Complete Guide to SASSA Foster Child Grant & Application Process
BySiyabonga
Caring for a foster child is a noble responsibility, and the South African government helps by offering financial support through the SASSA Foster Child Grant. This is done in accordance with the Children’s Act, and only those with a valid court order declaring them as foster parents are eligible. The money is meant to assist with the child’s living expenses, including food, education, clothing, and healthcare.
Ensure that the child is under the age of 18.. Whenever he/she reaches the age of 18 years the grant will lapse. In some cases, there is an exception of 21 years of age including when the child is still studying in secondary or high school.
Eligibility Criteria For the Sassa Foster Care Grant
The foster parent must have at least one child assigned to them by the court
The foster parent & the child must be South African citizens (If refugees then they must be recognized)
The child must be under the supervision or care of the applicant
The applicant & the child must be living in South Africa
The foster parent must have 13-digit barcoded identity documents.
A child from a foreign country can also be fostered
The foster parent must have a birth certificate of the foster child
The child must be placed in your custody by a court due to being orphaned, abandoned, at risk, abused, or neglected.
How Much Is the Foster Child Grant in 2025?
As of August 2025, the SASSA Foster Child Grant is R1250 per month per child. This amount is paid monthly and can be adjusted annually during the national budget speech.
Tip: If you’re caring for more than one foster child, you can apply for each child separately.
How to Apply for the SASSA Foster Child Grant
You cannot apply for this grant online. The application must be done in person at your nearest SASSA office. Follow these 3 easy steps.
Step 1: Prepare Required Documents
Bring the following with you:
Your ID document (green barcoded or smart card).
The child’s birth certificate (must have the 13-digit SA ID number).
The court order stating that the child is in your foster care.
Proof of residency (like a utility bill).
Your bank account details (if you want payments deposited).
Refugee documents (if applicable).
Note: If you don’t have an ID, bring a sworn affidavit and proof that you’ve applied for one.
Step 2: Visit Your Local SASSA Office
Go to your nearest office and:
Request the Foster Child Grant application form (Form SASSA 1).
Fill it out in the presence of a SASSA official.
Submit your documents and go through a short interview.
Step 3: Get Your Receipt and Reference Number
Once done, you’ll receive a stamped receipt and SASSA reference number. Keep this safe as it will be used to track your application status.
Common Reasons for Delay or Rejection
If your application is delayed or rejected, it could be due to:
Missing or incorrect documents
No valid court order
The child already receiving a grant
Failed verification with Department of Home Affairs
Incorrect bank details
Foster Child Grant Renewal
Unlike other grants, the Foster Child Grant is tied to the court order’s validity. When the order expires:
You must go back to the Children’s Court to renew the placement.
Submit the new order to SASSA to continue receiving the grant.
Failing to do this will automatically stop your payments.
Can You Apply Online for SASSA Foster Care Grant?
Unfortunately, NO, the application must be done in person at a SASSA branch. However, you can track your status or appeal online.
Your Rights as a Foster Parent
You are entitled to:
Receive fair treatment and respect from SASSA staff.
Be notified in writing if your application is denied.
Appeal within 90 days of rejection.
Lodge complaints via the SASSA toll-free number: 0800 60 10 11.
Check Your SASSA Foster Care Grant Status
You can check your Foster grant status in multiple ways provided below.
Following are the payment methods for the Sassa foster care Grant.
You can get direct payments in your bank account. If you opt for payments via bank account then it is necessary to fill and submit a Consent Form for Bank Payment of SASSA Grant, also attach all relevant documents like your ID, Bank statement of previous three months & your Bank account details.
Your Sassa payment can be withdrawn from Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Boxer, Checkers, Usave, and Spar.
According to the new initiative taken by Sassa Authorities & Post Office Officials from this year onwards, Sassa pay points services will be closed for cash receiving, the applicants have to use the ATMs & banks preferably for their SASSA grant payment withdrawal.
