The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has announced an increase of R2,200 in child support payments, bringing much-needed relief to families across South Africa. This increase aims to help low-income households cover the rising costs of raising children, including school fees, healthcare, and daily living expenses. If you’re a SASSA child support beneficiary, this is an update you can’t afford to miss.
What Is the R2,200 Child Support Increase?
The R2,200 increase is a per-child benefit provided to families already receiving child support grants from SASSA. This increase comes as part of the South African government’s ongoing effort to help families cope with inflation and the rising cost of living. Eligible caregivers can use this additional payment to cover essential child-related expenses, such as food, education, and healthcare.
Who Is Eligible for the Child Support Increase?
To qualify for the R2,200 increase, recipients must already be receiving the SASSA Child Support Grant for one or more children. The increase is designed for low-income families where the caregiver (parent or guardian) is either unemployed or working in low-wage employment. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the eligibility criteria:
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Residency | Must be a South African resident |
| Child Support Grant Recipient | Must already be receiving the SASSA Child Support Grant |
| Income Limit | The caregiver must fall below the income threshold for eligibility |
| Number of Children | Increase applies per eligible child in the household |
| Application Deadline | Eligible recipients do not need to apply separately; payments will be adjusted automatically |
How to Claim the R2,200 Increase
The R2,200 increase will be automatically added to the existing Child Support Grant for eligible recipients, so there is no need to submit a new application. However, if your circumstances have changed (e.g., you have a new child, or your income status has changed), you may need to update your details with SASSA. This can be done through their online portal or by visiting your nearest SASSA office.
When Will the Increase Be Paid?
The R2,200 increase will be paid monthly as part of the regular SASSA payment cycle. Payments for the child support grants are typically made in the first week of each month. If you receive your payment via bank transfer, the increased amount will be directly deposited into your account. Those who receive their payment via post office can expect the new amount to be available when they collect their grant.
The R2,200 SASSA Child Support increase is a welcome boost for families with children who rely on the Child Support Grant to meet essential needs. If you are a caregiver receiving the grant, there is no need to take any extra steps — the increase will be applied automatically to your payments. Keep your SASSA details up to date to ensure you receive this financial relief without delay.
