The Budget Speech 2025 provided an important update for South Africans who depend on social grants. Enoch Godongwana, Finance Minister, announced that an Increase in the Child Support Grant would be implemented on 1 April 2025. This increase is a welcome relief for many, but experts and advocacy groups say it does not go far enough to address the rising costs of living in South Africa.
Budget Speech 2025: What Is The New Child Support Grant Amount?
Beginning 1 April 2025, the SASSA child support grant will be increased from R530 per month to R560 per month. The R30 increase is part of a broader government commitment to support vulnerable families, as stated in the 2025 Budget Speech.
The increase in child support grants is not enough to meet a child’s needs. The government has allocated R284.7 billion for social grants for the 2025/26 fiscal year. However, critics claim that the inflation rate and high food prices make it hard for families to live on these grants.
How Does The Grant Keep Up With The Costs of Living?
Despite the fact that any increase in financial assistance is welcomed, the Increase in the Child Support Grant falls below the food poverty line, which was R760 for each person in 2023. These grants are a lifeline for many families who struggle with food security.
Mervyn Ibrahims, Programme Coordinator of the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group, expressed concern:
Social grants are a lifeline to millions of people, but they do not provide enough money for a balanced and nutritious diet. “Many children are at risk of malnutrition.”
The Government’s Commitment To Social Grants
South Africa has committed nearly R1 trillion to social grant programs over the next three years. The Child Support Grant will also be increased. Other grants, such as old age pensions or disability grants, will also see minor adjustments.
SASSA says that these increases are necessary to keep up with inflation. However, critics say they do not fully address the worsening cost-of-living crisis.
How To Access The Increased Child Support Grant
There’s no need for you to apply again if you have already received the Child Support Grant. From 1 April 2025, the increased amount will be automatically transferred to your bank account.
Check your grant status and update your payment information:
- Find your nearest SASSA Office
- Call the SASSA Helpline on 0800 60 10 11.
- You can check online via the SASSA Website
Demands For Further Increases And Policy Changes
The Child support grant increase is not enough, according to advocacy groups. The National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children urged the government to align the to ensure that every child has access to adequate nutrition.
Three-fifths (35%) of South Africa’s kids live in the 40 poorest households. A quarter of them suffer from chronic malnutrition, which causes stunting. To break the poverty cycle, it is important to increase the grant in order to match the poverty level for food.
What Next for Social Grant Recipients?
The Budget Speech for 2025 brought relief to some families. However, there are still concerns about whether an Increase in the Child Support Grant will be enough to combat poverty and food insecurity. Experts are calling for more significant reforms in order to keep grants up to date with inflation.
ALSO READ: Budget Speech 2025: SRD Grant Extended & SASSA Increases – What You Need to Know
