Child Support Grant mom reveals what happens in her home when the R580 runs out

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A young caregiver reveals what happens in her home when the monthly SASSA grant runs dry and what she wants changed.

0 A serene scene of a baby sleeping indoors with soft natural lighting. Image: Pexels Beunice Williams runs out of money before the month ends. The young Gauteng mother, aged 24, has received the Child Support Grant for three years. She says it does not cover her household’s basic needs.

Williams shared her experience in The South African’s SASSA grant survey. She lives in a shared family home, where one to two people depend on her income.

The Child Support Grant now pays R580 per child per month, up from R560 previously. For Williams, that increase has not closed the gap.

She spends her grant on a mix of essentials, including food, transport and household necessities. By the end of each month, nothing is left. Williams says she regularly struggles to make ends meet while she waits for the next payment.

The shortfall has hit her household hard. Williams confirmed that someone in her home went without food in the past month.

Williams is unemployed and actively looking for work. She has experience in retail and customer service and can travel between five and 20 kilometres for a job.

She names unemployment as her biggest financial concern. Without a salary, the grant carries most of the weight in her household.

Williams has not relied on the grant alone. She applied for additional government support beyond her Child Support Grant, and her application was successful.

Even so, when asked what one thing she would change about SASSA, her answer was simple. She wants the grant amount increased.

Williams says her grant itself has been straightforward. She has never had a problem with her payments and rates SASSA’s communication with recipients as adequate.

Her biggest frustration lies elsewhere. Williams says finding clear, accurate information online is her greatest challenge as a grant recipient.

“Please make information that’s required via your app or websites 100% clear,” Williams said.

Her story reflects a reality many caregivers share: payments arrive on time, but the money and the information still fall short.

If you receive a SASSA grant and want to share your story, we want to hear from you.

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