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Child Support Grant

The Child Support Grant is a poverty-targeted programme implemented since 1998 by an Act of Parliament. It is a means-tested non-contributory cash transfer targeted at children 0 to 18 years of age. The programme’s objective is to assist child education and nutrition by providing a cash transfer of ZAR 270 (approx. USD 35) per month for each child (for a maximum of six children under 18 years of age in a household). A flat-rate benefit is paid to the caregiver who is responsible for the care of the child. The caregiver may be a biological parent, grandparent, relative or non-relative of the child. The grant currently covers about 11 million children, about two thirds of the total number of social assistance beneficiaries. The take-up rate is between 80 per cent and 85 per cent of eligible children and the Grant is one of the Government’s most effective poverty reduction programmes.

The Child Support Grants are publicly funded through taxation and account for 3.5 per cent of GDP. As a part of a wider social protection strategy, The Child Support Grant is accompanied by other governmental measures such as the provision of publicly funded compulsory basic education, health care, housing, basic services, public works, and support for micro and small enterprises.

Care Dependency Grant

The Care Dependency Grant provides financial support for a child under the age of 18 years with severe disabilities and in need of special care. The grant is for children who have been assessed by a health professional as having a medical condition or an impairment that affects their functioning and age appropriate independence. In 2011/2012, the value of the grant is ZAR 1,140 (approx. USD 140) per month.

Foster Child Grant

The Foster Child Grant is the only transfer that is not means-tested, due to the need to encourage families to foster children who would otherwise be placed in institutional care. It is granted to people who have received a court order giving them foster parent status after meeting all the assessment criteria set out by law. In 2011/2012, the grant value was ZAR 740 (approx. USD 100) per month for children up to age 18.