R790 SASSA Child Support Increased Grant October 2025
The SASSA R790 Child Support Grant is rolling out instead of R560, by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). The goal of this grant is simple yet powerful, to provide reliable financial assistance to low-income and vulnerable households that are raising children.
In many homes across South Africa, parents and caregivers struggle daily to cover the cost of food, school fees, clothes, healthcare, and transport. That is where this grant steps in. By offering much-needed financial relief, the R790 payment ensures that children have access to the basic necessities they deserve.
What is the SASSA R790 Child Support Grant?
The grant is primarily aimed at caregivers of children under 18 years old who live in financially difficult conditions. The base amount is R560 per child per month. However, in certain circumstances, an additional top-up of R280 is added, making the total payment R790 per child.
It is important to understand that this is not a completely separate grant. Instead, it is an enhanced version of the Child Support Grant, designed specifically for children in households that are more vulnerable, such as orphans or those in child-headed households.
R790 Grant 2025: Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Department Name | South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) |
| Program Name | R790 Child Support Grant |
| Country | South Africa |
| Monthly Amount per Child | R790 (R560 base + R280 top-up) |
| Payment Schedule | Monthly, first few working days |
| Payment Methods | Bank deposits, Postbank, SASSA pay points, retail stores |
| Eligible Beneficiaries | Children under 18 in vulnerable households |
| Official Website | www.sassa.gov.za |
Eligibility Rules for the R790 Child Support Grant
To qualify, both the caregiver and the child must meet certain requirements:
- The caregiver must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or officially recognized refugee.
- The caregiver must be the primary person responsible for the child’s daily needs.
- Household income must fall below SASSA’s means test threshold (different for single caregivers and married couples).
- The child must be under 18 years old and living with the caregiver inside South Africa.
- For the R280 top-up, the child must be orphaned or living in a child-headed household, and proof such as affidavits or supporting documents is required.
R790 Child Support Grant Benefits
South Africa continues to face high poverty and unemployment rates, and children are often the most affected. The R790 grant plays a key role in:
- Reducing child poverty by easing the financial burden on households.
- Supporting access to education, such as paying school fees, uniforms, and transport costs.
- Improving children’s health and nutrition by ensuring that families can afford proper meals and healthcare.
- Helping children in orphaned or vulnerable situations live with dignity.
This grant is not only financial relief but also a way to create long-term stability for families and help caregivers focus on raising their children rather than constantly worrying about survival.
Child Support Grant Date for October 2025
The Child Support Grant and other children’s grants will be paid on:
Saturday, 4 October 2025
This is the date funds will reflect if you receive the grant directly into your bank account or through your SASSA card. There are some alternate options are also available to collect, like retail stores, ATMs, and designated pay points.
SASSA usually pays Older Persons Grants firstly (2 Sept 2025), after that Disability Grants (3 Sept 2025), and finally Children’s Grants (4 Sept 2025). This system is planned to avoid a huge rush at the same date and time.
Also Read: How To Check SASSA Child Grant Balance
Payment Breakdown
Here is how the payment works:
| Type of Grant | Base Amount | Top-up | Total Monthly Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Child Support Grant | R560 | – | R560 |
| Child Support with Top-up | R560 | R280 | R790 |
The top-up is targeted support for children facing extraordinary hardship, such as losing both parents.
Where and How Can You Collect the Grant?
SASSA makes collection flexible. You can get your Child Support Grant through:
Direct Bank Deposit
- Money goes straight into your personal bank account.
- This is the safest way to get your grant on-time.
- Make sure your banking details are up-to-date with SASSA to avoid delays.
SASSA Gold Card
- Withdraw at any ATM (with lower bank charges).
- Pay for groceries at major retail chains like Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, Boxer, or Usave.
- Safer than carrying cash.
Pay Points/Post Offices
- You can opt this option if you don’t have a bank account.
- But queues can be long, so arriving later in the day or week is often easier.
Do You Have to Collect on the Exact Date?
Not at all, a common misconception is that grants must be withdrawn on the very day of release. In reality:
- Your grant will not go anywhere from your account.
- You can wait a few days if the queues are long.
- Collecting later is often safer and less stressful.
This flexibility gives you breathing space, avoids rush, so plan around your own schedule.
What If You Don’t Receive Your October Grant?
Sometimes, a grant may not reflect on the payment date. Don’t panic, it can usually be resolved. Here’s what you should do:
- Check Your SASSA Status Online: Log in at srd.sassa.gov.za or use the Moya app.
- Confirm Banking Details: Incorrect or outdated info is the biggest reason for delays.
- You can also call on Helpline: To contact SASSA toll-free line is 0800 60 10 11 for support.
- Appeal if Necessary: If your grant was stopped unfairly, you can lodge an appeal through the online SASSA appeal system.
Useful Tips
Here are some smart ways to make your October grant collection easier:
- Plan shopping trips around your payment date to stretch your grant further.
- Use your SASSA card at tills instead of withdrawing cash, it’s safer and avoids ATM fees.
- Keep your phone charged and updated with SASSA messages so you don’t miss notifications.
- Avoid “loan sharks” who target beneficiaries with unfair repayment demands.
- Report suspicious deductions immediately by sending your ID number and the service provider name via SMS to 34548.
AT A Glance
| Grant Type | Payment Date (Sept 2025) | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Older Persons Grant | Tuesday, 2 Sept 2025 | R2,315-R2,335 |
| Disability Grant | Wednesday, 3 Sept 2025 | R2,315 |
| Child Support Grant | Thursday, 4 Sept 2025 | R790 per child |
Latest Update on the R790 Child Support Grant
As of 2025, the R790 payment remains unchanged, but SASSA has confirmed that all grants are reviewed annually based on the country’s budget and economic conditions. Caregivers are advised to:
- Regularly check the status of their grant.
- Ensure that their banking details are correct on the SASSA system to avoid delays.
- Stay informed about special campaigns that SASSA runs, especially for orphaned children or vulnerable youth.
Although no increase has been announced yet, the grant is still a cornerstone of South Africa’s social safety net.
FAQs
Q1: How can I qualify as a caregiver for the R790 program?
A: You must be a citizen, permanent resident, or recognized refugee and meet the income threshold set by SASSA.
Q2: What will I receive if my child is eligible for the top-up?
A: You will receive R790 per child per month (R560 base grant plus R280 top-up).
Q3: Can non-citizens apply for the Child Support Grant?
A: Yes, refugees and permanent residents who meet the conditions can apply.
Q4: When are the payments made each month?
A: Payments are usually made within the first few working days of the month.
The SASSA R790 Child Support Grant 2025 is more than just a financial program, it is a lifeline for thousands of children across South Africa. By combining the base grant with the top-up for vulnerable children, SASSA ensures that no child is left behind. Caregivers are strongly encouraged to apply if they meet the requirements, keep their information updated, and use the grant to support their children’s growth, education, and well-being.
The Child Support Grant for October 2025 is officially announced to be paid on Thursday, 4 October 2025. By knowing your date in advance, you can plan your trips, avoid long queues, and use your funds wisely. Remember, your money doesn’t disappear if you don’t withdraw it immediately, it will remain safe until you need it.
