The Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs has officially commenced payments for the Child Support Grant (CSG), with eligible beneficiaries now receiving a monthly allowance of P300 alongside all outstanding arrears due to them.
In a statement issued on Monday, the ministry said beneficiaries whose applications have been approved have started receiving payments in line with the government’s implementation schedule. The payment of arrears ensures that qualifying children benefit from the programme from its effective commencement date of 1 April 2026, said the statement.
According to the Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, the Child Support Grant is one of the government’s flagship social protection initiatives aimed at supporting children below the age of one year. It targets low-income households by providing financial assistance during the critical first 12 months of a child’s life, a period widely recognised as essential for healthy brain development, physical growth, nutrition and overall wellbeing.
According to the ministry, the programme represents the government’s commitment to giving every child the best possible start in life while improving health, nutrition and developmental outcomes across the country.
The ministry has also appealed to beneficiaries not to rush to post offices and other designated payment centres on the first day of disbursement. It emphasised that once funds have been credited, beneficiaries may collect their grants at any time during the payment month, as payments will remain available throughout the collection period.
In light of this, to facilitate a smooth and orderly payment process, beneficiaries have been encouraged to visit payment points on days that are most convenient rather than crowding facilities at the beginning of the month. They have also been advised to follow instructions from officials and payment agents, carry the required identification documents when collecting their grants, and report any payment-related concerns to their nearest Social and Community Development Office.
Members of the public seeking further information have been encouraged to contact their nearest Social and Community Development Office.
