Foster Child Grant R1,180 2025: Eligibility, Payment & How to Apply

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) offers a variety of social grants to provide financial support to families in need. One of the most important grants is the Foster Child Grant, which is given to those who are legally caring for an orphaned, abandoned or at-risk child.

The Foster Child Grant aims to provide a safe and stable life to children who have been separated from their biological parents. If you are a foster parent, this grant can help you financially so that you can take better care of your foster child. In this article, we will provide complete information about this grant, including eligibility, application process, payment amount and other important details.

What is the Foster Child Grant?

The Foster Child Grant provides financial support for children who have been placed in the care of a foster parent by court order. This grant is given to children who are in the following circumstances:

• Orphaned: whose parents have passed away.
• Abandoned: who have been abandoned by their parents.
• At Risk: who are facing some kind of danger.
• Abused: who have been physically, mentally or emotionally abused.
• Neglected: who are not receiving proper care by their parents or guardians.

If a child is placed in these circumstances and has been legally placed in the care of a foster parent, he or she may be eligible for this grant.

Eligibility for the Foster Child Grant

If you want to apply for this grant, the following eligibility criteria must be met:

• The applicant must be a South African citizen, permanent resident or refugee.
• Both the applicant and the child must live in South Africa.
• The child must be legally placed in foster care.
• The child must be under 18 years of age.

If you meet these conditions, you can apply for this grant.

How much money will be received from the Foster Child Grant?

SASSA provides R1,180 per month for each child under the Foster Child Grant.

This amount is given directly to the beneficiary so that he or she can meet the child’s basic needs, such as food, clothing, education and health services.

How will the payment be made?

SASSA provides payment in the following ways:

1. Cash Payment: Cash can be obtained on a scheduled day at a designated payment center.
2. Electronic Deposit: Funds are deposited electronically into a bank account or postbank account (banks may charge a service fee).
3. Through an Institution: If an institution has been appointed to manage the grant, funds can be deposited there.

If you are unable to receive the funds yourself, you can appoint someone as a proxy (Procurator) at the SASSA office or authorise someone to receive the grant for you by giving them a Power of Attorney.

Review and Suspension of the Foster Child Grant

When will the grant be reviewed?

• The grant will be reviewed upon expiry of the court order, which usually happens once every two years.
• If you are receiving payments through a bank, you will need to submit a “Life Certificate” every year to prove that you are still alive and eligible to receive the grant.

When can it be suspended?

The grant can be suspended under the following circumstances:

• If there is a change in your circumstances.
• If you do not cooperate during the review process.
• If fraud or incorrect information is provided.
• If there is a mistake in the approval of the grant.

When will the grant expire?

The Foster Child Grant will expire in the following situations:

• If the child or foster parent dies.
• If the child is sent to a government institution.
• If the grant is not claimed for three months.
• If you move out of the country.
• If the child is no longer in your care.

Application Process

To apply for the Foster Child Grant, you need to go to your nearest SASSA office and submit the following documents:

1. Your 13-digit ID document and the child’s birth certificate.
2. Status permit and refugee ID for refugees.
3. Court order confirming the child has been handed over to your care.
4. Proof of marriage status (if applicable).
5. If there is no ID or birth certificate, fill out an affidavit with SASSA.
6. If the child goes to school, submit the school certificate.

What to do if the application is rejected?

• If your application is rejected, SASSA will give you the reasons in writing.
• If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal to the National Office of the Department of Social Development within 90 days.

Conclusion

The Foster Child Grant is a vital financial aid for children who need a safe and stable life. If you are a foster parent, this grant will help you care for a child.

If you are eligible, apply to the SASSA office as soon as possible and ensure all the required documents are submitted correctly. One small step can help you give a child a safe and stable life. It can help secure your future.

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