Can Foster Parents Get SASSA Grants?
Foster parents in South Africa can apply for the Foster Child Grant, which is R1,300 per month per child. This grant is specifically for children placed in foster care through the children's court. Unlike other SASSA grants, the Foster Child Grant does not have an income means test for the foster parent.
The Foster Child Grant exists to support foster parents who provide care for children placed in their custody by the children's court. It helps cover the costs of raising a foster child — food, clothing, school supplies, and healthcare. The grant is based on the child's needs, not the foster parent's income, so there is no means test.
Real-Life Scenario
Jacob and Mary are a married couple from Bloemfontein who became foster parents to two siblings aged 5 and 9 through the children's court. They receive the Foster Child Grant of R1,300 per month per child (R2,600 total). They also have a biological child aged 12, for whom they receive the Child Support Grant of R580 per month. The Foster Child Grant has no income means test, so Jacob's salary as a teacher does not affect the grant. This guide explains what foster parents like Jacob and Mary need to know.
Which Grants Foster Parents Can Apply For
| Grant Type | Amount | Means Test | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Child Grant | R1,300/month per foster child | None | Valid children's court order placing the child in your care. |
| Child Support Grant | R580/month per biological child | Yes (caregiver income) | For your biological children if you meet the means test. |
| Care Dependency Grant | R2,400/month | Yes (caregiver income) | For a foster child with a severe disability requiring full-time care. |
Eligibility Checklist
Required Documents
- Valid children's court foster placement order
- ID document of the foster parent
- Birth certificate of the foster child
- School attendance certificate (if the foster child is of school age)(optional)
- Proof of residence(optional)
Step-by-Step Application Process
Obtain a children's court order
Visit a social worker at the Department of Social Development (DSD) to begin the foster care process. They will assess your home and help you obtain a children's court order.
Get the court order certified
Once the children's court issues the foster placement order, ensure you have certified copies.
Visit your SASSA office
Take the court order, your ID, and the child's birth certificate to your nearest SASSA office.
Complete the application
Complete the Foster Child Grant application form at the SASSA office. A SASSA officer will help you with the process.
Receive payment
Once approved, payments begin from the date of the court order. Payments are made monthly.
Timeline
Processing Timeline
Court order processing: varies (weeks to months depending on social worker availability). SASSA application processing: typically 4-8 weeks. Payments are backdated to the date of the court order, not the application date.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Letting the court order expire — the grant automatically stops when the order expires. Renew the order before it expires with your social worker.
- Not reporting changes in the child's circumstances — if the child moves out or the placement changes, inform SASSA immediately
- Assuming the grant continues past 18 automatically — it only continues if the child is still in education and you have social worker recommendation
- Applying for the Child Support Grant instead of the Foster Child Grant — Child Support Grant has a means test; Foster Child Grant does not
Can I get the Foster Child Grant if I am a relative caring for a child?
Yes, if you are a relative and have a formal foster care court order placing the child in your care, you qualify for the Foster Child Grant.
Does the Foster Child Grant stop when the child turns 18?
The grant stops at 18 unless the child is still in secondary or tertiary education. If the child is still studying, the grant can continue up to age 21 with a social worker's recommendation.
Can I receive both the Foster Child Grant and Child Support Grant?
Yes. The Foster Child Grant is for the foster child in your care. You can separately apply for the Child Support Grant for your biological children.
Is there an income limit for foster parents?
No. The Foster Child Grant has no income means test. Your salary or other income does not affect your eligibility.
What happens if the foster child's court order expires?
The grant automatically terminates. You must get a new court order from the children's court before reapplying. Contact your social worker well before the expiry date.
Can I get the Foster Child Grant for more than one child?
Yes. You can receive the Foster Child Grant for each child placed in your care by a valid court order, up to any number of children.
Related Guides
Foster Child Grant Guide
Full details on the foster care grant
Child Support Grant Guide
For biological children
Care Dependency Grant
For children with severe disabilities
Caregiver Grant Guide
Other grants for caregivers
Need Official Assistance?
This is an independent informational resource. For official services — checking your grant status, updating your details, or submitting an appeal — please use the official SASSA portals directly: