The SASSA Foster Care Grant provides financial support to people who are legally caring for foster children in South Africa. Raising a child can be expensive, and this grant helps foster parents cover essential costs such as food, clothing, and education.
This guide explains the requirements for the SASSA Foster Care Grant, how much it pays, and how to apply through the South African Social Security Agency.
What Is the SASSA Foster Care Grant?
The SASSA Foster Care Grant is a monthly payment given to individuals who are legally appointed by a court to care for a foster child.
This grant is intended to support children who:
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Have been abandoned
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Have been orphaned
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Have been removed from unsafe living environments
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Need care from someone other than their biological parents
The foster parent receives the grant to help provide for the child’s daily needs.
This grant is part of the broader group of SASSA grants available to support vulnerable children and families.
Who Qualifies for the Foster Care Grant?
To receive the SASSA Foster Care Grant, both the foster parent and the child must meet certain requirements.
Foster Parent Requirements
The applicant must:
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Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or recognised refugee
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Be legally appointed as the foster parent by a court
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Be responsible for the child’s care and living arrangements
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Live in South Africa
Unlike some other grants, the Foster Care Grant does not use a strict means test, meaning income is not always the deciding factor.
Child Requirements
The child must:
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Be under the age of 18
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Be placed in foster care through a court order
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Be living with the foster parent who is applying for the grant
If the child turns 18 while still in school, the grant may continue until the child finishes school or turns 21.
How Much Is the Foster Care Grant?
The SASSA Foster Care Grant amount is reviewed periodically by the government.
Currently, the grant pays approximately R1,180 per child per month.
The payment is intended to help cover the cost of:
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Food and groceries
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Clothing
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School-related expenses
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General daily care
Payments are made monthly according to the SASSA payment schedule.
How to Apply for the SASSA Foster Care Grant
Applying for the SASSA Foster Care Grant requires a legal foster care placement and an application through SASSA.
Follow these steps:
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Obtain a court order confirming foster care placement.
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Visit your nearest SASSA office.
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Request the Foster Care Grant application form.
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Complete the application with the help of a SASSA official.
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Submit all required documents.
Once submitted, SASSA will review the application and verify the foster care placement.
Applicants will receive a receipt confirming that the application has been submitted.
Documents Required for the Foster Care Grant
When applying for the SASSA Foster Care Grant, you must provide supporting documents.
These may include:
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Your South African ID document
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The child’s birth certificate
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The court order placing the child in foster care
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Proof of residence
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Banking details for payments
In some cases, a social worker may assist with the documentation process.
Providing accurate documents helps speed up the application.
How Long the Application Process Takes
After applying for the SASSA Foster Care Grant, the application must be verified.
Processing can take up to three months.
If the application is approved:
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Payments are backdated to the application date
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Monthly payments begin immediately afterward
Applicants can contact SASSA if they need updates on their application.
When the Foster Care Grant May Stop
The SASSA Foster Care Grant may stop under certain conditions.
This can happen if:
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The court order expires
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The child turns 18 (unless still in school)
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The child no longer lives with the foster parent
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The foster care placement ends
Court orders may need to be renewed periodically to continue receiving the grant.
Additional Support for Foster Families
Foster families often need additional financial and educational support.
Some caregivers also explore **bursaries and scholarships to help children access better education opportunities as they grow older.
Education funding programmes can assist with tuition, accommodation, and learning materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the SASSA Foster Care Grant pay?
The Foster Care Grant currently pays around R1,180 per child per month, although the amount may change depending on government budget adjustments.
Do foster parents need to pass a means test?
In most cases, the Foster Care Grant does not require a strict means test, because it is based on a legal foster care placement.
Can I apply for the Foster Care Grant online?
Most applications must still be submitted at a SASSA office after receiving the required court order.
How long does the Foster Care Grant application take?
Applications can take up to three months to be processed.
Can the grant continue after the child turns 18?
Yes. If the child is still in school, the grant may continue until they finish school or turn 21.
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