How can I apply for a SASSA child support grant if I don't have a bank statement to prove my income?

The long answer

Currently, to qualify for the child support grant, a single person should not earn more than R4,400 a month or R52,800 a year.

If you don’t have a bank account, there are other ways you can prove your income situation to SASSA when you take the means test. All copies of all documents must be certified – which means they must be stamped and signed by the police or another commissioner of oaths. You need to provide the following documents when you apply to SASSA for the child support grant:

• Your ID

• The child’s birth certificate

• Proof that the child has been immunized (had its vaccinations)

• A sworn affidavit where you explain how much money you get in a month and where from.

• Proof of any maintenance you get from the baby’s father, or proof that you have tried to get maintenance from the baby’s father. (Legal Aid says that if you are a single parent, you should first try to get money from the baby’s other parent through a maintenance order.)

• If you are married, your marriage certificate. You would need to provide proof of your spouse’s earnings as well. 

• If you are working, a letter from your employer confirming how much you earn.

• A utility bill to prove where you live.

SASSA may ask you to come for an interview. 

You will be given a copy of the application or a dated receipt signed by the SASSA officer. This provides proof that you have applied. There is a waiting period of up to three months before you receive the grant from SASSA. The first payment will be from the date of your application. 

You can receive the payment in the way that suits you:

• A cash payment at a pay point on a specific day, or

• Electronic payment into a bank account. 

If the application is not approved, you will be sent a letter giving reasons why it was rejected. You have the right to appeal to the Minister of Social Development within 90 days.  

If you need more advice, you can contact either of the below:

#PayTheGrants

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/paythegrants/

Email: paythegrants@gmail.com

The Black Sash

Tel (national office): 021 686 6952

Email: info@blacksash.org.za

Wishing you the best,
Athalie