October 2025 SASSA R560 Child Support Grant: Eligibility & Payment Date

SASSA R560 Child Support Grant October 2025: Eligibility Criteria & Payment Schedule in South Africa

Introduction

The Child Support Grant (CSG) administered by SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) is one of the most important social safety nets in South Africa. It provides vital monthly support to caregivers of children in low‑income households, helping to meet their basic needs (food, clothing, schooling, health).

As of October 2025, the standard Child Support Grant amount is R560 per child per month. There has been no further increase to this grant in October 2025. This article lays out who is eligible for this R560 grant, how to apply, the payment schedule, collection methods, and common challenges or FAQs.

1. Current Grant Value & Recent Changes

• As of 1 April 2025, the Child Support Grant was increased from R530 to R560 per child per month.
• In October 2025, while other core grants (like old‑age or disability) may see adjustments, the Child Support Grant will not increase further.
• Some sources report that the nominal R10 increase applied to other grants does not apply to the Child Support Grant.
• The Foster Child Grant, a separate grant, also remains unchanged at R1,250.

So for October 2025, the Child Support Grant remains R560 per eligible child.

2. Eligibility Criteria for the Child Support Grant (CSG)

To qualify for the CSG (R560 grant), a caregiver must meet specific eligibility criteria set by SASSA:

A. Child’s Age Limit

• The child must be under 18 years of age.
• Children with disabilities may qualify under a different grant (like the Care Dependency Grant).

B. Caregiver / Applicant Requirements

• Must be the primary caregiver or legal guardian (biological, adoptive, or legally appointed).
• Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee living in South Africa.
• The child must live with the caregiver in South Africa.
• A means test is applied: applicants must be below an income threshold determined by SASSA.
• Accurate personal and banking information must be provided and verified.

C. Required Documents

• Child’s birth certificate
• Caregiver’s South African ID
• Proof of residence
• Bank account details or preference for payment method
• Proof of income or declaration for the means test

SASSA performs checks across government databases to confirm identity and eligibility.

D. Top‑Up or Additional Benefits

• A Top‑Up Child Support Grant exists for orphaned children or those in extended family care.
• This is not available to all CSG recipients and has extra conditions.
• Some reports refer to a R560 + R280 top-up, but this is not universally applicable.

E. Other Conditions

• Only one caregiver can claim per child.
• You cannot receive multiple grants for the same child.
• Children with severe disabilities may qualify for a Care Dependency Grant instead.

3. Payment Schedule & October 2025 Disbursement

A. Monthly Payment Pattern

• SASSA pays grants monthly, usually in the first week of the month.
• Children’s grants (CSG, Foster, etc.) are typically paid between the 4th and 8th of each month.
• If payment falls on a weekend or public holiday, it moves to the next working day.

B. October 2025 Payment Date

• The Child Support Grant is scheduled for Monday, 6 October 2025.
• Other October dates:
  • Older Persons Grant: 2 October 2025
  • Disability Grant: 3 October 2025
  • Children’s Grants (CSG, Foster): 6 October 2025

C. Payment Processing Time

• Payments start from the morning (around 07:30) and continue throughout the day.
• Bank deposits may reflect within 2–3 business days.
• Beneficiaries are advised not to rush on the first day to avoid long queues.

D. Previous Payment Dates for Reference

Month	Payment Date
May 2025	8 May 2025
June 2025	5 June 2025
Sept 2025	4 Sept 2025
Oct 2025	6 Oct 2025

4. How the Grant is Disbursed / Collected

Beneficiaries can receive their payment through various options:

1. Bank Account / Direct Deposit
   • Direct deposit into a caregiver’s registered bank account is the safest and fastest method.
2. Postbank / SASSA Gold or Black Card
   • Funds can be withdrawn at ATMs or retail stores.
3. Retailers / Pay Points
   • Some supermarket chains and stores are authorized to pay grants.
4. Cash at Pay Points
   • Available in rural areas where banking infrastructure is limited.

Always ensure your banking and contact details are up to date with SASSA.

5. Challenges, Delays & Tips for Beneficiaries

A. Delays or “Pending” Applications

• Pending status may mean:
  • Incomplete or incorrect information
  • Verification with SARS, UIF, or other databases
• Use the SASSA online portal or helpline to check your grant status.
• Visit a SASSA office if unresolved after a reasonable wait.

B. Rejected or Declined Applications

• Common reasons:
  • Failed means test
  • Missing documentation
  • Identity mismatches
• You may appeal or resubmit your application.

C. Updating Details

• Update your profile if you:
  • Change bank accounts
  • Lose your SASSA card
  • Move to a new address

D. Scam Alerts

• Beware of scam calls or SMSes asking for:
  • Bank details
  • One-Time PINs (OTPs)
  • Grant approval codes
• Never share personal info or approve anything unless from an official SASSA source.

E. ATM / Pay Point Congestion

• ATMs and pay points are busy on payment day.
• Funds do not expire – wait a few days if needed.

7. Summary & Conclusion

• The SASSA Child Support Grant remains at R560 per child in October 2025.
• Payment is scheduled for Monday, 6 October 2025.
• Eligibility includes being a low-income caregiver to a child under 18, living in South Africa, and meeting means test criteria.
• Keep your banking and contact info updated to avoid issues.
• Watch out for scams, and never share your personal codes or banking info.

FAQs