Urgent appeal for SASSA Child Support applicants for October 2024

The agency has issued an urgent appeal for young mothers to apply for SASSA Child Support grants for October 2024 if they have recently given birth to a newborn.

The South African Social Security Agency’s mandate is to look after the nation’s neediest residents, both young, old or disabled. And now Minister Sisisi Tolashe wants to empower young mothers through October 2024 SASSA Child Support grants.

OCTOBER 2024 SASSA CHILD SUPPORT

Currently, 13-million parents receive R530 every month from the government as a means of childcare. After Social Relief of Distress (SRD), this is the biggest social welfare programme supported by the agency. Unfortunately, unlike SASSA old-age pensioner grants which will increase this week, October 2024 SASSA Child Support is not increasing again this year.

However, last month the agency put out a call to young mothers with newborns to urgently apply for October 2024 SASSA Child Support grants. Note that applications can take upwards of three months to be processed. But if successful, you will be back-paid to the date of your application. Crucially, there is a means test associated with the government grant, and your banking records must reflect that your annual income is the following:

• Less than R8 800 per month if you’re married (R105 600 annually).
• Less than R4 400 per month if you’re single (R52 800 annually).

The agency also reminds all potential beneficiaries that by law you cannot receive an October 2024 SASSA Child Support grant and a Foster Child or Child Care Dependency grant simultaneously.

URGENT CALLS FROM THE MINISTER

Nevertheless, as published on its website last month (September 2024), SASSA is urging mothers of newborns less than one-year old to apply for Child Support. It says it is concerned about the small numbers of parents who apply when their newborn children are still young. It says needy parents are being ‘left behind’ by not applying for October 2024 SASSA Child Support as soon as they can.

SASSA says the instant all your newborn child’s official documents are in order (birth certificate and identification document) through Home Affairs, full government support is available to parents. Therefore, there is no need to wait until a child is a few years old before you can access urgent government support.

HOW TO APPLY FOR CHILD SUPPORT?

Visit the upgraded SASSA services portal to make an appointment online (this must still take place in-person) and make sure to bring the following documents with you:

• Valid identity documents of both the applicant and spouse (if married).
• Proof of marital status (via a marriage, birth or death certificate of your spouse).
• Official birth certificate of the child you’re applying for.
• Proof of income (of both you and your spouse).
• An approved three-month bank statement (not more than three-months old).

Someone can apply on your behalf if you’re unable to visit a SASSA branch office personally. You will need a doctor’s note explaining why and have all of the above documents signed and certified by a commissioner of oaths. You may contact the agency for help here:

• SASSA Toll-Free Call: 0800 60 10 11
• SASSA Head Office: 012 400 2322 or 051 410 8339
• Email SASSA: grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za

ELIGIBIILTY AND PAYMENT DATES

The agency reminds applicants that to be eligible for October 2024 SASSA Child Support benefits, you must be the child’s primary caregiver. You must also reside permanently in South Africa. And your child cannot be cared for in any other state-run institution. You can diarise the remaining SASSA Child Support payment dates till March 2025:

• Friday 4 October 2024.
• Thursday 7 November 2024.
• Thursday 5 December 2024.
• Tuesday 7 January 2025.
• Thursday 6 February 2025.
• Thursday 6 March 2025.

*The agency reminds beneficiaries that payments may take between 2-3 days to reflect in your bank account.