SASSA SRD R370 vs Child Support Grant 2026: Which One Should You Apply For?

If you are an unemployed caregiver with children, you may qualify for both the SRD R370 grant and the Child Support Grant (CSG). But you can only receive one grant at a time. Which one should you choose?

This guide compares both grants side by side so you can make the right decision.

Quick Comparison Table

| Feature | SRD R370 Grant | Child Support Grant | |---------|---------------|-------------------| | Monthly Amount | R370 | R580 per child | | Age Limit | 18 to 59 years | 18+ (as caregiver) | | Child Age | N/A | Under 18 | | Income Threshold | R624/month | R5,528/month (single) | | Application | Online only | At SASSA office | | Reassessment | Every month | Every 6-12 months | | Asset Test | No | No | | Medical Required | No | No |

Which Grant Pays More?

If you have one child, the Child Support Grant pays R580 compared to SRD's R370 — that is R210 more per month. If you have two children, the CSG pays R1,160 — over three times the SRD amount. The CSG also has a much higher income threshold (R5,528 vs R624), meaning more people qualify.

Verdict: If you have at least one child under 18, the Child Support Grant is almost always the better option.

When Should You Choose the SRD Instead?

There are a few situations where the SRD is the better choice:

You are not the primary caregiver of a child (the CSG requires you to be the main person caring for the child)
Your income is between R624 and R5,528 — you earn too much for SRD but qualify for CSG
You need money immediately — SRD is processed faster (7-30 days vs 30-90 days for CSG)
You cannot visit a SASSA office — SRD is fully online

Can You Switch Between Grants?

Yes — but not simultaneously. If you are receiving SRD and qualify for CSG, you must:

Apply for the Child Support Grant at a SASSA office
Once the CSG is approved, SRD payments will stop automatically
You cannot receive both in the same month

If your CSG is later cancelled (e.g., your child turns 18), you can reapply for the SRD.

Key Differences in Application Process

The SRD grant takes 7 to 30 days and is done entirely online at srd.sassa.gov.za. You only need your ID number and phone number.

The Child Support Grant takes 30 to 90 days and requires a visit to a SASSA office. You need your ID, the child's birth certificate, proof of income, and proof of residence. The CSG requires a means test but has a much higher income threshold.

Decision Flowchart

Do you have a child under 18 living with you? Yes → Apply for CSG (it pays more). No → Apply for SRD.
Are you the child's primary caregiver? Yes → CSG is best. No → You may only qualify for SRD.
Is your income under R5,528/month? Yes → You likely qualify for CSG. No → Check if you qualify for SRD (under R624).
Cannot visit a SASSA office? Yes → SRD is your only option (fully online).

Recommended Action

Apply for the Child Support Grant first. It pays nearly double the SRD (R580 vs R370 per child) and has a much more generous income threshold. If your CSG application is denied or takes too long, apply for the SRD as a backup while waiting.