SASSA Foster Care Grant 2026

Foster Care Grant South Africa 2026: Complete Application Guide

Overview

The SASSA Foster Care Grant is a crucial social assistance program designed to support foster parents who provide care for children placed under their guardianship through a court order. As of January 2026, the grant provides R1,250 per month per foster child, offering vital financial support to help cover the costs of raising children who cannot live with their biological parents. Currently, the Foster Care Grant supports over 320,000 children across South Africa who have been placed in foster care due to various circumstances including parental death, abandonment, abuse, neglect, or inability to provide adequate care.

For January 2026, Foster Care Grant payments were disbursed on Wednesday, January 8, 2026, following SASSA‘s standard children’s grant payment schedule. The grant recognizes the essential role foster parents play in providing safe, stable, and nurturing homes for vulnerable children, helping them grow and thrive despite challenging life circumstances.

The Foster Care Grant differs from other child-related grants in that it requires a formal court order placing the child in foster care. This legal requirement ensures proper oversight and protection of children’s welfare while providing foster parents with the resources needed to meet the child’s physical, emotional, educational, and developmental needs.

Purpose

The Foster Care Grant serves several critical purposes in South Africa’s child welfare system:

Supporting Foster Parent Financial Obligations: The primary purpose is to provide monthly financial assistance to court-appointed foster parents to help cover the daily costs of caring for foster children, including food, clothing, school supplies, healthcare, and other essential needs.

Ensuring Quality Care for Vulnerable Children: The grant enables foster parents to provide appropriate care standards for children who have been removed from their biological families due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, orphanhood, or other circumstances requiring protective intervention.

Preventing Institutional Care: By supporting foster families, the grant helps keep children in family-based care settings rather than in institutional facilities. Research consistently shows that children develop better emotionally, socially, and academically when raised in family environments compared to institutions.

Recognizing Foster Parent Commitment: The grant acknowledges the significant responsibility foster parents undertake when caring for children who are not their biological offspring, often children with special needs, trauma, or behavioral challenges requiring extra attention and resources.

Facilitating Long-Term Stability: By providing ongoing financial support, the grant helps create stable foster placements that can last throughout childhood, reducing the traumatic effects of multiple placement changes and giving children the security they need to heal and grow.

Enabling Educational Continuity: The grant helps ensure foster children can attend school regularly, have necessary supplies and uniforms, and participate in educational activities critical to breaking cycles of poverty and disadvantage.

Supporting Kinship Care: Many foster parents are grandparents, aunts, uncles, or other relatives who have stepped forward to care for children when parents cannot. The grant supports these kinship caregivers who often sacrifice employment and personal resources to raise family members’ children.

Qualifications and Eligibility

To qualify for the Foster Care Grant in 2026, both the foster parent and the child must meet specific legal and residency requirements:

Foster Parent Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or officially recognized refugee
• Must reside in South Africa at the time of application and throughout the grant period
• Must have a valid court order from the Children’s Court appointing you as the foster parent
• The court order must be current and not expired (court orders are typically valid for 2 years)
• Must be legally authorized to care for the child under the Children’s Act
• Cannot be the biological parent of the child (biological parents do not qualify for Foster Care Grants)

Child Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be under 18 years of age
• Must have a valid court order placing them in foster care
• Must be residing with the foster parent in South Africa
• Can be from any country, including undocumented children or refugee children who are in need of care and protection in South Africa
• Must not be permanently cared for in a state-funded institution (children temporarily in institutions for medical reasons may still qualify)

Important Court Order Requirements:

The court order is the most critical requirement for the Foster Care Grant. You cannot receive the grant without a valid, current court order. The court order:

• Must be obtained from the Children’s Court before applying for the grant
• Specifies you as the appointed foster parent for the specific child
• Has an expiration date (typically valid for 2 years)
• Must be renewed before it expires to continue receiving the grant
• Can be obtained by working with a social worker from the Department of Social Development

No Means Test Required:

Unlike most other SASSA grants, the Foster Care Grant does NOT have income or asset thresholds. Foster parents of any income level can receive the grant, recognizing that foster care costs are substantial regardless of household income. This policy encourages more people to become foster parents and ensures all foster children receive equitable support.

Important Distinction:

Only refugees (not asylum seekers or undocumented persons) can be foster parents. However, children from any country, including undocumented children, can be placed in foster care with qualified South African foster parents.

Extension Beyond Age 18:

If the foster child turns 18 but is still attending school, the foster care placement and grant can be extended until the child reaches age 21, provided they remain enrolled in educational programs and the foster parent applies for the extension through the Children’s Court.

