Apply for SASSA Foster Child Grant
Financial support after a child is legally placed in foster care
The SASSA Foster Child Grant is paid to a qualifying foster parent for a child who has been legally placed in their care through a Children’s Court. A child simply living with a relative does not automatically qualify as a foster child for this grant.
You may qualify for the SASSA Foster Child Grant if a Children’s Court has legally placed a child in your foster care, you and the child live in South Africa, you meet the applicable citizenship, permanent residence or refugee requirement, and the child remains in your care. The current grant is R1,290 per month per child. Foster Child Grant eligibility is not subject to the normal SASSA means test.
SASSA does not decide who becomes a foster parent. Foster placement is handled through the Department of Social Development, an accredited child protection organisation, a social worker and the Children’s Court. Once the court legally places the child with you, you can apply for the Foster Child Grant.
Who Qualifies for the SASSA Foster Child Grant?
Why might a child be placed in foster care?
A Children’s Court can place a child in foster care where the child is in need of care and protection.
Examples include a child who has been:
- Orphaned.
- Abandoned.
- Neglected.
- Abused.
- Exploited or at risk of exploitation.
- Living in circumstances that place the child’s safety or wellbeing at risk.
For the Foster Child Grant, the child must be legally placed in foster care through the court process. A grandparent, aunt, uncle or sibling does not automatically become a foster parent just because the child lives with them.
How to Become a Foster Parent Before Applying to SASSA
If there is no foster-care court order yet, the first step is not a SASSA grant application.
The foster-care process starts with the Department of Social Development or an accredited child protection organisation.
Ask for assistance with the foster-care process for a child in need of care and protection.
A social worker investigates the child’s circumstances and assesses the proposed foster parent.
The social worker submits findings and recommendations to the court.
If approved, the court issues an order legally placing the child in the foster parent’s care.
Once the court order has been issued, the foster parent can apply for the Foster Child Grant through SASSA.
Who can become a foster parent?
The government foster-care process generally requires a prospective foster parent to be:
- At least 18 years old.
- Fit and proper to care for the child.
- Willing and able to look after the child.
- Able to provide a suitable environment for the child’s development.
A social worker and the Children’s Court assess whether foster placement is appropriate in the individual case.
Why the Foster-Care Court Order Matters
The court order is one of the most important documents in the SASSA Foster Child Grant application.
It confirms:
- Who the foster child is.
- Who the legally appointed foster parent is.
- That the placement was made through the Children’s Court.
- The duration of the foster placement.
When the court order reaches its expiry date, the foster-care case must be reviewed and the order extended where the child still requires foster care.
Can a relative be a foster parent?
Yes. A grandparent, aunt, uncle, sibling or another suitable relative can potentially become a foster parent if the child is legally placed in that person’s foster care through the Children’s Court.
The important requirement for the Foster Child Grant is the legal placement, not simply the family relationship.
How Much Is the SASSA Foster Child Grant?
The current Foster Child Grant is R1,290 per month for each qualifying foster child.
This amount applies in August 2026.
After the new rate starts, change the main amount to R1,300 and remove the future-increase wording. The page URL does not need to change.
Does the Foster Child Grant Have a Means Test?
No. The Foster Child Grant is the main exception to SASSA’s normal social grant means-test system.
SASSA’s current FAQ specifically states that all social grants except the Foster Child Grant are subject to a means test.
This means a foster parent should not assume they earn too much to apply simply because they have employment income.
The foster-care court order, residence requirements, child’s age and continued legal placement still need to be satisfied.
Documents Needed for the Foster Child Grant
What if you or the child do not have normal identity documents?
The current government process provides an alternative route while the correct Home Affairs documents are being obtained.
SASSA may require:
- A SASSA-format affidavit completed before a Commissioner of Oaths.
- A sworn statement from a reputable person who knows you and the child.
- Fingerprints through the SASSA process.
- Proof that an ID or birth certificate has been applied for at Home Affairs.
