Foster Child Grant
The Foster Child Grant supports foster parents who have been legally appointed by a court to care for children who cannot live with their biological parents.
The Foster Child Grant is a monthly payment made by SASSA to foster parents who have been appointed by a court to care for a child. This grant is different from the Child Support Grant because it requires a formal court order placing the child in foster care.
Foster care is a legal arrangement where a child who cannot be cared for by their biological parents is placed with a registered foster parent. The grant is designed to help cover the costs of caring for the child, including food, clothing, education, and other basic needs.
The Foster Child Grant amount is higher than the Child Support Grant to recognize the additional responsibilities of foster care and the fact that foster children often have special needs arising from their circumstances.
Current Grant Amount
R1,295 per child per month
To receive the Foster Child Grant, you must have a valid court order. Here is what you need to know:
- A Children's Court order must legally place the child in your care
- The court order must be valid and not expired
- Foster care orders must be renewed every two years
- The placement must be supervised by a designated social worker
Important
Without a valid court order, you cannot receive the Foster Child Grant. If your court order has expired, your grant will be suspended until you renew it.
Child Requirements:
- Must be under 18 years of age
- Must be legally placed in foster care by a court order
- Must not be cared for in a state institution
Foster Parent Requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Must be appointed as a foster parent by a court order
- Must reside in South Africa
- Must pass the foster care screening process
No Means Test
Unlike the Child Support Grant, the Foster Child Grant does not have a means test. This means there is no income limit for foster parents to qualify for the grant.
Foster Child Grant payments are made on the same dates as Children's Grants. Here are the confirmed payment dates for 2026:
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January 2026 | 8 January 2026 |
| February 2026 | 5 February 2026 |
| March 2026 | 5 March 2026 |
| April 2026 | 8 April 2026 |
| May 2026 | 8 May 2026 |
| June 2026 | 5 June 2026 |
| July 2026 | 6 July 2026 |
| August 2026 | 7 August 2026 |
| September 2026 | 4 September 2026 |
| October 2026 | 6 October 2026 |
| November 2026 | 6 November 2026 |
| December 2026 | 4 December 2026 |
Becoming a foster parent is a process that involves social services and the court system:
- 1
Contact Social Services
Visit your local Department of Social Development office or a child welfare organization
- 2
Screening Process
A social worker will conduct a home study and background checks
- 3
Foster Care Training
Complete required foster parent training programs
- 4
Court Application
A social worker will help you apply to the Children's Court for a foster care order
- 5
Court Order Issued
Once the court approves, you will receive a foster care order
- 6
Apply for the Grant
Take your court order to SASSA to apply for the Foster Child Grant
- Your South African ID document
- Child's birth certificate or ID document
- Valid foster care court order
- Proof of residence
- Bank statement or proof of banking details