SASSA Foster Child Grant – A Complete Guide to Application, Eligibility, Payments, and Reviews

The SASSA offers foster parents financial support to assist them in caring for their foster child through the foster child award, also referred to as the foster care grant. A foster child is a child who has been placed in your care by a court because they are at risk, abandoned, tortured, or orphaned. Foster parents are in charge of meeting their foster child’s basic needs, which include clothing, food, housing, health care, and education.

Grants for foster children are typically given out until the child turns 18 years old. In the event that the child turns 18 while enrolled in secondary or high school, the grant amount will continue to be awarded until they are 21. When the kid drops out of school or begins to make more money than what the means test requires, the grant payments will end.

Qualifications for the SASSA Foster Child Award

Before applying for the foster child grant, make sure that you fulfill the following criteria:

• To become eligible for the grant, you should either be a South African citizen, recognized refugee or have permanent residency status.
• Both you and the foster child should be residing in South Africa.
• It’s necessary for you to be the foster parent of the child, and the child must continue to be in your care.
• The foster child’s placement under your care must be a result of a court order due to one of the following reasons:
• Orphaned
• Abandoned
• Abused
• Neglected
• At risk
• The foster child must be below the age of 18.
• The foster child must meet the requirements of the means test.

What is the Foster Care Grant SASSA Means Test?

The means test is a technique for figuring out a foster child’s income; foster parents’ income is not taken into account, ensuring that only worthy youngsters receive grants. Foster parents who have foster children who are impoverished and meet specific financial requirements are the only ones eligible for the grant.

According to the foster kid’s means test criterion, they are eligible for funding if their annual income is less than twice the amount of the foster child award.

The parameters for the means test used to determine financial eligibility vary depending on the type of grant.

What is the amount of the SASSA Foster Child Grant?

As of October 1, 2023, the most recent increase in SASSA grants is R1 130 per month (per child) for foster children. Every six months, on April 1st and October 1st, the grant amount is modified to make sure it continues to be adequate to support foster children.

On April 1, 2024, the grant is anticipated to rise by an additional R10 per child each month.

How much does that Foster Child Grant Cost?

Applying for SASSA foster child grant is free of cost, and there is not any kind of service fee.

How to Apply for a Foster Child Grant

In order to initiate the foster child grant application process, you must possess a court document confirming your legal status as the kid’s foster parent. By scheduling an appointment, you can obtain the court order from the Department of Social Development’s social worker.

After obtaining the court order, you can apply for an SASSA foster kid grant by completing the application form at the SASSA office branch that is closest to you. Applying online is also possible if you follow the guidelines on the SASSA services website.

If you are too elderly, too unwell, or have any kind of impairment, you can have a friend or trusted family member apply on your behalf. You must complete the Power of Attorney form and get it certified by a Commissioner of Oaths before allowing someone to apply on your behalf. The person applying on your behalf should bring the Power of Attorney form and a medical statement stating why you are unable to visit the SASSA office yourself once the form has been filled out and signed.

The application forms must be filled out in front of the SASSA official and are available at SASSA offices. You may complete the application on your own. The officer will assist you in filling out the application form if you are having trouble doing so on your own. They will also record your interview (or that of the person you have designated). Once the interview is over, you will be notified if you are eligible for the grant.

You will also receive a dated stamp receipt with the name of the SASSA officer who helped you with the application after finishing the application and interview. Keep this receipt as proof of application even if you are not qualified.

Necessary Documents while Applying for Foster Child Grant

You must take the following documents (original or certified copies) along with you to the SASSA office when applying for foster child grant:

• Identity Documents:
• Your original 13-digit bar-coded ID (Identity Document).
• Your status permit and refugee ID, if you are refugee.
• Birth certificate of the child with a valid ID number.
• If you don’t have ID or child’s birth certificate:
• You must fill out the SASSA standard affidavit form, and that form should be completed in front of an Oaths Commissioner who is not affiliated with SASSA. A SASSA official will provide you with the form, or you can download the SASSA affidavit from here.
• You must bring a validated declaration attested by a reputable person (such as a community counselor, traditional leader, licensed social worker, recognized religious leader, or a school principal) who can verify you and the child.
• You should have documentation from the Department of Home Affairs, confirming that you have initiated an application for an ID and/or birth certificate.
• A temporary identity document card provided by the Department of Home Affairs. (if applicable).
• If accessible, the baptismal certificate.
• A school certificate, if available.
• If accessible, the card from the Road to Health Clinic.
• The court order officially designates you as the child’s legal foster parent.
• Documentation verifying your marital status (if applicable):
• Marriage Certificate: if you are married.
• Divorce Decree: if the marriage has been dissolved.
• Death Certificate: In case your spouse has passed away.
• Affidavit or Sworn Statement: If anyone of the above is not applicable.
• Provide any documents that reveal the child’s earnings, like a maintenance payment order. (if available)

Processing Time for SASSA Foster Child Grant Applications

The foster kid grant applications are typically processed in three months. Once your application is approved, the payments will begin. All of the payments from the date your application was submitted will be given to you once it has been processed and your grant has been accepted. If your application is denied, SASSA will send you a letter explaining why the grant isn’t authorized.

SASSA Foster Child Grant Status Check

To stay informed, you will also need to periodically check the progress of your grant application once it has been submitted. The best thing is that it’s simple to track down by using a status check to determine whether your application was accepted or rejected and its current status. Following the application’s approval, it is important to check the status regularly to be informed of impending payments. The following techniques can be used to check the foster child’s status with SASSA:

What should I do if my application for an SASSA Child Foster Grant is denied?

