CHILD SUPPORT GRANTS FOR HIV AFFECTED FAMILIES

HOW TO OBTAIN CHILD SUPPORT GRANTS

OBJECTIVE OF GRANTS

In South Africa grants are meant for people who are South African citizens, who are most in need and who meet the respective requirements. Grants are paid to alleviate poverty and to the principle of solidarity

Child Support Grants and Foster Child Grants are awarded by the Department of Social Services to people affected HIV/Aids.
These are available for everyone, but are only given under specific circumstances.

CHILD SUPPORT GRANTS R170 PER MONTH

A child support grant is a means tested grant paid in respect of children under the age of 9 years and up to a maximum of six children. It usually takes 35 days from time of processing to receive the grant.

Who can apply for a child support grant?

The applicant must be the primary care giver of the child concerned.
The primary care giver is defined as a person whether or not related to a child, who takes primary responsibility for meeting the daily care needs of the child. If they are not the child’s parent or legal guardian then the primary care giver must be given implied or express consent from a parent or legal guardian. The primary care giver must not be in receipt of remuneration for taking care of the child. This includes any grant on behalf of the child.
The child and primary care giver must be S A citizens.
The child and primary care giver must be resident in the RSA at the time of application.
An institution must not receive an award for taking care of the child.
The primary care giver must comply with the financial criteria.

Documents required on application

A copy of the bar coded 13 digit identity document of both the applicant and spouse.
Express or implied consent.
Proof of personal income of applicant and where applicable, of his/her spouse.

The Means Test

To qualify you must be earning less than R800 per month in a rural area or R1100 per month in an urban area.

Grants are not meant for people who have enough money to care for themselves. They are meant for the people in our country who are most in need. The means test is a way of working out if a person is qualified to have a grant, by looking at how much money he or she earns. Some people will be refused a grant if they have enough money. Others may receive a small grant.

For more information contact the Department of Welfare on 0800-601-011 or nearest district office or counter service.

AMOUNT PAYABLE: CHILD SUPPORT GRANT

Amount payable is R170.00 per child.
Live in a rural area in a formal or informal house/dwelling and the personal income do not exceed R13 200.00 per annum.
Live in an urban area in an informal house/dwelling and the personal income do not exceed R13 200.00 per annum.
Live in an urban area in a formal house/dwelling and the personal income do not exceed R9 600.00 per annum.

(Note: A formal house/dwelling consist of a brick/concrete or asbestos materials/structure)

FOSTER CHILD GRANT R550 PM

A foster child grant is an allowance that is to a foster parent. The allowance is to assist the foster parent in providing adequate accommodation, food, clothing, education, day care attendance, medical and dental care in respect of the foster child.

Qualifying requirements

The child(ren) must be legally placed by a childrens’ court in the custody of the foster parents
The income of the foster child must not exceed twice the annual amount of a foster child grant
The foster parent and the foster child(ren) must reside in South Africa at the time of the application for the grant
The foster parent and child(ren) need not be South African citizens
Documents required on application
Identity document of the applicant and spouse
Identity document or birth certificate bearing the 13 digit identity number of each child in respect of whom an application for a grant is made.
In the case of a foster child who is not a South African citizen, an official identity document of the country of origin must be provided
With regard to non-South African children, proof that the International Social Security procedure was followed
Proof of income of the foster child
Proof of regular school attendance if the child is of school going age
Valid court order from the childrens’ court (the court order is only valid for two years)
An extention order if the existing order has expired

Reviews

Generally a court order is valid for the maximum period of 2 years. Before this period has expired, an extension order must be issued, to ensure that the placement still complies with the statutory requirements. A report must be submitted by a social worker prior to the expiry date. Failing to comply with these requirements will result in the suspension of the grant and renewed child court investigations.

A person in receipt of a grant must inform the Department without delay of any changes in the general, medical and or financial circumstances of the foster child.

How to get a Child Support or Foster Care Grant

You apply at the District Office of the Department nearest to where you live. Some of these office also got service and counter services points where application can be taken down. In extreme cases If you are too old or sick to travel to the office to apply for a grant, then a family member can apply on your behalf if they have your permission in writing and a doctor’s certificate stating that you are unable to apply for yourself.
Your application form will be completed in the presence of an officer. The officer will check the correctness of the form in your presence. He/she will also check that you have submitted the required documents before you are requested to sign it.
If all the information is in order, then you will be given a receipt, with a stamp showing the date of application and the name of the officer who accepted your application. Keep this receipt – it is your only proof of application!
You do not have to pay any money to apply. Everyone who feels that they qualify under the information in this booklet can apply; no-one should be turned away.
If your application is not approved by the Department of Social Services and Poverty Alleviation you will be informed in writing as to why your application was unsuccessful.
In terms of section 33 of the new Constitution’s Bill of Rights, you have the right to administrative justice. This means you have a right to be given written reasons for why you did not receive the grant. You have the right to appeal to the Minister for Social Services in your Province in writing, explaining why you disagree with the decision. This appeal must be lodged within 90 days.

****In the database please SEARCH category CHILDREN & ORPHAN SUPPORT and the AREA you are in. There are Department of Social Service main offices as well as a number of counter services which operate on certain days at certain times of the week.