The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides financial support to foster parents through the Foster Child Grant.
This grant is designed to help caregivers cover the basic needs of foster children, including food, education, health, and other daily expenses.
Foster Child Grant Application Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Foster Child Grant, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be a South African citizen, recognized refugee, or permanent resident
- Live in South Africa with the foster child
- Be the foster parent, with the child placed in your care by court order
- The child must be under 18 years old and pass the means test requirements
Foster Child Grant Application Required Documents
When applying for the Foster Child Grant, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Identity documents (ID, status permit, refugee ID, birth certificate)
- Court order designating you as the child’s legal foster parent
- Documentation verifying your marital status (marriage certificate, divorce decree, death certificate)
- Any documents showing the child’s earnings (maintenance payment order)
How to Apply for a Foster Child Grant
To apply for the Foster Child Grant, follow these steps:
- Contact a social worker at the nearest Department of Social Development office
- Complete the application form with the help of a SASSA officer
- Submit the application and receive a receipt stamped with the date and name of the SASSA official
Application Outcome
If your application is approved, you will start receiving the grant payment from the date the child was placed in your care.
If your application is rejected, you will receive a written explanation and have the right to request reconsideration or appeal.
Time to Process the Foster Child Grant Application
The application process typically takes 30 days to 3 months.
SASSA will review your application and notify you of the outcome.
Foster Child Grant Payment Process
You can receive the grant payment in the following ways:
- Cash at a specific place on a certain day
- Electronic deposit into your bank or Postbank account
- Through an organization that manages the grant
Foster Child Grant Balance Check
You can check your grant balance using the following methods:
- USSD code (1203210# or 12069277#)
- ATM
- SASSA WhatsApp (082 046 8553)
- SASSA Call Center (0800 601 011)
Foster Child Grant Reviews
Foster Child Grant Reviews involve a systematic evaluation of case records and payment documentation to ensure compliance with eligibility requirements.
Foster Child Grant Suspension Reason
The grant may be suspended for the following reasons:
- Non-claiming of the grant for three consecutive months
- Absence from the Republic for more than 90 days
- Ceasing to be a refugee
- Failure to cooperate during a grant review
- Involvement in fraudulent activity or misrepresentation
Responsibilities of Beneficiaries
As a beneficiary, it is your responsibility to inform SASSA of any changes in your circumstances, including address updates.
SASSA Contact
For more information on SASSA grants and updates, you can contact SASSA through the following channels:
- Phone: 0800 60 10 11
- Email: info@sassa.gov.za
- Website