How to Apply

The Foster Care Grant application process requires in-person attendance at a SASSA office with mandatory documentation, particularly the court order.

Step 1: Obtain a Court Order First (Most Critical Step)

Before applying to SASSA, you MUST first obtain a court order appointing you as a foster parent:

Process to Get a Court Order:

1. Contact a Social Worker: Approach the Department of Social Development or a designated child protection organization in your area
2. Initial Assessment: A social worker will assess your suitability as a foster parent and evaluate the child’s circumstances
3. Complete Foster Parent Training: You may need to attend foster parent training sessions
4. Home Study: The social worker will conduct a home study, including home visits and interviews
5. Compile Reports: The social worker prepares comprehensive reports for the Children’s Court
6. Court Hearing: Attend the Children’s Court hearing where a magistrate will decide whether to grant the foster care order
7. Receive Court Order: If approved, you’ll receive an official court order appointing you as the foster parent

Important: This process can take several months, so start early. Once you have the court order, you can immediately apply for the Foster Care Grant at SASSA, and payments will be backdated to the date the court placed the child in your care.

Step 2: Apply at SASSA Offices (After Obtaining Court Order)

Gather Required Documents:

Prepare all necessary documents before visiting SASSA (bring both originals and certified copies):

For the Foster Parent/Applicant:

• Your 13-digit bar-coded South African ID document or Smart ID card
• If you’re a refugee: Your refugee ID and asylum permit/Section 24 permit
• If you don’t have an ID: Complete an affidavit on standard SASSA format at a police station in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths (not a SASSA official), plus a sworn statement from a reputable person (councillor, traditional leader, social worker, minister of religion, or school principal) who knows you and can verify your identity
• Proof that you’ve applied for an ID at the Department of Home Affairs (if applicable)

For Your Spouse (If Married):

• Your spouse’s 13-digit bar-coded ID document
• Marriage certificate

For the Foster Child:

• Child’s unabridged birth certificate (showing both parents’ details)
• Child’s ID document if they’re 16-17 years old
• If the child doesn’t have a birth certificate: SASSA affidavit and proof of application to Home Affairs, plus alternative documentation such as baptismal certificate, clinic card, or school records

Legal Documentation:

• Original court order appointing you as the foster parent (this is mandatory – you cannot apply without it)
• The court order must be current and not expired
• Court order must clearly show your name, the child’s name, placement date, and expiry date

Financial Documentation:

• Bank account details and recent bank statement (last 3 months)
• Alternatively, you can request payments through a SASSA card or Post Office account

Residence Documentation:

• Proof of residence (utility bill, lease agreement, or affidavit from traditional leader – not older than 3 months)
• This proves both you and the child are residing in South Africa

Visit Your Nearest SASSA Office:

• Locate your nearest SASSA office using www.sassa.gov.za or call 0800 60 10 11
• Visit during operating hours (Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
• Arrive early to avoid long queues, especially during the first week of the month
• Bring the child with you if possible, as SASSA officers may want to verify the child is in your care

Complete the Application Process:

• Request a Foster Care Grant application form at the Help Desk
• Complete the form accurately in the presence of a SASSA official who will assist you if needed
• Note: Only you as the applicant or a SASSA official can complete the form – no third parties
• Submit all required documents (originals for verification, certified copies for SASSA records)
• SASSA will take your fingerprints for biometric verification
• Provide banking details for direct deposit or indicate alternative payment method preference
• Receive a dated, stamped receipt with the SASSA official’s name – keep this as proof of application

Home Verification (May Be Required):

After submission, SASSA may:

• Conduct a home visit to verify your living conditions and that the child is residing with you
• Interview you about the child’s daily care, education, and wellbeing
• Assess whether the home environment is suitable for the child
• Ensure someone is available at your residence during business hours for potential visits

Application Processing:

Applications typically take up to 3 months (90 days) to process. During this time:

• SASSA verifies all documents, particularly the validity of the court order
• They cross-reference data with the Children’s Court and Department of Social Development
• They may contact the social worker involved in your case for verification
• They conduct background checks and verify your identity
• You may be contacted for additional documentation or clarification

Receive Notification and Payment:

• You’ll receive notification via SMS, mail, or at your SASSA office once approved or rejected
• If approved, payments are backdated to the date the court placed the child in your care (not the application date, but the court order date)
• You’ll receive all outstanding monthly payments from the court order placement date
• Future payments will be made monthly on the Foster Care Grant payment date (typically with other children’s grants on the second business day of each month)

Online Services (Very Limited)

