Child Support Grant to include children up to 18 years old

By Kim Saulse
22 October 2009

Cabinet has announced the extension of the Child Support Grant to include needy children up to the age of 18 over the next three years.

Following an ordinary Cabinet meeting, government spokesperson Themba Maseko said as from January next year, 16-year-olds would be eligible for the grant.

This will benefit approximately two-million children from poor households. The next two age groups will be catered for in the following two years.

Maseko says the extension will cost around R7.5 billion over the three years. Caregivers of the beneficiaries will have to ensure that the children stay in school.