- A temporary identity document where available.
- A baptismal certificate where available.
- The child’s Road to Health card where available.
- A school certificate where the child attends school.
If SASSA refers you to Home Affairs for an identity document or birth certificate, complete that process. Failure to obtain the required documents can affect continued payment.
How to Apply for the SASSA Foster Child Grant
Once the foster-care court order has been issued, you can start the grant application.
The child must have been legally placed in your care by the Children’s Court.
Take your ID or accepted residence documentation and the child’s birth certificate.
SASSA needs proof that the child is legally in your foster care.
Take the applicable marital-status documentation requested by SASSA.
The current government grant service page directs applicants to their nearest SASSA office to complete the application.
The current government procedure says the application form should be completed in the presence of a SASSA official.
SASSA should give you a receipt after the application. Keep it as proof that you applied.
Follow the application status and respond if SASSA requests additional documents.
Can You Apply for the Foster Child Grant Online?
SASSA’s current Services Portal lists the Foster Child Grant among its available grant services and also provides a downloadable Foster Child Grant affidavit.
However, the current South African Government Foster Child Grant page still directs first-time applicants to a SASSA office and states that the grant application form itself is not available online.
The SASSA Services Portal can still be useful for grant information, supporting documents, status services and management functions.
How Long Does the Foster Child Grant Take?
The official government service guidance says a Foster Child Grant application may take up to three months to process.
SASSA may need to verify:
- The foster parent’s identity.
- The child’s identity.
- The foster-care court order.
- The validity of the legal placement.
- Residence information.
- Any outstanding supporting documents.
Current government guidance states that if the grant application is approved, payment is made from the date on which the court placed the child in your care.
Keep the court order and SASSA application receipt because both dates may be important when checking the first payment.
How Is the Foster Child Grant Paid?
The grant can be deposited electronically into an approved bank account.
Applicable beneficiaries can receive payments through an approved Postbank arrangement.
An institution such as a welfare organisation can administer the grant in applicable circumstances.
When is the Foster Child Grant paid each month?
The Foster Child Grant falls within SASSA’s Children’s Grants payment cycle.
The exact Children’s Grants payment date changes from month to month.
See SASSA Payment Dates for the current confirmed calendar.
Once the payment is available in the approved account, it remains available for later use.
When Is the Foster Child Grant Reviewed?
The Foster Child Grant is closely linked to the foster-care court order.
Current government guidance states that the grant is reviewed when the court order expires and that current foster-care orders are generally reviewed every two years.
SASSA says the foster parent should be advised about three months before the review is due.
The social worker should review the child’s circumstances before expiry where continued foster care is required. An extension of the court order must then be obtained through the court.
The extended court order allows SASSA to continue the Foster Child Grant for the next approved period.
The grant cannot simply continue indefinitely on an expired court order where an extension is required.
Can the Foster Child Grant Continue After Age 18?
SASSA’s current FAQ states that a Foster Child Grant can continue after the foster child turns 18 and may continue until age 21 if the young person remains in an educational institution.
This continuation is not automatic.
After the foster child turns 18, SASSA currently requires the Foster Child Grant application to be dealt with annually for continuation.
You should prepare:
- Proof that the young person remains in an educational institution.
- The applicable extension of the foster-care court order.
- Any other information requested by SASSA.
Normal eligibility is under 18. Continued payment after 18 depends on the education and foster-care extension requirements being met.
What If the Foster Child Has a Severe Disability?
A foster child with a severe disability can potentially qualify for more than the Foster Child Grant.
The Foster Child Grant relates to the child’s legal foster-care placement. The Care Dependency Grant relates to severe disability and the child’s permanent or full-time special care needs.
SASSA also confirms that foster-parent income is not taken into account for the Care Dependency Grant means test where the application is for a fostered care-dependent child.
Read Apply for SASSA Care Dependency Grant for the medical assessment and disability requirements.
