Key Takeaway Box
- The Child Grant is a monthly payment from the South African government to help low-income families with children under 18 years old.
- The Child Grant amount for 2024 is R510 per month per child, which is a slight increase from the previous year.
- The Child Grant increase is based on inflation and cost of living adjustments, as well as broader economic factors.
- The Child Grant payment dates for 2024 are usually on the first working day of each month, except for January and December, which are paid earlier.
- The Child Grant is one of the most effective social protection programs in South Africa, reducing child poverty and improving child well-being.
What is a Child Grant in South Africa?
The Child Grant, also known as the Child Support Grant, is a cash transfer program that provides financial assistance to low-income families with children under 18 years old. The primary caregiver of the child, who can be a parent, grandparent, or any other person over 16 years old, can apply for the grant. The Child Grant is administered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), and is paid monthly to the caregiver’s bank account or through a cash pay point.
The Child Grant aims to improve the living conditions and well-being of children in South Africa, especially those who are vulnerable to poverty, malnutrition, and disease. The grant also helps families cope with the rising costs of raising children, such as food, clothing, education, and health care. The Child Grant is one of the largest and most popular social protection programs in South Africa, reaching about 12.8 million children in 2023¹.
Child Grant Increase Overview
The amount of the Child Grant is determined by the government every year, based on various factors such as inflation, cost of living, and economic performance. The grant is usually adjusted in April, which is the start of the new financial year. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the economy and society, the government announced an emergency increase in the Child Grant in 2020, which was extended until March 2021².
In 2024, the Child Grant amount will be R510 per month per child, which is a slight increase from the R500 per month per child that was paid in 2023³. This means that a caregiver with one child will receive R6,120 per year, while a caregiver with two children will receive R12,240 per year. The increase is intended to help families maintain their purchasing power and meet their basic needs, as well as to stimulate the economy and support the recovery from the pandemic.
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When Child Grant is Expected to Increase in South Africa?
The Child Grant increase for 2024 will take effect from April 1, 2024, which is the first payment date of the new financial year. This means that caregivers will receive the increased amount of R510 per month per child from April onwards. The increase will apply to all eligible children under 18 years old, regardless of when they were born or when they applied for the grant.
To qualify for the Child Grant, the caregiver and the child must meet certain criteria, such as being South African citizens or permanent residents, living in South Africa, having a valid identity document, and passing a means test. The means test is based on the income of the caregiver and their spouse, if they have one. The income threshold for 2024 is R52,800 per year for a single caregiver, and R105,600 per year for a married caregiver⁴.
Child Grant Payment Dates 2024
The Child Grant is paid monthly, usually on the first working day of each month. However, there are some exceptions, such as public holidays, weekends, and special occasions. The payment dates for 2024 are as follows⁵:
- January 5, 2024
- February 6, 2024
- March 7, 2024
- April 1, 2024
- May 2, 2024
- June 2, 2024
- July 1, 2024
- August 1, 2024
- September 1, 2024
- October 3, 2024
- November 1, 2024
- December 1, 2024
Caregivers can choose to receive their payments through direct deposit into their bank account, or through a cash pay point near their location. Direct deposit is faster, safer, and more convenient, as it avoids the risk of losing or misplacing the cash, or having to travel long distances or queue for hours to collect the money. Caregivers can register for direct deposit at any SASSA office, or by calling the SASSA toll-free number at 0800 60 10 11⁶.
Child Grant Increase Reasons
The Child Grant increase for 2024 is based on several reasons, such as:
- Inflation and Cost of Living: Fluctuations in the cost of living and inflation rates prompt reviews to guarantee the grant’s continued ability to meet children’s basic needs. Inflation measures the change in the prices of goods and services over time, while the cost of living measures the amount of money needed to maintain a certain standard of living. The government uses the Consumer Price Index (CPI) as the main indicator of inflation and the cost of living in South Africa. The CPI increased by 4.9% from November 2022 to November 2023, which means that the prices of goods and services rose by 4.9% in that period⁷. The Child Grant increase of 2% for 2024 is lower than the inflation rate, which means that the real value of the grant has decreased slightly. However, the government has to balance the need to protect the purchasing power of the grant recipients with the need to maintain fiscal sustainability and avoid excessive borrowing.
- Economic Factors: Broader economic factors, including national budget allocations and overall economic health, influence decisions on grant increases. The government has to consider the available resources and the competing demands for public spending, such as health, education, infrastructure, and debt service. The COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected the South African economy, causing a contraction of 7% in 2020, and a slow recovery of 3.3% in 2021⁸. The pandemic has also increased the fiscal deficit and the public debt, which limit the government’s ability to increase social spending. The government has to balance the need to support the economic recovery and the social protection of the most vulnerable groups with the need to restore fiscal stability and credibility.
Conclusion
The Child Grant is a vital source of income for millions of families with children in South Africa, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and its social and economic consequences. The Child Grant increase for 2024 is a modest but welcome adjustment that will help families cope with the rising costs of living and improve the well-being of their children. The Child Grant is one of the most effective social protection programs in South Africa, reducing child poverty and improving child well-being.
Source: How Much is SASSA Child Grant 2024: An Updated Guide to Benefits. https://sassanow.co.za/how-much-is-sassa-child-grant-2024/. SASSA Child Grant Increase for 2024: What You Need to Know. https://sassanews.com/sassa-child-grant-increase-for-2024-what-you-need-to-know/. Child support grant | South African Government. https://www.gov.za/services/child-care-social-benefits/child-support-grant. Child Support Grant – SASSA. https://www.sassa.gov.za/Pages/Child-Support-Grant.aspx.