SASSA Foster Child Grant – Complete Guide with 2025–2026 Payment Dates

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides several social grants to support vulnerable individuals and families. One such important grant is the Foster Child Grant, designed to help children who have been placed in foster care through a legal process.

This grant helps foster parents with the financial cost of raising a child who is not biologically theirs. In this article, we will cover everything about the SASSA Foster Child Grant, including eligibility, required documents, how to apply, payment methods, grant amount, and full payment dates from January 2025 to March 2026.

What is the SASSA Foster Child Grant?

The SASSA Foster Child Grant is a monthly financial support program for children under foster care. It is given to foster parents who are looking after children placed under their care by the court.

These children may be orphans, neglected, abused, abandoned, or removed from their biological families for safety reasons. The purpose of the grant is to help foster parents meet the needs of the child, such as food, education, clothing, and healthcare.

The grant is only provided if there is a legal foster care order from the court. Without this court order, the grant will not be approved.

Who Can Apply?

You can apply for the Foster Child Grant if you meet the following conditions:

• You are a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
• You live in South Africa.
• You are the foster parent of the child, and there is a valid court order.
• The child is under the age of 18.
• The child must also live in South Africa.

The grant is not based on income, so there is no means test. Whether you earn a salary or not, you can still receive the grant if you meet the conditions above.

How Much is the Grant?

As of 2025, the amount for the Foster Child Grant is R1 180 per child per month. This amount may be adjusted every year depending on government policy and inflation.

Payment Dates for 2025 and 2026

SASSA pays the Foster Child Grant on specific dates each month. These dates are important because many caregivers depend on this money for essential child care expenses. Below is the full list of confirmed payment dates:

2025 Payment Dates

2026 Payment Dates

SASSA may change these dates due to public holidays or system issues, so it’s a good idea to double-check close to the payment date.

How to Apply for the Foster Child Grant

The application process must be done in person at your nearest SASSA office. You cannot apply online for this grant. Follow the steps below:

1. Visit a SASSA Office
   Go to your nearest SASSA office with all required documents.
2. Bring the Required Documents
   You will need:
   • Your South African ID or refugee ID.
   • The child’s birth certificate.
   • The court order that proves foster care placement.
   • Proof of your banking details (if you want payment to your bank).
   • Proof of residence (like a utility bill or letter from a local authority).
   • Any other documents that SASSA staff request.
3. Complete the Application Form
   A SASSA official will help you complete the application. They will also take your fingerprints.
4. Receive a Receipt
   After you apply, you will get a stamped receipt with a reference number. Keep this safe.
5. Wait for Processing
   It may take up to 3 months to process your application. If approved, you will receive back pay from the date you applied.

What Happens After Approval?

Once your application is approved, SASSA will start sending monthly payments. Payments can be received in one of three ways:

• Direct Bank Deposit – The grant goes directly into your bank account.
• SASSA Gold Card – You can withdraw the money at ATMs, retail shops, or Post Office branches.
• Cash Payment Points – In rural areas, SASSA may provide cash payments through mobile trucks or local pay points.

Foster Care Review and Reapplication

Foster Child Grants are not permanent. The grant only lasts until the foster care order expires, usually after two years. You must go back to the Children’s Court for a review. If the court agrees to continue the foster care, you can then reapply for the grant.

If you do not renew the court order, SASSA will stop the grant. Make sure you start the renewal process at least 3 months before the order ends.

Reasons for Rejection or Suspension

SASSA may reject or suspend your application if:

• The child is no longer under your care.
• The court order has expired or is invalid.
• You provide false or incomplete information.
• The child turns 18.
• The child dies.
• You do not collect the grant for 3 months in a row.
• You fail to cooperate during a review process.

You have the right to appeal if your application is unfairly rejected. Visit the SASSA office and request a review of your case.

Responsibilities of Foster Parents

If you are receiving the Foster Child Grant, you must:

• Use the money for the child’s needs.
• Report any changes in your situation (e.g., if the child leaves your care).
• Make sure the foster care order is valid and up to date.
• Cooperate with SASSA during visits or reviews.

Abuse or misuse of the grant can lead to legal action, and SASSA can stop the payments permanently.

Difference Between Child Support and Foster Child Grant

Many people confuse the Child Support Grant with the Foster Child Grant. Here is the difference:

Common Questions

Can I apply for more than one foster child?
Yes, if you are the legal foster parent for multiple children, you can apply for each one.

Can a relative be a foster parent?
Yes, as long as the court has declared you the legal foster parent, even if you are a family member.

What happens when the child turns 18?
The grant ends unless the child is still in school. In that case, you can request to extend the grant until the end of the school year.

Can I change my payment method later?
Yes, you can visit the SASSA office and update your payment method at any time.

What if I lose my SASSA Gold Card?
Report it immediately. You can apply for a replacement card at the Post Office or SASSA office.

Final Words

The SASSA Foster Child Grant plays a vital role in helping children grow up in safe and caring environments. It gives financial help to foster parents who take on the responsibility of raising children who are not their own. By understanding the application process, responsibilities, and payment schedule, caregivers can make the best use of this support.

Make sure your court order is always up to date, and collect your grant on time. If you face any problems, visit your nearest SASSA office or call the SASSA toll-free number 0800 60 10 11.

If you are currently fostering a child or planning to do so, this grant can make a meaningful difference in your life and the life of the child you are caring for.