Foster Child Grant vs Child Support Grant
| Issue | Foster Child Grant | Child Support Grant |
|---|---|---|
| Legal foster-care order | Required | Not normally required |
| Primary purpose | Support for a child legally placed in foster care | Basic support for a qualifying child cared for by a primary caregiver |
| Current amount | R1,290 | R580 |
| Means test | No normal means test | Yes |
| Court review | Foster-care order must remain valid | No foster-care court order required |
If you care for a child but there is no foster-care court order, check the SASSA Child Support Grant requirements rather than assuming the Foster Child Grant applies.
How to Check the Foster Child Grant Status
Keep the receipt or reference provided when you submit the grant application.
Where the application is available through SASSA Services, the portal can display status stages including:
- Application Submitted.
- Application Assessed.
- Application Documents Outstanding.
- Application Pending.
- Incomplete Application Saved.
Read How to Check Your SASSA Grant Status for explanations of these stages.
What if the application is pending because of the court order?
Check that SASSA has a valid and readable copy of the court order showing the foster placement.
If the order has expired, contact the social worker dealing with the foster-care case because a grant status check cannot replace the legal court-order extension process.
What If the Foster Child Grant Is Rejected?
SASSA should inform you in writing why the application was unsuccessful.
Possible problems can include:
- No valid foster-care court order.
- The child is no longer legally in the applicant’s foster care.
- The foster parent or child does not meet the residence requirements.
- Identity information cannot be verified.
- The child does not meet the applicable age or continuation rules.
- Required supporting documents are missing.
If you disagree with SASSA’s decision, the standard social grant appeal process allows an appeal to the Minister of Social Development within 90 days after you are notified of the unsuccessful decision.
The Foster Child Grant is a standard social grant and follows the standard social-assistance appeal process.
When Can the Foster Child Grant Stop?
| Situation | Possible effect |
|---|---|
| Court order expires without required extension | Continued payment can be affected because the grant depends on a valid foster-care placement. |
| Child leaves foster care | The grant lapses if the child is no longer in the foster parent’s care. |
| Child dies | The grant lapses. |
| Last living foster parent dies | The existing foster grant lapses and the child’s care arrangements must be dealt with through the appropriate process. |
| Child enters a state institution | The grant can lapse. |
| Grant is not claimed for three consecutive months | Government service guidance lists this as a reason for the grant to lapse. |
| Beneficiary is absent from South Africa | Residence requirements can affect continued payment. |
| Refugee status ends | A refugee foster parent’s continued grant eligibility can be affected. |
| Fraud or false information | The grant can be suspended or cancelled. |
| Failure to cooperate with review | The grant can be suspended. |
Common Foster Child Grant Mistakes
| Mistake | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Applying without a court order | Complete the foster-care process through Social Development and the Children’s Court first. |
| Assuming a relative is automatically a foster parent | A legal foster-care placement is required for the Foster Child Grant. |
| Thinking income is too high | The Foster Child Grant is not subject to the normal SASSA means test. |
| Ignoring the court-order expiry date | Work with the social worker before expiry if the foster placement needs to continue. |
| Assuming the grant always stops at 18 | Check the annual continuation process if the foster child remains in an educational institution. |
| Assuming payment starts from SASSA application date | Current government guidance says an approved Foster Child Grant is paid from the date the court placed the child in your care. |
| Missing the Care Dependency option | If the foster child has a severe disability, check whether Care Dependency Grant eligibility also applies. |
| Paying someone to apply | The application is free. Use the official Social Development, court and SASSA processes. |
Useful SASSA Guides
Main SASSA guide covering grant applications, payments and beneficiary help.
Compare Foster Child Grant with the other SASSA grant types.
For qualifying primary caregivers where foster-care status does not apply.
For a qualifying child with a severe disability requiring permanent special care.
Check an application and understand current SASSA status messages.
See the current confirmed Children’s Grants payment calendar.
