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SASSA Foster Child Grant - Eligibility, Amount & How to Apply

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The Foster Child Grant supports foster parents who have been legally appointed by a children's court to care for a child who is not their biological child. Currently set at R1295 per month per child, the grant will increase to R1310 in October 2026. It is one of the higher-value SASSA grants, reflecting the additional costs involved in fostering a child. A valid court order is a non-negotiable requirement for this grant.

Quick Facts - Foster Child Grant

Monthly Amount (April 2026)

R1295

From October 2026

R1310

Who Qualifies

Court-appointed foster parents

Next Payment Date

Wednesday, 8 April 2026

Key Requirement

Valid court order required

2026 Increase

+R45/month

Court Order Requirement

The Foster Child Grant can only be paid to a person who has a valid foster care court order issued by a children's court. Without this order, SASSA cannot process your application. If your court order has expired, contact your social worker immediately to apply for an extension - your grant payments will be stopped until the order is renewed.

Who Qualifies for the Foster Child Grant?

Unlike most other SASSA grants, the Foster Child Grant does not have a means test. Any person who has been legally appointed as a foster parent by a children's court qualifies, regardless of their income level. The key requirements centre on the legal status of the foster care arrangement.

Child's AgeUnder 18 years old
Means TestNot required - no income or asset limit
CitizenshipSouth African citizen or permanent resident
Court OrderMandatory - must have a valid children's court order

Full Requirements

  • Must be appointed as foster parent by the court
  • Child must be under 18 years old
  • Must have a valid court order

How to Apply for the Foster Child Grant

The application process involves two stages: first obtaining the foster care court order through the Department of Social Development, then applying for the grant at SASSA.

Stage 1: Obtaining the Court Order

1

Contact a Social Worker

Visit your nearest Department of Social Development office and request to speak with a social worker about foster care placement. Explain your situation and the reasons you are caring for the child.

2

Social Worker Assessment

The social worker will conduct a thorough assessment of the home environment, the child's circumstances, and your suitability as a foster parent. This may involve home visits and interviews.

3

Court Application

If the social worker recommends foster care placement, they will compile a report and present it to the children's court. The court will issue a foster care order if it is in the best interest of the child.

Stage 2: Applying at SASSA

4

Gather Your Documents

Once you have the court order, collect your ID, the child's birth certificate, the court order, proof of residence, and your banking details.

5

Visit SASSA

Go to your nearest SASSA office with all documents. A SASSA official will help you complete the application form.

6

Receive Confirmation

SASSA will process your application, typically within a few days. Once approved, payments will begin in the next payment cycle.

Required Documents

  • Valid foster care court order (original and copy)
  • Your South African ID document (original and copy)
  • Child's birth certificate (original and copy)
  • Proof of residence (utility bill, lease, or affidavit)
  • Banking details for payment
  • Social worker's report (if available)

Foster Child Grant Payment Dates 2026

Foster Child Grant payments are made early in each month, on the same day as Child Support and Care Dependency grants. This is typically a day or two after Older Persons and Disability grants.

Next Foster Child Grant Payment

Wednesday, 8 April 2026

For the full payment schedule, visit our payment dates page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the Foster Child Grant in 2026?
The Foster Child Grant is R1,295 per month as of April 2026. This will increase to R1,310 per month from October 2026. The grant represents an increase of R45 from the previous amount of R1,250.
Do I need a court order to receive the Foster Child Grant?
Yes, a valid court order is mandatory. You must be formally appointed as a foster parent by a children's court. The court order must be current and not expired. If your court order expires, your grant payments will stop until a new order is obtained.
How do I get a court order for foster care?
You need to approach a social worker at your local Department of Social Development office. The social worker will assess the situation and, if appropriate, present a report to the children's court recommending the foster care placement. The court will then issue a foster care order if it is in the best interest of the child.
Can a grandparent receive the Foster Child Grant?
Yes, grandparents can receive the Foster Child Grant if they have been appointed as foster parents by the court. This is common when parents are deceased or unable to care for their children. The grandparent must go through the formal foster care process via a social worker and the children's court.
What happens when the foster child turns 18?
The Foster Child Grant stops when the child turns 18 years old. However, if the child is still in school, a court may extend the foster care order until the child finishes school or turns 21, whichever comes first. Consult with your social worker before the child turns 18 to explore options.

Related Grants

If you are caring for a child, you may also qualify for:

Child Support GrantR580/monthCare Dependency GrantR2,400/monthGrant-in-AidR580/monthSRD R370 GrantR370/month