SASSA Foster Child Grant

Raising a foster child is an admirable and challenging responsibility. It takes a lot of love, care, and dedication to raise a child who is not your own, especially when there’s no one else to provide for their well-being. Along with the emotional commitment, the financial demands of caring for a foster child can also be overwhelming.

If you are caring for a foster child but struggling to meet the costs, the SASSA Foster Child Grant is available to help. It offers R1,250 per month per child to ease the financial burden.

Want to get this payment? Sure, here is the detailed guide for all foster parents who need financial assistance to care for a child.

SASSA Foster Child Grant Payment Dates 2025

So your Foster Child grant application is approved, and you need to know what the Foster Child grant payment date is, right? Check out the payment dates on our webpage. We are updating all the SASSA grant payment dates for 2025 on our website.

SASSA Foster Child Grant Status Check Online

You need to visit the SASSA office to check your Foster Child grant status. Only the SRD grant status check is available online, and the rest of the other grants, like Old Age Pension, Disability, and Care Dependency grant statuses, are available at the SASSA office.

How to Apply for the SASSA Foster Child Grant Online?

For now, there is no way to apply for the Foster Child grant online. However, you need to visit the SASSA office in person with your legal documents to apply. Check out the complete method:

Step 1: Visit the Nearest SASSA Office

Go to your nearest SASSA regional or local office. You can search for the nearest office online or call SASSA for directions.

Step 2: Take All Required Documents with You

Make sure you carry the following original documents and their certified copies:

  • Your South African ID or refugee status permit (if unavailable, then provide an affidavit)
  • The child’s birth certificate
  • A court order that places the child in your care (this is essential for the foster child grant)
  • Proof of your marital status (if applicable)
  • Proof of income or unemployment
  • Your banking details or bank statement
  • The child’s school certificate or clinic card, if available

Tip: Get your copies certified at a police station or a commissioner of oaths before visiting SASSA.

Step 3: Speak to a SASSA Agent

When you arrive at the SASSA office:

  1. Ask any staff member or agent for help.
  2. Tell them you want to apply for the Foster Child Grant.
  3. They will guide you to the correct desk or section.

Step 4: Ask for and Complete the Application Form

  1. Request the official SASSA Foster Child Grant application form.
  2. Fill it out at the office in the presence of a SASSA officer. This helps avoid errors.
  3. If you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to ask the officer for help.

Step 5: Attach Your Documents

Once your form is filled out:

  1. Staple or clip all your required documents (certified copies) with the application form.
  2. Make sure nothing is missing, or your application might be delayed.

Step 6: Submit the Application and Do a Short Interview

  1. Hand in your application to the officer.
  2. The officer may ask you a few basic questions, this is a short interview to confirm your eligibility and situation.

Step 7: Get a Receipt

  1. After submission, you will receive a receipt or acknowledgment slip.
  2. This is proof that your application has been submitted.
  3. Keep this receipt safe, you’ll need it for tracking the status of your grant.

Qualification Criteria for Foster Child Grant

Age Limit:

The age of the child should be younger than 18 years old.

South African Citizen:

You and your foster child should have South African ID, permanent residency, and must reside in South Africa.

Relation with Child:

You must be a legal foster parent of the child. You should have a court order that proves your foster parentship.

When Should You Cancel the Foster Child Grant?

You Become Financially Strong

If you get a good job or start earning more money, and you no longer need help from SASSA, you should cancel the grant. It’s meant for people who truly need support.

The Child Is No Longer in Your Care

If the child goes back to their parents, gets adopted, or moves to another foster home, then you must inform SASSA. You can only get the grant while the child is under your care.

The Foster Court Order Has Expired

Foster grants are based on a legal court order. If the order has expired and is not renewed by the court, the grant should be cancelled until the court gives a new order.

The Child Turns 18 Years Old

Once the foster child reaches 18, the grant will automatically stop, unless they are still in school and the court allows it to continue. You should inform SASSA when the child becomes an adult.

The Child Has Passed Away

If the child sadly passes away, you must report this to SASSA immediately. You cannot continue to receive the grant after the child’s death.

You Move Out of South Africa

If you move to another country or stay outside South Africa for a long time, you must cancel the grant. It’s only for people living in South Africa.