Visit the SASSA category for grant applications, payment dates, status checks and beneficiary help.
SASSA Foster Child Grant Questions
How much is the SASSA Foster Child Grant?
The current Foster Child Grant is R1,290 per month per qualifying child. An increase to R1,300 is scheduled from October 2026.
Who qualifies for the Foster Child Grant?
The applicant must be a qualifying foster parent and the child must have been legally placed in their care through a Children’s Court. Both the foster parent and child must live in South Africa and the child must remain in the foster parent’s care.
Do I need a court order for the SASSA Foster Child Grant?
Yes. A court order legally placing the child in your foster care is a core requirement for the Foster Child Grant.
Can a grandmother receive the Foster Child Grant?
Yes, a grandmother or another suitable relative can potentially receive the grant if a Children’s Court has legally placed the child in that person’s foster care and the other SASSA requirements are met.
Can an aunt or uncle receive the Foster Child Grant?
Yes. A relative can potentially become the child’s foster parent, but a legal Children’s Court foster-care order is required.
Does the Foster Child Grant have a means test?
No. SASSA’s current guidance states that the Foster Child Grant is not subject to the normal social grant means test.
Can I work and still receive a Foster Child Grant?
Employment does not automatically disqualify a foster parent because the Foster Child Grant is not subject to the normal means test. The legal foster placement and other grant requirements must still be met.
Can I apply for the Foster Child Grant before getting a court order?
No. The foster-care placement must first be authorised through the Children’s Court. Once the court order places the child in your foster care, you can apply for the SASSA grant.
Can I apply for the Foster Child Grant online?
SASSA Services lists Foster Child Grant services, but the current government grant application page still directs new applicants to a SASSA office and says the application form is not available online.
What documents do I need for the Foster Child Grant?
You normally need the foster parent’s identity documentation, the child’s birth certificate, the foster-care court order, applicable marital-status records and refugee documentation where relevant.
How long does a Foster Child Grant application take?
Government guidance states that the application may take up to three months to process.
When does payment start if the Foster Child Grant is approved?
Current government guidance states that an approved Foster Child Grant is paid from the date on which the court placed the child in the foster parent’s care.
How long does a foster-care court order last?
The duration is shown on the court order. Current government grant guidance states that foster grants are reviewed when the court order expires and that the current review cycle is generally every two years.
What happens when the foster-care court order expires?
The social worker should review the child’s circumstances. If foster care still needs to continue, an extension order must be obtained from the court so that the legal placement and grant can continue.
Does the Foster Child Grant stop when the child turns 18?
Normal Foster Child Grant eligibility is for a child under 18, but SASSA currently allows continuation in qualifying cases up to age 21 where the foster child remains in an educational institution.
What is required after a foster child turns 18?
SASSA’s current FAQ states that the Foster Child Grant must be applied for annually after age 18 and that proof of attendance at an educational institution and an extension order must be provided.
Can a foster child receive both Foster Child Grant and Care Dependency Grant?
Yes. A foster child who meets the severe-disability and care requirements can potentially receive both the Foster Child Grant and Care Dependency Grant.
When is the Foster Child Grant paid?
The Foster Child Grant forms part of SASSA’s Children’s Grants payment cycle. The exact payment date changes each month according to the official SASSA payment calendar.
What if my Foster Child Grant application is rejected?
SASSA should provide the reason for the unsuccessful decision. If you disagree with a final rejection, the standard social grant process allows an appeal within 90 days after notification.
Can SASSA stop the Foster Child Grant if the child leaves my care?
Yes. The grant depends on the child remaining legally in the foster parent’s care. If the foster placement ends, the grant can lapse.
SASSA Foster Child Grant Help
Need help with the foster-care order or SASSA application?
Contact the social worker dealing with the foster-care case if the problem concerns the court order, placement or extension. Contact SASSA if the court order is valid but you need help with the grant application, payment or application status.
One Comment
Comments are closed.