No Online Application Available: The Foster Care Grant cannot be applied for online. All applications must be submitted in person at SASSA offices because:

• Original court orders must be verified
• Biometric verification is required
• Foster parent identity must be confirmed
• The child’s presence may need verification

However, limited online services exist:

Check Application Status:

• Visit www.sassa.gov.za for general information
• Call the SASSA toll-free helpline: 0800 60 10 11
• SMS “STATUS” to 32248 for payment information
• Email inquiries to [email protected]

Find Information:

• Download informational guides from the SASSA website
• Locate your nearest SASSA office and contact details
• Access general eligibility requirements
• View court order renewal procedures

Important Fraud Warning: Be extremely cautious of scammers offering “online Foster Care Grant applications” or promising to expedite your application or court order for a fee. SASSA applications are completely free and must be done in person. Court orders can only be obtained through the Children’s Court with social worker assistance. Never provide your ID number, banking details, court order, or child’s information to anyone claiming to help with online applications.

Payment Dates and Methods 2026

For January 2026, Foster Care Grant payments were made on Wednesday, January 8, 2026, along with other children’s grants. Payments typically occur during the first week of each month.

Payment Amount: R1,250 per month per foster child (as of 2026)

Payment Methods:

1. Direct Bank Deposit: Money deposited directly into your verified bank account (most secure and recommended)
2. SASSA Gold Card: Use your SASSA card to withdraw cash at ATMs, participating retailers (Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, Boxer, Usave), or Post Office branches
3. Cash at Pay Points: Collect cash at designated SASSA payment points on specified dates
4. Post Office: Withdraw grant at Post Office branches nationwide (where available)
5. Retail Merchants: Some retailers allow withdrawals when making purchases

Multiple Foster Children:

If you foster more than one child, you’ll receive R1,250 per child monthly. For example:

• 1 foster child = R1,250 per month
• 2 foster children = R2,500 per month
• 3 foster children = R3,750 per month

Appointing Someone to Collect on Your Behalf:

If you’re unable to collect the grant yourself due to illness, disability, or other reasons:

• Appoint a procurator at the SASSA office (temporary authorization for up to 3 months)
• Give someone Power of Attorney to collect on your behalf (requires legal documentation from a lawyer or magistrate)
• The appointed person must bring their own valid ID and your authorization letter

Annual Life Certificate Requirement:

If you receive payments through bank transfer, institutional payment, or a procurator, you must complete an annual life certificate at a SASSA office to confirm:

• You and the foster child are still alive
• The child is still in your care
• The grant should continue
• Your circumstances haven’t changed

Failure to complete the life certificate will result in payment suspension.

Grant Reviews and Court Order Renewals

Your Foster Care Grant is subject to periodic reviews tied to your court order expiration dates:

Court Order Renewals (Critical):

• Court orders are typically valid for 2 years
• You must renew the court order BEFORE it expires to avoid grant suspension
• SASSA will notify you 3 months before your court order expires
• Contact the social worker who handled your original case or the Department of Social Development
• The renewal process involves updating the home study and reports
• Submit the renewed court order to SASSA immediately after receiving it

Important: If your court order expires and you don’t renew it, your grant will be automatically suspended. Renewals can take several months, so start the process early.

Grant Reviews:

SASSA reviews Foster Care Grants:

• When court orders are renewed (every 2 years typically)
• Annually through life certificate requirements
• When circumstances change
• During routine audits and compliance checks

Mandatory Reporting Requirements:

You must immediately inform SASSA and the Department of Social Development of any changes:

• Foster child turns 18 (grant ends unless extended for school attendance)
• Child leaves your care or returns to biological parents
• Child is adopted (grant ends as adoption grants replace foster care grants)
• You relocate or change residence
• Banking details change
• Your marital status changes
• The child passes away
• Court order status changes

When the Grant Ends:

The Foster Care Grant will be suspended or cancelled if:

• The foster child turns 18 (unless extended for school attendance until age 21)
• The court order expires and is not renewed
• The child leaves your care permanently
• The child is adopted
• The foster placement is terminated by the Children’s Court
• You fail to respond to review requests or complete life certificates
• Fraud or misrepresentation is discovered
• The child passes away

Extension for Children in School (Age 18-21):

If your foster child turns 18 but is still attending high school or pursuing further education:

• You can apply to extend the foster care placement and grant until age 21
• Approach the Department of Social Development and request an extension
• The social worker will assist with the court application
• Provide proof of school enrollment
• The Children’s Court must approve the extension
• The grant will continue at R1,250 per month during the extension period

Combining Foster Care Grant with Other Grants

Foster Care Grant + Care Dependency Grant:

If you’re fostering a child with severe disabilities, you can receive BOTH grants simultaneously:

• Foster Care Grant: R1,250 per month
• Care Dependency Grant: R2,320 per month
• Total support: R3,570 per month for one foster child with severe disabilities

This combination recognizes the extraordinary costs of caring for foster children with special needs and ensures foster parents have adequate resources.

