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What is the Child Support Grant?
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides financial assistance to families in need through the Child Support Grant. This grant is paid monthly to eligible families who have children under the age of 18 and can provide evidence of their income. The amount received varies depending on the household’s income, but can be as much as R300 per month for each child.
How To Check Your Sassa Balance Online
Fortunately, you don’t have to wait until your next payment arrives before knowing how much money you will receive – it’s easy to check your SASSA balance online! All you need is a valid SASSA card or bank account number and an active internet connection. Here are some simple steps you can take:
1.Visit www.sassa.gov.za
2.Click “Login/Register” at the top right-hand corner of the page
3.Fill in your details such as ID Number, Cell Phone Number, Email Address etc., then click “Submit”
4.Create a username and password if this is your first time using this service
5 .Once logged in, select “Check My Balance” from the menu bar at the top of the page 6 .Enter your SASSA Card or Bank Account number when prompted 7 .You can now view all transactions associated with that account , including any Child Support Grants received
How To Check Your Sassa Balance By SMS
If you do not have access to a computer or an internet connection, there are still ways for you to keep track of your SASSA balance by sending an SMS request instead! Just follow these steps:
1 .Open up your messaging app on your cellphone 2 .Type SASSACHECK followed by either your ID number or bank account number 3 .Send this message to 44244 4 .You should soon receive an SMS back containing all payments linked with that particular ID/account 5 You will also receive information about future pay outs for that specific account
How do I check my SASSA child grant balance for free?
It is important for people who get a SASSA child grant to check their grant balance often to make sure they have enough money to take care of their children. The grant is meant to help people who take care of children financially, and it is important to use these funds wisely. Checking the balance of a grant can also let the recipient know if there are any problems, like fraud or a mistake in payment.
This is the easiest and most convenient way for all applicants to see how much money they have left on their SASSA child grant. This service is free and doesn’t even need the internet. You only need a cell phone and a service plan.
- You can use a regular phone or a smartphone.
- To check your balance, dial the USSD code *134*7737# and then follow the on-screen instructions.
- If the first USSD code doesn’t work, try this one: *120*69277#. Follow the instructions on the screen to find out how much money you have left.
- All of these methods can work without airtime because they are free services.
- If the bank gives you a grant, you can get your bank’s USSD code for checking your balance, if it has one, to see how much money is in your account without using airtime.
Related Resources
Student Loans in South Africa: How to Apply and What to Expect
For many young South Africans, accessing higher education is a dream that often comes with a financial challenge. Fortunately, several student loan optionsstrong> are available in South Africa to help fund university, college, or TVET studies. Whether you’re looking for a government loan like NSFAS or a private student loan from a bank, understanding the process is essential for success.
What Are Student Loans?
Student loans are a form of financial aid provided to eligible students to help cover tuition fees, books, accommodation, and other study-related expenses. In South Africa, these loans can come from government institutions like NSFAS or private banks such as Nedbank, Standard Bank, FNB, and Absa. Most loans offer repayment flexibility and low-interest options until you graduate.
Types of Student Loans in South Africa
- NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme): A government-funded loan/grant program for students from low-income households. Covers tuition, housing, transport, and meals.
- Bank Student Loans: Offered by most major banks. These are credit-based and require a guardian or parent as a co-signer.
- Private Loan Providers: Companies like Fundi offer educational loans covering various costs such as school fees, gadgets, and textbooks.
Requirements to Qualify for a Student Loan
Each provider has its own criteria, but most South African student loans require the following:
- Proof of South African citizenship or permanent residency
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a recognised tertiary institution
- Parent or guardian with a stable income to co-sign (for private loans)
- Completed application form with supporting documents (ID, proof of income, academic records)
How to Apply for a Student Loan
To apply for a student loan in South Africa, follow these steps:
- Identify your loan provider: Choose between NSFAS, a bank, or a private lender.
- Gather necessary documents: ID copies, academic transcripts, acceptance letters, and income statements.
- Complete the application form online or at a branch.
- Await approval: Some banks offer instant decisions, while NSFAS can take a few weeks.
- Receive disbursement: Funds are typically paid directly to the institution or your account, depending on the lender.
Loan Amounts and Repayment
The loan amount you can receive depends on your chosen lender and financial need:
- NSFAS: Covers full tuition, residence, books, and a personal allowance. The loan becomes a bursary if you pass all your courses.
- Banks: Can provide up to R120,000 or more annually, depending on tuition costs and credit history.
Repayment usually starts after graduation or once you start earning an income. Bank loans may require interest-only payments during your studies. NSFAS repayment only begins when you earn above a specific income threshold.
FAQs on Student Loans in South Africa
1. Can I apply for a student loan without a parent or guardian?
For government loans like NSFAS, yes. But most banks require a financially responsible co-signer, especially for students without an income.
2. Is NSFAS a loan or a bursary?
NSFAS starts as a loan, but it converts to a bursary if you meet academic performance requirements. This means you may not have to pay it back.
3. What is the interest rate on student loans?
Private banks offer competitive rates between 5% and 12%, depending on the applicant's credit profile. NSFAS charges a much lower interest rate, usually linked to inflation.
4. What happens if I fail my courses?
If you’re funded by NSFAS and fail, your loan won’t convert into a bursary, and you’ll need to repay the full amount. Banks may continue charging interest, and your co-signer may be held liable.
5. Can I use a student loan to pay for accommodation and laptops?
Yes. Both NSFAS and many bank student loans cover costs beyond tuition, including housing, meals, textbooks, and electronic devices like laptops or tablets.
Final Thoughts
Student loans in South Africa offer a much-needed financial lifeline to thousands of students every year. Whether you're applying through **NSFAS** or a private bank, ensure you understand the **terms, interest rates, and repayment conditions** before signing any agreement. Make informed decisions today to secure your academic and financial future tomorrow.