SASSA Child Support Grants in January 2026 will go ahead next week, as millions of households with dependents grapple with perennial ‘Januworry.’ Scheduled for payment on Thursday 8 January 2026, recipients have endured a almost never-ending five-week gap between grant payments.
This is due to one of those anomalies of the calendar. Payment of Children’s Grants always falls typically on the first Thursday of the month, except if that date doesn’t allow other ‘core’ grants to be paid beforehand. As such, SASSA Child Support Grants in January 2026 are only being paid eight days into the New Year …
SASSA CHILD SUPPORT GRANTS IN JANUARY 2026
Moreover, civil advocacy groups are alerting the South African Social Security Agency to the malnourishment crisis among young children. A group called Ladles of Love says hundreds of thousands of young children have started the year with empty stomachs. It says 23% of South African children live in severe child food poverty.
And nearly 40% of children under the age of six live in households below the food poverty line. This breeds the risk of life-threatening malnutrition later in life. It is no wonder then that South Africa has more than 13 million needy families receiving SASSA Child Support Grants in January 2026. However, the stipend’s R560, which is hardly enough to support the nutritional needs of a growing child in the face of increasing consumer inflation.
TEENAGE PREGNANCY IN SOUTH AFRICA ON THE RISE
As a result, a proposed Maternal Support Grant is gaining traction with civil advocacy groups. The Department of Social Development and National Treasury will make a call on its implementation later this year. If approved, it will provide extra assistance to mothers in the first 1 000 days from conception. This is recognised as the critical time to overcome malnutrition and stunted growth in newborns.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Social Development urged caution over SASSA Child Support Grants in January 2026. Minister Sisisi Tolashe even took to social media over the festive season to make a plea. She wants parents to prioritise the wellbeing and development of their children. “I’m pleading with parents to use the money to take care of your children and not misuse the grant.”
UPDATED SASSA CHILD SUPPORT GRANTS IN JANUARY 2026
Nevertheless, if you’re expecting, or are one of thousands of new mothers who gave birth over the festive season, here’s what you need to know to apply. Firstly, SASSA Child Support Grants in January 2026 apply to any household caring for a child under the age of 18. Secondly, the grant is only paid to one parent per child (not both).
And finally, eligible parents must prove their means (income) is less than R5 600 per month (single), or R11 191 per month if married. This is R67 200 (single) and R134 292 (married) per annum. It’s estimated that if you get SASSA Child Support from the first month of your newborn, untill they turn 18, this adds up to more than R155 000 (factoring in annual grant increases).
HERE’S HOW TO APPLY FOR SASSA CHILD SUPPORT
You cannot apply for SASSA Child Support Grants in January 2026 online. If you are eligible, as mentioned, you must present yourself to a SASSA office/branch for biometric verification with the following:
- Valid identity documents (IDs) of you, your child and spouse (if married). Preferably smart IDs.
- Proof of marital status (marriage, birth or death certificate of your spouse).
- Official birth certificate and ID of the child you’re applying for (you must get this from Home Affairs before).
- Proof of income (both you and your spouse) to prove your income.
- Certified three-month bank statement (not older than three months).
- Proof of address (a utility statement with your name on it that’s not more the three-months old).
ALL THE WAYS TO GET SASSA CHILD SUPPORT GRANTS IN JANUARY 2026
As The South African has reported, SASSA applicants will be turned away and told to come back again if their documents are not in order. So, be sure to have all your paperwork certified and make extra copies just in case. Also, applications can take up to three months to be approved. However, if successful you will be backpaid to the date of your first application.
Even with extended working hours of the holidays, SASSA is difficult to get ahold of and queues are long:
- SASSA Toll-Free Call: 0800 60 10 11
- SASSA Head Office: 012 400 2322
- Email SASSA: grantenquiries@sassa.gov.za
The last remaining SASSA Child Grant payment dates before unconfirmed increases in April are:
- Thursday 8 January 2026 (next)
- Thursday 5 February 2026
- Thursday 5 March 2026
But what do you think? Do you think too many homes receive SASSA Child Support Grants in January 2026? And do you think the rise and teenage pregnancies and proposed maternal support is good? Be sure to let us know in the comments section below …
