children under 15 years to apply for the child support grant (CSG)
20 January 2009
The Minister of Social Development, Dr Zola Skweyiya, has urged all the
parents who have children under the age of fifteen years to apply for the child
support grant if they qualify.
The CSG is open to families with an income of less than R4 600 (couples) or
R2 300 (single parents) who qualify for the CSG. A decision was taken by
Cabinet last year that the extension would be implemented from January
2009.
"The extension of the child support grant to children until their 15th
birthday is part of the government's effort to continue to tackle child poverty
and to shield the poor from the effects of the global economic meltdown," Dr
Skweyiya said.
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) started processing
applications for children up to the age of 15 years as from 2 January 2009 and
by 15 January 2009, a total of 8 421 applications for children aged 14 years
had already been taken and processed. The applicants will receive an amount of
R230 per month.
"I appeal to all the parents and care givers to immediately register their
children," Dr Skweyiya said.
Minister Skweyiya also reminded qualifying citizens that even if they do not
have identity documents (IDs), they must go to SASSA offices, where they will
get assistance.
Enquiries:
Zanele Mngadi
Cell: 082 330 1148
Issued by: Department of Social Development
20 January 2009
