By: Natasha Archary

Do you qualify for a SASSA child support grant top up?
In June 2022 a child support grant top up was granted to help caregivers who are taking care of orphaned children supplement their living expenses.
While 65% of South African children are dependent on the grants, SASSA reports that only around 6 000 children receive the child support grant top up.
The top is an additional R250, which means grant recipients would receive a total of R780.
In February, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana increased the child support grant by R20, which meant recipients now receive R530 for child support.
SASSA’s child support grants are a lifeline for millions of children in the country, but only relatives caring for an orphaned child can apply to receive the top up.
Applicants do no require a social worker’s report or court order in order to access the grant top up.
Only children under 18-years old who are caring for their orphaned siblings in child-headed households will need to see a social worker before approaching SASSA for the grant top up.
To apply for the child support grant top up, visit a SASSA office or apply online at sassa.gov.za.
Applicants must prove that a child is an orphan by providing:
- certified copies of the death certificates of both parents,
- or where the death certificate of one of the parents cannot be obtained, a certified copy of one parent plus an affidavit by the applicant attesting to the unknown status of the child’s other parent.
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