The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has officially confirmed the R720 school support grant for eligible learners in February 2026. This grant provides educational support to low-income families at the beginning of the school year when they experience their highest financial burden. Parents use this funding to purchase essential educational materials which their children need for school.
SASSA has disclosed that the R720 payment distribution occurs for each child who meets the eligibility criteria because families with two or more eligible children can receive additional payments when they satisfy all conditions.
Purpose of the R720 School Support Grant
The R720 school grant helps parents and caregivers pay for essential educational expenses which include school uniforms and stationery and transport and necessary learning materials. The financial assistance component of this program helps vulnerable households reduce their educational costs because educational expenses continue to increase.
SASSA provides funding assistance to students at the start of their academic year to help them attend school and begin their studies with necessary resources.
Eligibility Requirements for Parents and Caregivers
All SASSA qualifications must be fulfilled by caregivers who want to receive R720 school grants. This situation requires the caregiver to take care of an enrolled student who attends a recognized school while meeting the established income requirements for the means test. The assessment process requires testing every individual child from a family with multiple children.
SASSA requires accurate personal information for both the child and the caregiver. Payment will be delayed or rejected because of any inconsistencies or missing information.
Required Documents and Verification Process
The grant approval process requires verification of specific documents which parents and caregivers need to present for authentication. The required documents typically consist of three items which include proof of school enrolment, a valid birth certificate or identity document for the child, and identification for the caregiver. SASSA has urged applicants to upload clear and correct documents, as incomplete or outdated information may lead to processing delays. The system needs verification completed before it can proceed with payment distribution.
Payment Dates and Accessing Funds
The R720 school grant will follow SASSA’s February 2026 payment schedule after the organization finishes all verification processes. Standard SASSA payment methods will handle payments through direct bank deposits and SASSA cards and approved retail payment points.
Caregivers can access the funds until they take cash out from their accounts.
Important Reminders for Beneficiaries
SASSA has warned parents to be cautious of false messages or scams related to school grants. The official channels of SASSA serve as the only source for official information. Caregivers should check their application status regularly while maintaining their current information to prevent any payment disruptions. The confirmation of the R720 school grant offers much-needed relief for families preparing for the 2026 school year.
Also Read: SASSA Child Grant Update: Reviews Intensify Ahead Of Next Payment Cycle