SASSA Foster Care Grant, online apply, Payment & Status Check

Are you a South African government-approved foster parent? If yes, then you are eligible for the foster care grant. It is a financial support provided by SASSA to caregivers to cover the day-to-day costs of the children, which includes food, clothing, and shelter. The SASSA foster care grant allows those caregivers who have a child legally placed in their care. 

What is the SASSA Foster Care grant?

The SASSA Foster Child Grant is financial support given to foster parents to help cover a child’s everyday needs. The grant pays R1 250 per month for each child. To qualify, the foster parent must be South African, and the child must be living in South Africa. The child must also be under 18 years old and legally placed in foster care through a South African Children court.

Foster Care Grant Application

If you are an individual caring for a legally placed foster child, you can apply for the grant through the methods below.

Foster Child Support Online Application

Applying online for this grant is one of easy and quick process; all you need is an order from the court.

  • Use the official portal.
  • Create an account or log in by providing your registered information.
  • Click on the foster grant and press apply.
  • A form will pop up, fill it out.
  • Upload the instructed documents, which include the court order.
  • Foster Grant officials will interview you to evaluate your qualifications.
  • Also, in some cases, an official will visit your home or care centre to ensure you have a suitable environment.
  • The application will take some time to be approved. Once accepted your will be notified.

Important Note

As approval take up to three months to process, when approved, the payment is backdated to the court order date.

In-Person Application at the Office

If you want to avoid the complexity arising online, then visiting the office physically is the best choice to submit an application. It is the most direct method to apply for the foster care grant.

  • Visit an office nearest to your residency.
  • Ask the official for a foster care form.
  • Fill it with the required documentation in the presence of a SASSA officer.
  • Once you complete the form, submit it over the counter.
  • A representative will give you a dated, stamped receipt, which you can use as a reference number and proof of application.

Note

To check the status of the foster grant, you have to put that reference number when filling out the form.

If you face any difficulty in filling the form, ask the SASSA customer support to assist you. 

sassa foster care grant

Key Requirements for a SASSA Foster Care Grant

Before heading to the office or submitting the application online, first of all, you have to compile these documents and submit them when asked. These include

  • You must have a children’s court letter that orders the child to be placed in your care.
  • Must submit these Documentation during form filling:
    • Smart Card or National ID Card and your wife’s ID.
    • Birth certificate of the child.
    • Proof of marital status.
    • Proof of income (if required).
  • You must be a South African citizen, permanent resident.
  • A refugee ID and status permit, if you are asylm holder.
  • No mean test required to submit. You dont need to submit the minimum income threshold. 
  • Proof of residency: If asked, submit the proof of address where you live.

Required Documentation for Foster Child

Same like foster parent, the child also has to meet the criteria to be eligible for the grant.

  • Residency: Must live in South Africa.
  • Citizenship: does not require.
  • Age: From 0 to 18 years old. It is extendible until 21 if still in school, and if it requires care for higher education.
  • The child must be declared in need of care and protection by the Children’s Court.

Important Note

The grant is also available for foster children who do not have formal documents or who have refugee status.

Important Details to Know about the SASSA Foster Grant

Validity

The Validity of it is usually 2 years, after which it must be reviewed by a social worker or court.

Extension of the Grant

Usually, the grant is for those childer age 0 to 1,8 but it can be extended until the age of 21 if the child remains in school.

Application on your behalf

If you have a court order and you cannot visit an office due to sickness or any other reason, you can hand over the order with a note from you to a friend or a family member who can apply on your behalf.

Cost of the process

SASSA does not charge any fee for the application process. The service is completely free.

Why the SASSA Foster Child Grant payments?

SASSA has initiated this financial assistance to help the children who are abused by their biological parents. The payments are designed to ensure the child gets the basic needs; the amounts and application processes are the same for all.

FAQs

If you are a foster parent, you do need to pass a means test; all you need is a court order, and you must be a citizen, permanent resident, or refugee living for a certain amount of time in South Africa. 

The foster care grant in south africa amount R1,250 per month and is payable to legally appointed foster parents for each child under the age of 18.

Those who are South African citizens or permanent residents with the required documents, and the primary caregiver (parent, guardian, or grandparent) or foster parent of a child under 18 years old. 

There is no maximum age limit to become a foster carer, but you must be above 18 years and deemed physically and mentally fit to care for a child. 

You can apply for the foster care grant online by visiting the SASSA website. Create an account or log in if you already have one, select the foster care grant, complete the form with the required documents, and submit your application.

The foster care grant per month is R1,250.

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