You have the option to ask the SASSA to reevaluate your application if your grant application is rejected but you think the decision was made incorrectly. Should your request for reconsideration be turned down as well, but you’re still not happy with the SASSA’s ruling, you can file an appeal with the Ministry of Social Development at the National Department of Social Development. Within ninety days of the application’s submission, the appeal must be submitted.

To reach a decision, the Ministry of Social Development will examine your appeal. Should they find in your favour, they will reverse the SASSA’s ruling and you will begin to get your grant money. You will receive a written explanation of the decision if your appeal is rejected.

Understanding the SASSA Foster Child Grant Payment Process

Once your foster child grant is approved, you will start receiving payments from the date you applied. SASSA payment schedule is released every month as they don’t have any fixed dates. 

SASSA will pay you the grant payments through the following three methods (You need to opt for one):

• Direct deposit in your bank account or Postbank account. The banks may charge you for the service fee.
• You can withdraw your grant payment in cash at SASSA-partnered retail outlets such as Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Boxer, Checkers, Usave, and Spar.
• From some specific institutions (e.g., old age homes, disability centers, Non-profit organizations).

If you want to receive your grant payments through a bank account, you will need to complete the Consent Form for Bank Payment of SASSA Grant and submit each of the following documents:

• Proof of identity includes an ID document, driver’s license, or birth certificate.
• Bank account number: the account should be in your name.
• 3 months bank statement, it should show your name and account number on the statement.

You can change your bank account or payment method any time by filling form in the welfare office. However, the payments will be received through the new payment method from the following month after the verification is completed.

If you are unable to collect the grant yourself due to any reason such as old age, disability etc., you can nominate someone to collect payments on your behalf.

SASSA Foster Child Grant Balance Check

You may find out how much money is left on your grant by using the SASSA balance check facility. You can manage your finances and make wise decisions with your grant money by keeping track of your balance and being informed. Following approval of your foster child grant application and the issuance of grant funds, you may need to periodically monitor your account using the following techniques:

Using your mobile, dial the USSD code 1203210# or 12069277#.
Through the SASSA WhatsApp number 082 046 8553, at any ATM (regular bank fees may apply).through dialling the toll-free number 0800 601 011 of the SASSA call centre

SASSA Foster Child Grant Reviews

The foster child Grant will be reviewed when the two-year court order expires. Every two years, the court order will expire, and SASSA will examine the situation each time. The purpose of the evaluations is to confirm that the foster child still fits the grant’s means test requirements and that nothing has changed in terms of their circumstances. Additionally, it’s to make sure you’re still alive. You should constantly keep your application updated whenever your child’s circumstances change, as this will facilitate the review process.

Before the three-month review period or the deadline to submit your life certificate (documentation that you are still alive), SASSA will provide you written notice. The review’s date and place will also be specified in the written notification.

If you get your grant through a bank, organization, or agent, you have to send the life certificate to the SASSA office every year. SASSA representatives will come to your home to perform the review if you are bedridden. After your evaluation is complete, you will receive a compliance receipt.

Grant Suspension Reasons

The following reasons may lead to the grant suspension:

• If your child’s circumstances change.
• You provided false information or committed fraud.
• You didn’t cooperate while reviewing the grant.
• The outcome of the review.
• If your grant was approved by mistake

Restoration of the Grant

Within ninety days of the suspension, you can file an appeal with the Ministry of Social Development at the National Department of Social Development if you think the suspension of your grant was an error or if you disagree with SASSA’s decision.

Reasons for Lapsing of the Foster Child Grant

Your foster child grant will lapse if one of the following conditions occurs:

• The child reaches the age of 18. If the child turns 18 but is still studying in secondary or high school, then the grant amount will be paid until they turn 21. The grant payments will stop when the child leaves school or starts earning income that exceeds.
• The child or last living foster parent has died.
• The child is admitted to the state institution (The grant will expire on the first day of the 7th month after the child’s admission)
• Your foster care for the child has ended.
• If your refugee status has lapsed (if applicable)
• If the grant is not collected for three consecutive months (you can apply for the grant payments to start again, but if it is more than 90 days, you will have to apply for a new grant)
• You are out of the country for more than 90 days without any notice.

Responsibilities of the Beneficiaries

As an SASSA grant holder, you also need to fulfill some responsibilities:

• To ensure accuracy, keep SASSA updated about any changes in your personal and financial circumstances. Also, keep them updated about your foster child’s status.
• Timely communication with SASSA regarding modifications to your address or personal contact details is essential.
• Always provide the correct information because SASSA does not tolerate any fraudulent activity.

You must keep the SASSA updated in the above scenarios to avoid any interruption or suspension in your grants, as SASSA sends notices and updates to the address you submitted in the application. If your address or contact information is updated and you did not inform the SASSA, it may cause the suspension of your grants, as SASSA will not be able to contact you.

Contact SASSA

Should you have additional questions, feel free to reach out to SASSA through the following channels:

• Connect with the SASSA Toll-Free Call Centre at 0800 60 10 11
• Contact the SASSA Head Office: 012 400 2322
• Email your queries to the SASSA Head Office: [email protected]
• Explore a list of SASSA offices across the country: SASSA offices near you