South Africa Foster Child Grant is a targeted social assistance benefit that supports caregivers who have assumed responsibility for a child through a legal foster care placement ordered by a court. The 2025 value of R1,250 per child per month is intended to help meet essential needs such as food, clothing, school expenses and transport. For many households, the grant safeguards stability for children who have experienced loss, neglect, or other hardships.
Unlike means-tested grants (such as the Child Support Grant), the Foster Child Grant is status-based: it follows the existence and continued validity of a foster care court order and the child’s placement with the approved caregiver. Understanding the eligibility rules and the required paperwork is the surest way to avoid delays.
R1,250 Foster Child Grant Applications Open (2025) Quick summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Grant | Foster Child Grant (SASSA) |
| Amount (2025) | R1,250 per eligible child per month |
| Who it is for | Children under legal foster care in South Africa (court order required) |
| Core eligibility | Valid foster care court order, child under 18, lawful presence and residency, caregiver meets SASSA ID and residence requirements |
| How to apply | In person at SASSA office with full document pack; form completed with a SASSA official |
| Processing | SASSA aims to decide within about three months; back-pay from application date if approved |
| Payment methods | Bank deposit, SASSA/Postbank card, or designated cash pay points/retail partners |
| Renewal | Foster care court order must remain valid; renew before expiry to prevent lapses |
| Official site | https://www.sassa.gov.za |
Who qualifies: core eligibility rules
You may qualify if:
- The child is under 18 and has been placed in your care by a court order as a foster child under the Children’s Act.
- The foster care placement is active and valid. If the order has a time limit, it must be renewed before it expires.
- You and the child live in South Africa.
- Identity and status requirements are met:
- Child’s birth certificate
- Caregiver’s South African ID, or valid documentation if a recognised non-citizen resident
- Where applicable, proof of permanent residence or recognised refugee status
- The child remains in your care at the address provided to SASSA.
Note: The Foster Child Grant is not subject to a household means test because it is linked to foster care status. If the court order lapses, or the child leaves your care, eligibility falls away.
Documents you need: the complete checklist
Bring originals and certified copies where possible:
- Caregiver’s ID (smart ID or green barcoded ID).
- Child’s unabridged birth certificate.
- Foster care court order showing you are the appointed foster parent and the order is current.
- Proof of residence (recent utility bill, municipal letter, or sworn confirmation accepted by SASSA).
- Bank account confirmation letter in your name if you prefer direct deposit.
- Contact details (mobile number, email if available).
- Any social worker reports or supporting documents referenced in the court order.
Tip: Keep a folder with copies of the court order, ID documents and bank letter. Bring both copies and originals so the SASSA official can certify on the spot if needed.
How to apply: step-by-step at SASSA
- Book or visit your nearest SASSA office. Some branches operate booking queues; arrive early with your full document pack.
- Request the Foster Child Grant application. Only you (the foster parent/guardian) or a SASSA official may complete the form.
- Interview and document verification. The officer checks your ID, the child’s birth certificate, the court order, proof of residence and bank details if selecting direct deposit.
- Biographic capture and receipt. Your details are recorded; you receive a reference or receipt. Keep it safely.
- Outcome. SASSA aims to finalise within about three months. If approved, payment is made from the application date (not the approval date). If declined, you receive written reasons and information on your rights to reconsideration/appeal.
Payment options include direct bank deposits, a SASSA/Postbank card usable at ATMs and participating retailers, or cash collection at designated pay points where available.
How to apply fast and avoid delays
- Check your court order dates. If the order expires soon, contact your social worker or the children’s court immediately to initiate renewal so your grant does not lapse.
- Bring the exact names and ID numbers as they appear on official documents; spelling mismatches cause rework.
- Choose one payment method and provide a valid bank letter in your name if opting for direct deposit.
- Keep your phone on and reachable; respond quickly to any SASSA requests for additional documents.
- File everything: receipt, copies of the application, and your court order, so you can quote references when checking status.
After approval: payment, compliance and changes
- Monthly amount: R1,250 per child.
- Payment day: As per SASSA’s monthly schedule; funds remain available after release.
- Changes you must report:
- The child moves or leaves your care
- Your address or bank account changes
- The court order is varied, renewed or discharged
- The child reaches 18 or passes away
Failure to update SASSA can result in suspension, overpayments to be repaid, or investigation.
Renewal and lapsing scenarios
- Court order renewal: The children’s court typically sets review or expiry dates. Start renewal well in advance.
- Grant lapses when the child turns 18, the foster placement ends, the court order lapses without renewal, you leave South Africa permanently with the child without approval, or on the death of the child or the foster parent.
- If the grant lapses in error (for example, administrative delay despite timely court renewal), take your renewed court order and your SASSA receipt to request reinstatement and back-pay from the correct date.
If your application is declined
You will receive written reasons. If you disagree:
- Request reconsideration by supplying missing or corrected documents.
- If still declined, appeal within the timeframe stated in your decision letter. Include the court order, IDs, and any social worker correspondence that supports your case.
Practical examples
- Sibling group placement: Each foster child is considered individually for R1,250 per month if the same court order appoints you as foster parent for more than one child.
- Change of caregiver: If the court appoints a new foster parent, the grant must be transferred. The previous caregiver should notify SASSA to prevent overpayments.
- Moving provinces: Inform SASSA and your social worker; payments can continue, but your record must be updated to the new address and servicing office.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to pass a means test?
No. The Foster Child Grant is linked to the legal foster care status, not household income.
How long does approval take?
SASSA aims to decide within about three months. Keep your receipt and follow up with the reference number.
Can I receive the grant for more than one child?
Yes, if the court order places multiple foster children in your care, each child may qualify.
What if my court order expires?
The grant can be suspended. Start renewal early with your social worker and the court, then submit the renewed order to SASSA to keep payments uninterrupted.
How do I change bank details?
Visit SASSA with your ID and a bank confirmation letter in your name. Changes close to payment dates may shift the month in which the new account receives funds.
Can another person collect for me?
Yes, with proper authorisation registered at SASSA. Bring both parties’ IDs and the authorisation form.
Official link
- South African Social Security Agency (SASSA): https://www.sassa.gov.za
Closing note
The R1,250 Foster Child Grant is a critical pillar of support for children in foster care. With a valid court order, a complete document pack, and early action on renewals, you can keep payments steady and avoid avoidable delays. Work closely with your social worker and SASSA office, keep your contact and banking details current, and file all receipts and letters so that checking status or appealing a decision is quick and straightforward.
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