The SASSA Foster Child Grant is a financial assistance program provided by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to support individuals who have taken in foster children.
A foster child is defined as a child placed in your custody by a court due to being:
- Orphaned
- Abandoned
- At risk
- Abused
- Neglected
How Do You Know If You Qualify?
To qualify for the SASSA Foster Child Grant, the following criteria must be met:
- Citizenship and Residency:
- You must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
- Both you and the foster child must reside in South Africa.
- Legal Custody:
- The foster child must be legally placed in your care by a court order.
- The child must remain in your care.
- Age Requirement:
- The foster child must be younger than 18 years old.
SASSA Foster Child Grant Amount
You will receive R1,180 per month per child as part of the SASSA Foster Child Grant.
How Will You Be Paid?
The SASSA Foster Child Grant will be disbursed through one of the following methods:
- Cash Payment: At a specific pay point on a designated day.
- Electronic Deposit: Into your bank or Postbank account (Note: the bank may charge for this service).
- Institution Payment: If the grant is administered by a welfare organization or similar institution.
If you are unable to collect the money yourself, you can appoint a procurator at the SASSA office or give someone power of attorney to collect the grant on your behalf.
When May Your Grant Be Reviewed?
The SASSA Foster Child Grant will be reviewed upon the expiry of the court order, currently every two years. You will be notified three months in advance of the need to review the grant.
If you receive your money through a bank, institution, or procurator, you must fill out a life certificate (a document to prove that you are still alive) at a SASSA office every year.
When May Your Grant Be Suspended?
The SASSA Foster Child Grant may be suspended due to:
- A change in your circumstances
- The outcome of a review
- Failure to cooperate during the review process
- Fraud or misrepresentation
- Mistakes made during the grant approval
When Will Your Grant Lapse?
The SASSA Foster Child Grant will lapse under the following conditions:
- Death of the child or the last living foster parent
- Admission of the child to a state institution
- Failure to claim the grant for three consecutive months
- Absence from the country
- Child no longer in your foster care
- Loss of refugee status
What You Should Do
To apply for the SASSA Foster Child Grant, follow these steps:
- Visit a SASSA Office: Go to the SASSA office nearest to where you live and bring the following documents:
- Your 13-digit bar-coded identity document (ID) and the birth certificate of the child.
- If you are a refugee, your status permit and refugee ID.
- If you do not have your ID or the child’s birth certificate:
- Complete an affidavit on a standard SASSA format in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths who is not a SASSA official.
- Bring a sworn statement signed by a reputable person (such as a councillor, traditional leader, social worker, minister of religion, or school principal) who knows you and the child.
- The SASSA official will take your fingerprints and refer you to the Department of Home Affairs to apply for the ID while your application is processed. If you do not obtain an ID, your grant will be suspended.
- Submit proof that you have applied for an ID and/or birth certificate at the Department of Home Affairs.
- Submit a temporary ID issued by the Department of Home Affairs (if applicable).
- Present a baptismal certificate, if available.
- Submit a road to health clinic card, if available.
- If the child is at school, provide the child’s school certificate.
- Birth certificates or identity documents of the child/children from their country of origin.
- Court order that placed the child in your care.
- Proof of your marital status.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form in the presence of a SASSA officer (note that only you or a SASSA official can complete the form).
- Receipt: You will be given a receipt as proof that you applied. Keep this receipt safe.
What If Your Application Is Not Approved?
If your application for the SASSA Foster Child Grant is not approved, SASSA will inform you in writing with the reasons for the decision. If you disagree, you can appeal to the Minister of Social Development at the national office of the Department of Social Development within 90 days of being notified.
Related: Can SASSA Cancel the Child Support Grant? Here’s What You Need To Know
How Long Does It Take?
It may take up to three months to process your application for the SASSA Foster Child Grant. If approved, you will be paid from the date the court placed the child in your care.
How Much Does It Cost?
The service to apply for the SASSA Foster Child Grant is free of charge.
Forms to Complete
The application form for the SASSA Foster Child Grant is not available online but can be obtained at your nearest SASSA office.
Who to Contact
For more information or assistance regarding the SASSA Foster Child Grant, contact:
South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)
- Toll-Free: 0800 60 10 11
- Email: GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za
The SASSA Foster Child Grant plays a crucial role in supporting foster parents and ensuring that foster children receive the care and resources they need. By understanding the eligibility criteria and following the proper application procedures, you can secure this vital financial assistance. The process may seem daunting, but with the right documentation and guidance, you can successfully navigate the system.
Remember, this grant is designed to help you provide a stable and nurturing environment for your foster child, contributing to their overall well-being and future success.
