The South African National Treasury has confirmed a modest increase to the Child Support Grant (CSG), which will take effect from 1 October 2025. This SASSA Child Grant Increase is intended to help caregivers cope with rising living costs, particularly food inflation, according to a statement released by the Department of Social Development (DSD).
SASSA Child Grant Increase Coming in next month 2025
| Key Fact | Detail / Statistic |
| New Grant Amount | R550 per month, per child |
| Previous Amount | R530 per month SASSA |
| Increase Value | R20 |
| Effective Date | 1 October 2025 |
| Beneficiaries | Over 13 million children |
Details of the Confirmed Grant Adjustment
The National Treasury announced on Friday that the Child Support Grant will rise by R20, taking the monthly payment from R530 to R550. This adjustment will be automatically applied to all existing beneficiaries, and no re-application is necessary. The increase will be reflected in the payment cycle beginning in October 2025.
In a press briefing, Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana stated the adjustment was a balancing act between fiscal constraints and social responsibility. “We recognise the immense pressure that households are under due to rising food prices,” Godongwana said. “This increase, while modest, is a crucial part of our ongoing commitment to provide social relief and protect the most vulnerable children in our society.”
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), which is responsible for distributing the grants, confirmed its systems are prepared for the change. “All payment systems will be updated to reflect the new amount for the October payment run,” SASSA said in a statement.
Inflation and the Push for Higher Support
The decision follows months of high food price inflation, which has disproportionately affected low-income households. According to the latest figures from Statistics South Africa, the price of a basic food basket has increased by over 9% in the past year, eroding the purchasing power of social grants.
Civil society organisations have welcomed the SASSA Child Grant Increase but caution that it may not be sufficient. The Black Sash, a human rights organisation that advocates for social security, commented on the announcement.
“Any increase is a positive step, but we must be clear that R20 does not close the gap between the grant’s value and the actual cost of raising a child,” said Rachel Bukasa, a researcher at the organisation. “The grant remains below the national food poverty line, which is the minimum amount a person needs to afford basic nutritional requirements.”
Impact on Millions of Households
The Child Support Grant is a cornerstone of South Africa’s social welfare system, reaching over 13 million eligible children. For many households, it is a primary source of income used for food, healthcare, and educational expenses.
Dr. Isobel Frye, Director of the Social Policy Initiative, explained the grant’s significance. “The CSG is proven to have positive outcomes on child nutrition, health, and school attendance,” Frye noted in an interview. “This increase will provide some relief, but the national debate on establishing a more adequate and comprehensive social security floor for all South Africans must continue.”
The Department of Social Development has reiterated that all eligibility criteria for the Child Support Grant remain unchanged. The grant is intended for primary caregivers of children under the age of 18 who meet specific income and residency requirements.
Beneficiaries are advised to check their official SASSA payment schedules for the exact dates in October. SASSA has warned recipients to be wary of scams and to rely only on official communication channels for information regarding their grants. The agency will not ask for personal banking details via SMS or phone call to process the increase.
FAQs
1. How much is the new SASSA Child Support Grant amount?
The grant will increase to R550 per month, per eligible child, starting from 1 October 2025.
2. Do I need to re-apply to receive the increased amount?
No. The increase will be applied automatically to all current and approved beneficiaries. You do not need to take any action.
3. When will I receive the new R550 grant?
The new amount will be paid starting with the October 2025 payment cycle. Please refer to the official SASSA payment schedule for the exact date.
4. Why was the Child Support Grant increased?
The government has stated the increase is an inflationary adjustment to help caregivers cope with the rising cost of living, particularly for food and basic necessities for children.
