The foster child grant is financial assistance provided by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to foster parents to help care for a foster child. A foster child is a child placed in your care by the court due to circumstances like being orphaned, abandoned, abused, neglected or at risk.
As a foster parent, you have responsibility to provide for all the foster child’s basic needs including food, clothing, shelter, medical care and education. The foster care grant from SASSA assists with covering these expenses.
Before applying for the SASSA foster child grant, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria:
You must be a South African citizen, recognized refugee, or have permanent residency.
Both you and the foster child must reside in South Africa.
You must be appointed as the child’s legal foster parent with a court order.
The child must be under age 18 or under 21 if still attending secondary/high school.
The child must pass SASSA’s means test proving they live in poverty.
SASSA Means Test
The means test determines if the foster child meets SASSA’s financial criteria to qualify for the grant. SASSA evaluates if the child earns below twice the annual grant amount. If the child earns above this threshold, they do not qualify.
Foster Child Grant Amount
As of October 2023, the monthly SASSA foster child grant amount per child is R1,130. This is expected to increase by R10 per month from April 2024.
Applying for the SASSA Foster Child Grant
To start your application, obtain the court order validating your foster parent status from the Department of Social Development’s social worker.
Next, visit your nearest SASSA office and complete the application in-person. You can also apply online through the SASSA website if preferred. If unable due to age, sickness, or disability, someone can apply on your behalf using a Power of Attorney form.
Applications are free. A SASSA officer will interview you and inform if you qualify. Keep the dated receipt as application proof.
Documents Needed for Foster Child Grant in 2024
When applying, provide these original documents or certified copies:
Yours and the child’s ID documents
Child’s birth certificate
Court order appointing you as foster parent
Affidavits if IDs or birth certificate unavailable
Marriage/divorce certificates if applicable
Doctor’s note if someone is applying for you
Foster Child Application Processing Time
Processing foster child grant applications takes approximately 3 months. If approved, you will receive back payments from your application date.
Checking SASSA Foster Child Grant Application Status
If your application gets rejected but you disagree, request SASSA to reconsider. If reconsideration fails, you can SASSA appeal to the Ministry of Social Development within 90 days.
Receiving Foster Child Grant Payments
Once approved, SASSA pays your grant through:
Direct deposit into your bank or Postbank account
Withdrawing cash at partnered retailers
Specific institutions like care centers
You can change your payment method anytime by submitting forms at SASSA offices read our full guide at SASSA Change Banking Details. If unable to collect payments yourself, nominate someone to collect on your behalf. For latest payment dates visit our guide SASSA Payment Dates 2024
Checking Foster Child Grant Balance
Check your remaining grant balance via:
USSD code *120*3210#
ATM withdrawal (fees may apply)
SASSA WhatsApp 082 046 8553
Calling 0800 601 011
Foster Child Grant Reviews
SASSA reviews grants every 2 years when court orders expire to confirm eligibility criteria are still met. Reviews verify the foster child’s situation has not improved and that you are still alive.
Cooperate fully during reviews to avoid grant suspension. SASSA sends written notice 3 months prior to reviews. For individuals paid into banks/institutions, submit annual life certificates.
Grant Suspension
Your grant can be suspended if:
The foster child’s circumstances change
You provided false information
Did not cooperate during review
Review outcome is unfavorable
Grant was approved incorrectly
If you disagree with SASSA’s suspension decision, appeal to the Ministry of Social Development within 90 days.
Lapsing Foster Child Grant
Your grant will lapse if:
The child turns 18 (or 21 if in school)
The child or last foster parent dies
The child is admitted into a state institution
Your foster care or refugee status ends
You do not collect payments for 3 consecutive months
You are out of the country over 90 days without notifying SASSA
Foster Parent Responsibilities
As a grant beneficiary, you must:
Keep your and the foster child’s details updated with SASSA
Timely inform SASSA of address/contact detail changes
Provide accurate information always
Not participate in grant fraud
Failing to update your address with SASSA could lead to grant suspension or interruptions.
This covers everything you need to know relating to eligibility, application, payments and reviews for the SASSA foster child grant. Be sure to check back frequently for status updates on your application.
I’m Anele Zulu, a South African social worker dedicated to serving my country’s most vulnerable. With my degree and field expertise, I empower underprivileged communities through compassionate support and tireless advocacy on this website. My goal is simplifying access to services so families can uplift themselves
