How to Apply For Foster Care Grant Online?
An SASSA Foster Care Grant is a type of grant that facilitates the foster parents and foster children. This grant is only for those foster parents who adopt a child legally from Children’s Court. A Foster care grant is paid to those foster parents whose children fall between 0 to 18 years old. But if the child is still in secondary school then the foster grant is exceeded till 21 years of age.
What is the SASSA Foster Care Grant?
A SASSA Forster Care Grant is paid to the foster parents for bringing up the foster child into a happy and healthy environment. The SASSA Officers also cross-check the foster parents often. So that the foster parents fulfil all the needs of the foster child including food, clothing, education and health too. SASSA Officers check them timely even if they are allowed to access the child too.
Who is Eligible for the Foster Care Grant?
To qualify for the SASSA Foster Care Grant, you must meet the following criteria:
Foster Parent Status: You must be the legal foster parent of the child, with a valid court order confirming your foster care arrangement.
Residency: Both you and the foster child must reside in South Africa.
Citizenship or Residency Status: You must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
Child’s Age: The foster child must be under the age of 18.
However, if the child is still in school, the grant can continue until they turn 21 or complete their matriculation, whichever comes first.
Financial Need: While there isn’t a strict income threshold, SASSA assesses the financial need of the applicant and the child to determine eligibility.
How to Apply for the Foster Care Grant
Applying for the Foster Care Grant involves the following steps:
Contact a Social Worker: The first step is to contact a social worker at your nearest Department of Social Development office. They will assist you in obtaining a court order confirming your foster parent status.
- Visit the nearest SASSA office.
- Obtain and complete the application form in the presence of a SASSA officer.
- The SASSA officer can assist you if needed.
- Receive a stamped receipt with the date as proof of your application.
- Keep the receipt safe, as it is the only proof of your submission.
- The entire application process is free of charge.
How Much Will You Receive?
Payment Methods:
SASSA provides different payment methods for the Foster Care Grant, and beneficiaries can choose the option that works best when receiving their SASSA payment for foster care.
- Cash payment at a designated pay point
- Electronic deposit into your bank or Postbank account
- Payment through an institution acting as the administrator of the grant (e.g., a welfare organization)
What Happens After You Apply?
After submitting your application, SASSA will review your information and supporting documents. If your application is approved, you will receive the grant from the date of approval. If your application is rejected, SASSA will notify you in writing, providing the reasons for rejection. You have the right to appeal the decision if you disagree with the outcome.
Additional Information
- The Foster Care Grant is not taxable.
- It is your responsibility to inform SASSA of any changes in your or the foster child’s circumstances, such as a change in address or income.
- If the foster child is no longer in your care, you must notify SASSA immediately, as failure to do so may result in over payment and potential legal consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Child Support Grant and a Foster Care Grant?
The Child Support Grant is for primary caregivers (often biological parents), while the Foster Care Grant is for court-appointed foster parents. The Foster Care Grant pays a higher amount (R1,180 vs. R530 as of 2025).
Can I receive both the Foster Care Grant and another SASSA grant?
Yes, if you legally foster more than one child, you can receive R1,180 per foster child. However, you cannot claim a Child Support Grant and Foster Care Grant for the same child.
What if I lose the court order document?
You must visit the children’s court that issued the order and request a certified copy. This is crucial for both applying and renewing the grant.
Is the Foster Care Grant only for South African citizens?
No. Permanent residents, refugees, and documented foreign nationals with foster care orders are also eligible, as long as they reside in South Africa.
The SASSA Foster Care Grant is an important form of support for foster parents in South Africa, offering financial assistance to help care for vulnerable children. By learning about the eligibility criteria, application steps, and the benefits provided through this child grant, foster parents can secure the help they need to ensure the child’s well-being.