Foster Care Grant + Child Support Grant:

You cannot receive both grants for the same child. However, if you’re fostering one or more children AND also caring for your own biological children, you can receive:

• Foster Care Grant for each foster child (R1,250 per child)
• Child Support Grant for each biological child (R530 per child)

Foster Parents as Grant Recipients:

Foster parents can receive other personal SASSA grants while fostering, such as:

• Old Age Grant (if you’re 60+): R2,315-R2,335 per month
• Disability Grant (if you have a disability): R2,315 per month
• Grant in Aid (if you require full-time care): Additional R560 per month

These personal grants do not affect your eligibility for the Foster Care Grant, as the Foster Care Grant is for the child’s benefit, not yours.

Related SASSA Grants

If you’re fostering a child with severe disabilities requiring full-time care, you should also apply for the Care Dependency Grant, which provides R2,320 per month in addition to the Foster Care Grant.

For grandparents or relatives caring for children without formal foster care court orders, consider applying for the Child Support Grant, which provides R530 per child per month and doesn’t require court orders.

Families with multiple children may benefit from the Child Support Grant Top-Up, which provides additional financial assistance beyond standard child support amounts.

If you’re an elderly foster parent aged 60 or above, you can receive both the Old Age Grant (R2,315-R2,335) and the Foster Care Grant simultaneously.

Foster parents with disabilities can receive both the Disability Grant (R2,315) and the Foster Care Grant for their foster children.

For military veterans fostering children, the War Veteran Grant provides R2,335 per month and can be received alongside Foster Care Grants.

If you’re temporarily unemployed and struggling financially while fostering, consider applying for the SRD Grant R370 for additional temporary relief.

Foster parents who require full-time care due to disability or advanced age can apply for the Grant in Aid, receiving an additional R560 per month on top of their primary grant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can biological parents receive the Foster Care Grant? No, only non-biological foster parents appointed by the Children’s Court qualify. Biological parents should apply for the Child Support Grant instead.

What if I don’t have a court order yet? You cannot apply for the Foster Care Grant without a valid court order. Contact the Department of Social Development to begin the foster care legal process first.

Can I foster my grandchildren and receive the grant? Yes, grandparents can become foster parents through the Children’s Court and receive the Foster Care Grant, which is significantly higher than the Child Support Grant (R1,250 vs R530).

How long does it take to get a court order? The foster care legal process typically takes 3-6 months, depending on your area and the complexity of the case. Start early.

What happens if my application is rejected? You have 90 days to lodge an appeal. Contact your SASSA office or write to the Minister of Social Development explaining why you disagree with the decision.

Can refugees foster children? Yes, officially recognized refugees with valid refugee status can become foster parents and receive the Foster Care Grant.

Do I need to be married to foster? No, single individuals can become foster parents. Marital status is not a requirement.

Can I work while receiving the Foster Care Grant? Yes, there’s no income limit for the Foster Care Grant. You can be employed, self-employed, or receive other income without affecting your grant.

What if the foster child’s biological parent wants them back? The biological parent must approach the Children’s Court to terminate the foster care order. If the court agrees, the foster placement and grant will end.

Can I foster more than one child? Yes, you can foster multiple children and receive R1,250 per child monthly.

What if my court order is about to expire? Start the renewal process immediately – at least 3 months before expiry. Contact the Department of Social Development for assistance.

Can I move to another province with my foster child? Yes, but you must inform both the Department of Social Development and SASSA of your new address and update your court order if necessary.

Contact SASSA

• Toll-Free Number: 0800 60 10 11
• SMS Line: 32248 (Type “STATUS” for payment information)
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.sassa.gov.za
• Government Services Portal: www.gov.za/services/child-care-social-benefits/foster-child-grant
• Physical Address: 501 Prodinsa Building, Corner Beatrix and Pretorius Street, Pretoria
• Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

For Foster Care Court Orders and Social Work Services:

• Department of Social Development: www.dsd.gov.za
• Child Protection Hotline: 0800 555 455 (24-hour service)
• Contact your local Department of Social Development office for social worker assistance with court orders

For additional support and resources on foster care, adoption, and child protection, contact local child welfare organizations and the Department of Social Development in your province.