SASSA Foster Child Grant
The Foster Child Grant provides financial assistance to foster parents who have been legally appointed by a court to care for a child who is not their biological child.
Grant Amount Per Child
R1,295
per month per foster child
Court Order Required
A valid court order placing the child in your foster care is essential for this grant. The foster care order must be renewed every two years through the Children's Court. Contact a social worker to assist with the foster care process.
Foster Child Grant vs Child Support Grant
Foster Child Grant - R1,295
- Requires a court order
- Higher amount per child
- No means test required
- For non-biological parents
Child Support Grant - R580
- No court order needed
- Lower amount per child
- Subject to means test
- For primary caregivers
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Foster Child Grant, you must meet the following criteria:
Have a valid court order placing the child in your foster care
Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
The foster child must be under 18 years of age
The child must have been placed in your care by a court order
Both you and the child must live in South Africa
You must not be the biological parent of the child
The child must not be cared for in a state institution
Required Documents
Your South African ID document (green barcoded ID or Smart ID card)
Court order placing the child in your foster care
Child's birth certificate or ID document
Proof of residence (utility bill, lease agreement, or affidavit)
Bank account details (for payment)
Social worker's report (if required)
2026 Payment Schedule
Foster Child Grant payments are made on the Children's Grants payment day:
January
8 January 2026
February
5 February 2026
March
5 March 2026
April
8 April 2026
May
8 May 2026
June
5 June 2026
July
6 July 2026
August
7 August 2026
September
4 September 2026
October
6 October 2026
November
6 November 2026
December
4 December 2026