SASSA Foster Child Grant 2026: Eligibility, Amount & Application Guide
Your guide to the SASSA Foster Child Grant (R1,290/month). Court order requirements, who qualifies, required documents, payment amounts, and key differences from the Child Support Grant.
On this page:
What is the SASSA Foster Child Grant?
Eligibility Requirements
- Foster parent status: You must be a foster parent appointed by a children's court. A valid court order is required.
- Child in care: The child must be under 18 years old and placed in your care by the court.
- Citizenship: You and the child must be South African citizens or permanent residents.
- No means test: Unlike other grants, there is no income or asset limit for foster parents. You can receive this grant regardless of your income.
- Court order: An original or certified copy of the children's court order placing the child in your care is required.
Difference Between Foster Child Grant and Child Support Grant
- Amount: Foster Child Grant is R1,295 per month vs Child Support Grant at R580 per month.
- Eligibility: Foster Child Grant requires a court order; Child Support Grant requires you to be the primary caregiver.
- Means test: Foster Child Grant has no income limit; Child Support Grant has a means test.
- Duration: Foster Child Grant is awarded for 2 years at a time; Child Support Grant continues until the child turns 18.
Required Documents
- Your 13-digit ID (green ID book or smart ID card)
- Foster child's birth certificate (unabridged)
- Children's court order (original or certified copy) placing the child in your foster care
- Proof of residence — utility bill or affidavit
- Social worker's report (if required by SASSA)
How to Apply
Obtain a Children's Court Order
Before you can apply for the grant, you must have a valid court order placing the child in your foster care. This involves going through the children's court process with the help of a social worker.
Visit a SASSA Office
Take the court order and all supporting documents to your nearest SASSA office.
Submit the Application
Complete the application form with the help of a SASSA officer. Both you and the child may need to be present.
Receive Your Receipt
You will receive a receipt with a reference number. Keep it as proof of your application.
Grant is Awarded
Once approved, you will receive payments from the date of application. Back pay is not paid for periods before your application date.
Payment Dates & Amounts 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be related to the child to be a foster parent?
No. Foster parents do not need to be related to the child. Many foster parents are relatives (grandparents, aunts, uncles), but unrelated foster parents are also common.
Can I get both the Foster Child Grant and Child Support Grant?
No, you cannot receive both grants for the same child. If a child is in foster care, the Foster Child Grant is the correct grant.
What happens when the foster child turns 18?
The court order usually expires when the child turns 18. The grant will stop unless the court extends the foster care order.
Is the foster parent's income checked?
No, the Foster Child Grant does not have a means test. You can receive the grant regardless of your income level.
Official References
Editorial note: SASSA Help Hub is an independent, unofficial information resource and is not affiliated with the South African Social Security Agency. This page was last reviewed on 2026-07-07 by Themba Phakathi. See our Editorial Policy, Fact-Checking Policy, and Sources Policy. Found an error? Report it.