SASSA Foster Child Grant

SASSA Foster Child Grant

The Foster Child Grant from SASSA provides financial assistance to foster parents who take legal custody of foster children. The grant enables foster children to receive essential services such as food provision, clothing supplies, educational support, and medical care. As a South African foster parent, you must understand eligibility requirements, application procedures, and payment schedules to secure this benefit.

The article provides information about the appeal process if your application for the Foster Child Grant is denied.

What is the SASSA Foster Child Grant?

SASSA Foster Child Grant

SASSA Foster Child grant is a crucial support for children who are unable to remain with their biological families due to various circumstances, such as abandonment, neglect, or abuse.

This grant provides financial assistance to foster parents or guardians, ensuring these children receive the necessary care and resources for their development and well-being. 

By covering essential expenses like food, clothing, education, and medical care, the Foster Child Grant helps to create a stable and nurturing environment for vulnerable children, enabling them to thrive despite their challenging circumstances. 

How to Apply for the Foster Child Grant?

Applicants have to visit the SASSA regional office to apply for the grant. There is no way to apply for this SASSA grant online.

Step 1: Visit the Department of Social Development Office

All the applicants are advised to visit the nearest Department of Social Development office to get the application for a court order that defines them as foster parents of the child. You should know that the applicants can not apply for a Foster Child grant without having a court order.

Step 2: Fill out the SASSA Foster Child Grant Application Form

Now, you must visit the SASSA office near your region and grab a Foster Child grant application form from the officer. It is mandatory to fill out the application form under the supervision of the officer. You can also get help from the officer if you are facing issues while filling out your form.

Step 3: Submit the Application Form and Get a Receipt

The final step in the application process is to submit your form and obtain a date-stamped receipt, which includes the name of the SASSA officer who assisted you during registration. This receipt serves as the only proof of your SASSA grant application, so it is crucial to keep it in a safe place.

What Documents are Needed to Apply for a Foster Care Grant?

  • Your and your spouse’s ID documents: Provide copies of your and your spouse’s South African ID documents.
  • Birth certificate of your foster child: Submit a certified copy of the foster child’s birth certificate.
  • Affidavit if missing ID documents: If you or the foster child do not have any ID documents, you must sign an affidavit provided by SASSA stating the reasons for the absence of ID documents.
  • Proof of marriage: If applicable, provide proof of marriage, such as a marriage certificate or any legal documentation validating your marital status.

Foster Child Grant Payment Dates 2025

The Foster Child grant payment dates are mentioned below:

MonthsFoster Grant Payment Dates
January 202405/01/2024
February 202406/02/2024
March 202407/03/2024
April 202405/04/2024
May 202407/05/2024
June 202406/06/2024
July 202406/07/2024
August 202404/08/2024
September 202407/09/2024
October 202405/10/2024
November 202406/11/2024
December 202405/12/2024
January 202507/01/2025
February 202506/02/2025
March 202506/03/2025

How Much Does SASSA Pay for a Foster Child Grant?

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides a monthly Foster Child Grant of R1,180. This financial assistance aims to support foster parents or guardians in meeting the essential needs of the foster child under their care.

How can we appeal for reconsideration if a Foster Child Grant is disapproved?

SASSA will inform you in writing about your grant approval decision. If your application is disapproved, then you can appeal for reconsideration. You need to justify your eligibility for the grant and tell the SASSA why they should approve your application.

If your reconsideration is rejected, you can appeal to the Minister of Social Development.

How to Check Foster Care Grant Balance?

To check your Foster grant balance, you can do the following:

  1. Dial USSD code *120*3210# or *120*69277# from your phone and get your balance status.
  2. Visit your bank’s ATM and use your SASSA debit card to check your balance.

Conclusion

South African foster parents rely on the SASSA Foster Child Grant as a crucial support. The system guarantees proper care for foster children. First, you need to get a court order, then finish your application at a SASSA office and provide all the required documents.

You may request reconsideration through an appeal process if your application gets denied. Make sure you monitor payment dates and verify your grant balance through the USSD code or an ATM service.