SASSA Foster Child Grant

You are lucky and blessed if you are raising a foster child. The child has no one except you to trust to get care and love. And you are performing such a humble duty to give all of these to that child. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is with you in this.

SASSA Foster Child Grant is for those foster parents who are raising a child who comes under their custody by a court order, who are:

• Orphaned
• Abused
• Neglected
• Abandoned
• At Risk

How to Apply for SASSA Foster Child Grant?

1. Visit Your Nearest SASSA Office: Go to the closest SASSA office and request the Foster Child Grant application form.
2. Complete the Application Form: Read the form carefully. Fill out all the required details in the supervision of a SASSA officer to avoid mistakes.
3. Provide Identification: Submit the 13-digit bar-coded South African ID of the child and the parent or legal guardian applying for the grant. If you don’t have a valid ID, you will need to complete a sworn affidavit under the supervision of a Commissioner of Oaths.
4. Biometric Verification: Both the child (if old enough) and the applicant need to pass biometric tests, including fingerprint scans, for identity verification.
5. Submit Required Documents: You must provide the following documents to support your application:
   1. The child’s birth certificate is used to prove the child’s age and identity.
   2. Court order or foster care placement letter confirming that you are the child’s legal foster parent.
   3. Parent or guardian ID to verify your identity.
   4. Proof of income for all household members, including salaries, pensions, or other financial support.
   5. Bank statement of the applicant (last month) to confirm banking details for grant payments.
   6. Proof of residence, such as a municipal utility bill, rent agreement, or affidavit confirming where the child lives.
   7. Medical or school records may be requested if SASSA needs additional verification of the child’s needs.
6. Additional Requirements: If the child’s parents have passed away, provide the death certificates.
   1. If the child receives any other social grant, provide proof.
   2. If the child is a refugee, include the refugee permit and identification number.
7. Submission and Verification: Once you submit all documents, the SASSA officer will verify the information. Keep copies of all submitted documents for your records.
8. Await Approval: After verification, SASSA will process your application. You will be notified of the outcome, and if approved, the grant will be paid directly into the nominated bank account.

Eligibility Criteria 2026

Eligibility Requirement	Details
Citizenship or Residency	You must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee to apply.
Residency	Both you and the foster child must live in South Africa.
Legal Foster Placement	The foster child must be legally placed in your care and remain under your care.
Age of the Child	The foster child must be under 18 years old to qualify for the grant.

SASSA Foster Child Grant Payment Amount

The current payment amount for the Foster Child Grant is R1,250 per month.

This money is paid to the legal foster parent or guardian to help take care of the child. It can be used for things like:

• Food and nutrition
• School supplies
• Clothing and shoes
• Medical needs

You can get this payment from SASSA assigned cash pick up points like Pick n Pay or Shoprite, etc.

What is the Grant Review Period?

The Foster Child Grant is not permanent. SASSA checks it regularly to make sure the child still qualifies. The review happens on the expiry of the court order that placed the child in your care.

In 2026, the review period is set to occur every two years. This means SASSA will check all foster care cases once every two years to ensure everything is still correct.

SASSA will inform you at least three months before the review. You will receive a notice asking you to provide updated documents, such as proof of income, residence, and the child’s continued placement in your care.

It is important to respond quickly and provide all requested documents. If you fail to do so, your grant may be paused or stopped. Keeping your information updated ensures that your child continues receiving the monthly R1,250 Foster Child Grant without interruption.

When Will Grant Stopped?

The Foster Child grant will be stopped if:

• The child passed away or the foster parent.
• You are not living in South Africa during the grant disbursement.
• The child is no longer your foster child.
• Your refugee status has declined.
• The child goes under the care of the government institution.
• You do not claim the grant for three continuous months.

What to Do If the Foster Child Grant Is Disapproved?

If SASSA disapproves of your Foster Child Grant application, do not panic. You have the right to appeal the decision. To do this, you must submit an appeal to the Minister of Social Development. The appeal is handled at the national office of the Department of Social Development.

When appealing, include all relevant documents, such as the child’s birth certificate, court order, and proof of your care. 

Make sure to explain why you believe the grant should be approved. Acting quickly increases the chance of a positive outcome and ensures your child can receive financial support.

F.A.Q

What is the application fee?

There is no fee for applying; it is completely free.

Can I download the application form online?

No, you must collect the form from your nearest SASSA office.

Can I appeal the disapproval online?

No, appeals must be submitted in person at the national office of the Department of Social Development.

What is the payment amount for 2026?

The Foster Child Grant payment is R1,250 per month.

How often is the grant reviewed?

In 2026, SASSA will review the grant every two years.

Who is eligible to apply for the grant?

You must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee, and the foster child must be under 18 and legally placed in your care.