The South African Social Security System was discriminatory during the pre-apartheid era, however this
was readdressed post-1994 to be non-discriminatory in nature. This paper sought to explore the effectiveness of child
support grants in poverty alleviation. A qualitative research design underpinned this study. The data collection
methods used were interviews with social workers and focus group discussions with recipients and beneficiaries of the
grant. An interview guide was used in gathering data. The data collected was analyzed into themes that were responding
to the research questions of the study. The findings revealed that child support grants are contributing a lot in
providing basic needs such as food and clothing to the wellbeing of children. The paper concluded that child support
grants are an effective mechanism in alleviating poverty. A number of recommendations were made from the
conclusions for the Department of Social Development.