Both parents have to support the child. If the parent of a child is still alive and has money, and their whereabouts are known, the primary caregiver can get maintenance from the parent. If the parent refuses to pay, this can be taken to the Maintenance Court at the Magistrate’s Court. The maintenance officers will help the applicant to get money from the parent who is not providing support. (See The duty to support; See Problem 4: Getting maintenance through the Maintenance Court)

But if the parents have no money to support the child then the primary caregiver can apply for a Child Support Grant. A primary caregiver is any person who takes responsibility for the daily needs of the child and who may or may not be related to the child.