The SASSA Foster Child Grant is a social assistance program provided by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to financially support caregivers or foster parents who are responsible for the care of a foster child. This grant is aimed at helping foster parents provide for the child’s basic needs, such as food, clothing, education, and healthcare, ensuring the child’s well-being in a stable and supportive environment.
SASSA Foster Child Grant
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Foster Child Grant, both the foster parent and the foster child must meet certain requirements:
Age of the Child
The child must be under the age of 18. In some cases, the grant can be extended until the child turns 21, if they are still attending school or undergoing training.
Legal Foster Care
The child must be placed in foster care by a court order. This means the caregiver must have legal custody of the child through a Children’s Court ruling.
Citizenship or Residency
Both the foster child and the foster parent must be South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees residing in South Africa.
Not a Biological Child
The foster child cannot be the biological child of the caregiver; the grant is specifically intended for children placed in foster care by the state.
No Income Means Test
Unlike other SASSA grants, there is no means test for the Foster Child Grant. This means that the foster parent’s income level is not considered when determining eligibility for the grant.
Grant Amount
As of 2024, the Foster Child Grant provides R1,130 per month per child. This grant is intended to help cover the basic living expenses of the foster child.
How to Apply for the Foster Child Grant
Where to Apply
Applications can be submitted at your nearest SASSA office.
Documents Required
South African ID: You need to provide your valid South African ID document.
Court Order: You must present the court order that placed the child in your foster care.
Foster Child’s Birth Certificate: You need to provide the child’s birth certificate.
Proof of Residence: Utility bills or a lease agreement to confirm your address.
Bank Account Details (if applicable): If you choose to receive payments through a bank account, provide your bank details.
Application Process
Visit a SASSA Office: Go to your nearest SASSA office with the required documents.
Complete the Application: Fill out the application form with assistance from a SASSA officer if necessary.
Submit the Court Order: Provide the court order proving that the child has been legally placed in your care.
Receive a Receipt: After submitting your application, you will receive a receipt confirming that your application has been submitted.
Approval and Notification: Once your application is processed, SASSA will notify you of the outcome. If approved, you will start receiving the Foster Child Grant payments each month.
Payment Methods
You can receive the Foster Child Grant through various payment methods, based on your preference:
Bank Account: Payments can be made directly into your bank account.
Cash Send: Payments can be sent via Cash Send, allowing you to collect the funds at participating retailers.
Post Office or Retail Collection: You can collect your grant from the South African Post Office (SAPO) or at selected retailers such as Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, and Boxer.
Grant Duration
The Foster Child Grant is provided until the child turns 18 years old, or until the court order is terminated.
If the child is still in school or undergoing vocational training, the grant can be extended until they turn 21, as long as the foster parent provides proof that the child is still studying or training.
Reapplication and Renewal
Reapplication: You do not need to reapply every year, but the grant may be subject to periodic reviews to ensure that the child remains in your foster care and still qualifies for the grant.
Renewal After 18: If the foster child turns 18 and is still in school or training, you must provide proof of their continued education to extend the grant until they turn 21.
Court Reviews
The foster care arrangement is reviewed by the court every two years to ensure that the child is still being cared for properly and to confirm whether the foster care order should continue. SASSA will work closely with the court to review the grant in these situations.
Appeal Process
If your application for the Foster Child Grant is rejected, you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeal must be submitted in writing to the Minister of Social Development within 90 days of receiving the rejection notice.
Additional Benefits for Grant Recipients
Children receiving the Foster Child Grant may also have access to free healthcare at public hospitals and clinics, including vaccinations and routine check-ups.
In some cases, the foster child may qualify for school fee exemptions at public schools, reducing the cost of education for foster families.
Stopping of the Grant
The Foster Child Grant may be stopped if:
The foster child turns 18 years old (unless extended due to education).
The court order placing the child in your care is terminated.
The child is no longer in your care or is placed in a state institution.
The foster child is adopted by another family.
Frequently Asked Questions
The SASSA Foster Child Grant is a financial support program for foster parents or caregivers to help cover the basic needs of a foster child in their care.
Foster parents with legal court-ordered custody of a child under 18 (or up to 21 if in school or training) who are South African citizens, residents, or refugees are eligible.
As of 2024, the grant provides R1,130 per month per foster child to help cover the child’s living expenses.
You can apply at any SASSA office by submitting documents like your South African ID, the court order, the child’s birth certificate, and proof of residence.
The grant is given until the child turns 18 or 21 if they are still in school or vocational training. It also stops if the court order ends or the child is adopted.
If your application is rejected, you have the right to appeal within 90 days by submitting a written request to the Minister of Social Development.
The SASSA Foster Child Grant is a valuable form of financial assistance provided to caregivers and foster parents responsible for children placed in foster care. By offering monthly payments to cover basic needs such as food, clothing, and education, the grant ensures that foster children are cared for in a stable and supportive environment. If you are a foster parent or caregiver and meet the eligibility criteria, applying for the Foster Child Grant can provide the necessary support to give the child in your care a better future.
