The SASSA Foster Child Grant is a monthly financial subsidy provided by the South African Social Security Agency. Unlike the Child Support Grant, which is based on the caregiver’s income, this grant is specifically designed to support children who have been legally placed in foster care by a court order.
As of January 2026, here is a comprehensive guide to the eligibility, application process, and current payment details.
Foster Child Grant Eligibility
To qualify for the grant, both the foster parent and the child must meet specific criteria:
-
Legal Placement: The child must be legally placed in your care by a Children’s Court order (typically because they are orphaned, abandoned, at risk, abused, or neglected).
-
Residency: Both the foster parent and the child must live in South Africa.
-
Citizenship: The foster parent must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee. (The child does not necessarily need to be a citizen).
-
Age: The child must be under 18 years old.
-
Note: The grant can be extended until age 21 if the child is still attending secondary school or high school.
-
-
Income (Child): The grant is not based on your income, but rather on the child’s income. The child’s annual income must not exceed twice the annual value of the grant.
Current Grant Amount (2026)
The South African government reviews grant amounts annually.
-
Current Amount: R1,250 per month per child.
-
Cost: The application process is free.
Required Documentation
You must bring original documents (or certified copies) to your local SASSA office:
-
For the Foster Parent: 13-digit bar-coded Identity Document (ID).
-
For the Child: Birth certificate or ID.
-
Legal Proof: The Court Order that placed the child in your foster care.
-
Income Proof: Evidence of the child’s income (if any), such as maintenance payments.
-
Schooling: If the child is of school-going age, a school certificate or report.
-
Marital Status: Your marriage certificate, divorce order, or death certificate of a spouse (if applicable).
How to Apply For Foster Child Grant?
Applications must be made at your nearest SASSA office.
-
Visit the Office: Go to the SASSA service point nearest to you.
-
Interview: A SASSA official will assist you in completing the application forms and may conduct an interview.
-
Biometrics: Your fingerprints or facial recognition will be taken for verification.
-
Receipt: You will be issued a dated receipt. Keep this safe—it is your only proof of application.
Processing Time: It typically takes up to 3 months to process the application. However, if approved, your payments will be backdated to the date the court order was issued.
Payment Methods
You can choose how you would like to receive the money:
-
Direct Bank Deposit: Into your personal bank account.
-
Cash Payouts: At specific community pay points or retail stores (e.g., Pick n Pay, Boxer, Shoprite, Checkers).
-
Welfare Institution: If the child is in the care of an administrator or welfare organization.
Important Obligations & Reviews
-
Court Order Expiry: The grant is usually linked to the duration of the court order (often 2 years). You must ensure the social worker extends the order before it expires to avoid payment suspension.
-
Life Certificates: If you receive money via a bank account, you are required to fill in a Life Certificate at a SASSA office every year to prove the child is still alive and in your care.
-
Reporting Changes: You must immediately notify SASSA if your address changes, if the child leaves your care, or if the child passes away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age limit for this grant?
The grant is available for children under 18 years old, as long as they remain in foster care under a valid court order.
How much is the monthly payment?
The payment amount is determined by SASSA and may change annually based on government budget reviews.
What documents are needed to apply?
You need the child’s birth certificate, the foster parent’s ID, the court’s foster care order, and proof of residence.
Where do I apply for the grant?
Applications are submitted in person at the nearest SASSA office, along with all the required documents.
How long does it take to get approved?
Approval typically takes up to 90 days, depending on how quickly the submitted documents are verified.
Can applications be submitted online?
No, currently SASSA requires all Foster Child Grant applications to be done in person.
Is the grant means-tested?
No, this grant is not based on the caregiver’s income or financial situation.
The SASSA Foster Child Grant remains a vital pillar of South Africa’s social protection system. Unlike other poverty-alleviation measures, it specifically acknowledges the state’s responsibility toward children who lack parental care. By providing a higher monthly subsidy than the standard Child Support Grant, it recognizes the additional costs and responsibilities assumed by foster parents in providing a stable, nurturing environment for vulnerable children.