commissioner of oaths. Print, sign, and submit the Bank Payment Form with your affidavit.
Upload the following certified supporting documents in PDF format: SASSA for 18-year-old

What You Need To Do To Apply

Visit your nearest SASSA office and bring:

Your 13-digit barcoded ID and the child’s birth certificate.

If you donot have either:

Complete a sworn affidavit (SASSA format) with a Commissioner of Oaths (not a SASSA official).
Bring the following supporting documents:
Sworn statement from someone reputable (councillor, social worker, religious leader) who knows you and the child.

Proof of you applied for an ID or birth certificate at Home Affairs.

Temporary ID (if issued).
Baptismal certificate (if available).
Clinic card (“Road to Health”) (if available).
School report (if available).
Proof of income or maintenance received for the child.
Marriage certificate (if married).
Divorce order (if applicable, showing you have custody).
Death certificate or proof the parent is missing, like a police report (if one or both parents are deceased or missing).

SASSA Contact Details

For any further queries, please contact SASSA directly:
Contact the SASSA Toll-Free Call centre on 0800 60 10 11
Contact the SASSA Head Office on 012 400 2322
Email SASSA Head Office at: Grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za
Contact details of SASSA offices across the country: SASSA contact details

The SASSA Child Support Grant provides valuable financial assistance to families for the care and well-being of their children. As of the latest information, SASSA pays a fixed monthly amount of RXXX per child through the grant. Eligible caregivers can apply by meeting the specific criteria and providing the required documentation. For more information, please visit SASSA Grants College’s official website.

RELATED LINKS