SASSA Children’s Grants of $590 Arriving in March 2025 – Check Eligibility and Key Details!

Published On: March 20, 2025

If you’re a parent or caregiver in South Africa, there’s good news! The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has announced a Children Grant of $590 (approximately R11,000), set to be disbursed in March 2025. This grant aims to provide financial relief to families struggling to meet their children’s basic needs. Wondering if you qualify or how to apply? Here’s everything you need to know.

Grant

The SASSA Children Grant is a special financial aid initiative designed to help low-income families care for their children. This grant is separate from the existing Child Support Grant, Foster Child Grant, and Care Dependency Grant.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the key details:

Grant Name	SASSA Children Grant
Amount	$590 (Approx. R11,000)
Disbursement Date	March 2025
Eligibility	South African citizens, refugees, and permanent residents meeting income criteria
Application Process	Online or at SASSA offices with required documents
Official Website	SASSA Official Website

Now, let’s cut deeper into the eligibility criteria and application process.

Eligibility

To qualify for the SASSA Children Grant of $590, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Citizenship

Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or recognized refugee.
Both the applicant and the child must reside in South Africa.
Refugee applicants must provide proof of status.

Age

The child must be under 18 years old.
A birth certificate is required as proof of age.
If the child is turning 18 within six months, they may still qualify under certain exceptions.

Income

SASSA applies a means test to determine eligibility based on income:

Applicant Type	Annual Income Limit
Single Applicant	Below R52,800 (Approx. $2,800)
Married Applicant	Below R105,600 (Approx. $5,600)

If your income exceeds these limits, you may not qualify for the grant. Unemployed caregivers must provide an affidavit confirming their financial status.

Caregiver

The applicant must be the child’s primary caregiver.
A birth certificate or legal documentation is required.
If the child is orphaned, additional proof of guardianship is needed.
Grandparents or extended family members can apply if they are the primary caregivers.

Institutional Care

The child must not be in a state-funded institution (e.g., orphanages, rehabilitation centers).
If the child has recently left institutional care, supporting documents are needed.

Application

Applying for the SASSA Children Grant of $590 is simple. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth process.

Step 1

You will need:

Your South African ID or refugee status document.
The child’s birth certificate.
Proof of income (salary slips, bank statements, or affidavit if unemployed).
Proof of residence (utility bill or official letter).
Medical report (for Care Dependency Grant applicants).
Legal guardianship documents (if applicable).

Step 2

Online Application: Apply through the SASSA Services Portal.
Walk-In Application: Visit the nearest SASSA office with documents.
Assisted Applications: Community service centers can assist those unable to apply themselves.

Step 3

Once you submit your application:

You will receive a receipt as proof.
SASSA may conduct home visits to verify eligibility.
Additional documents may be required.

Step 4

Processing takes up to 90 days.
SASSA will notify you via SMS, email, or letter about approval or rejection.
If approved, the first payment will be scheduled within 30 days.

Step 5

The grant will be paid through one of the following methods:

Direct deposit into your bank account.
SASSA card.
Cash collection points (e.g., Post Office, Pick n Pay, Shoprite).

Payments will be issued as a single lump sum of R11,000 ($590).

This SASSA Children Grant is a much-needed financial boost for struggling families. If you meet the eligibility criteria, don’t wait—apply as soon as applications open to secure this essential support.