SASSA Foster Child Grant parents will be responsible for providing all basic needs to their foster child, which includes food, clothing, shelter, medical care, and education. The foster child grant, also referred to as the foster care grant, is financial aid provided by SASSA to foster parents to support them in caring for their foster child. A foster child is a youngster entrusted to your care by a court due to circumstances such as being orphaned, abandoned, abused, neglected, or at risk.

SASS Foster Child Grant

Eligibility Criteria:

  • To qualify for the grant, you must be either a South African citizen, a recognized refugee, or hold permanent residency status.
  • The child must meet the means test criteria.
  • Both you and the foster child must reside in South Africa.
  • You must be the legal guardian of the child, and the child must remain under your care.
  • The foster child must be under 18 years of age.
  • The child’s placement with you must be mandated by a court order due to one of the following circumstances: orphanhood, abandonment, abuse, neglect, or being at risk.

Means test for SASSA Foster Child Grant:

According to the means test criteria for the foster child, eligibility is determined by comparing the child’s annual income to twice the annual foster child grant amount. If the foster child’s yearly income is less than double the annual grant amount, they qualify for the grant.

The means test serves to assess the income of the foster child to ensure that only deserving children receive the grant, with the income of foster parents not being taken into account. The grant is exclusively accessible to foster parents whose foster children meet specific financial criteria and are residing in poverty.

It’s important to note that each type of grant has its own set of criteria for the means test to evaluate financial eligibility.

Foster Child Grant Amount:

SASSA provides an amount of R1 180 to every foster child on a monthly basis. However, SASSA reviews this amount after every 6 months to certify whether this amount is sufficient to fulfill the basic needs of a child. If SASSA feels that this amount is not enough then this amount can be increased.

How much is the cost to apply for a SASSA Foster Child Grant?

If Someone is willing to apply for a SASSA grant for foster child grant then he/she will be glad to know that there is no application fee. It’s totally free to apply.

Documents required for applying SASSA Foster Child Grant:

Following documents are will be needed while applying for SASSA Foster Child Grant:

To apply for the SASSA Foster Child Grant, you will need the following documents:

  • Your 13-digit ID number or birth certificate.
  • A court decision that proves that you are the legal parent of the foster child.
  • A signed sworn statement from a reputable individual in your community (such as a counselor, trader, or school minister) verifying your name and age.
  • An oath template downloaded from the SASSA SRD website, properly filled out, and signed in the presence of a SASSA verified oath commissioner.
  • A medical certificate from a recognized medical officer attesting to your condition, dated within the last three months.
  • School Certificate of child.
  • Road to health certificate (if available).
  • An ID issued by the South Africa Department of Home Affairs.
  • Evidence of marital status, which may include a marriage certificate or divorce decree if separated from your spouse.
  • Temporary identity document issued by the department of home affairs.
  • Proof of your current address.

Processing time for SASSA Foster Child Grant:

specifically SASSA Foster Child Grant, usually spanning approximately three months. Upon approval of your application, you will start receiving the grant amount from the date of your initial application. Conversely, if your application is denied, you will receive notification or a letter from SASSA detailing the reasons for the rejection.

Status check for Foster Child Care Grant:

To check the status of your SASSA Foster Child Grant application, you have several options:

  1. SASSA Status Check Appeal.
  2. Utilize the Moya App.
  3. Contact SASSA via WhatsApp at the number 082-046-8553.
  4. Call the SASSA Toll-Free number at 0800-60-1011.
  5. Send an SMS to 082-046-8553.

These methods allow you to inquire about the approval or rejection of your application and stay informed about the status of your grant.

SASSA payment method for SASSA Foster Child Grant:

Once your SASSA Foster Child Grant is approved, payments will commence from the day you submitted your application. SASSA does not adhere to a fixed payment date each month, so it’s essential to regularly check the payment date by visiting the official website of SASSA SRD.

Upon approval of your SASSA Foster Child Grant application, you will be presented with two payment options. You can either elect to receive payments directly into your bank account or choose the cash payment option.

If you select the bank account option, your payment will be transferred into your account on a specified date. Conversely, if you opt for cash payment, you can withdraw your funds from designated retail outlets such as Usave, Checkers, Spars, and others.

What to do if SASSA rejects your application for foster child care grant?

If your grant application is declined and you believe the decision is incorrect, you have the option to request SASSA to review your application again. If  this request is denied once more and you still disagree with SASSA’s decision, you retain the right to appeal to the Ministry of Social Development at the National Department of Social Development. It’s imperative to commence the appeal process within 90 days of receiving the notification.

The Ministry of Social Development will conduct a thorough examination of your appeal to render a decision. If they determine that there is merit in your case, they may overturn SASSA’s decision, enabling you to resume receiving your grant payments. However, if your appeal is unsuccessful, you will receive a written explanation for the decision.

Balance check for SASSA Foster Child Grant:

SASSA offers a convenient balance check service, allowing grant recipients to track their remaining funds and effectively manage expenses. Once your SASSA grant is approved, you can easily check your balance using the following methods:

1. Visit the official SASSA website.

2. Call the SASSA Toll-Free number at 0800-60-1011.

3. Utilize the SASSA WhatsApp number at 082-046-8553.

4. Check at ATMs of participating banks.

5. Dial the USSD code *120*1320*# from the dial pad of your phone.

Lapsing of Grant:

The SASSA Disability Grant may temporarily lapse for various reasons:

  1. Death of the grantee.
  2. Failure to provide proof during SASSA’s annual review, resulting in discontinuation of the grant.
  3. Residing in or being admitted to a government-owned institution.
  4. Absence from the country for more than 90 days.
  5. Significant improvement in financial circumstances, rendering the grantee ineligible.
  6. Failure to collect the grant for more than 3 consecutive months, leading to discontinuation of the SASSA disability grant.

SASSA Foster Child Care Grant Review:

SASSA conducts regular reviews of grant applications to evaluate any changes in financial status or continued eligibility based on means test criteria.

Three months prior to the review date or the deadline for submitting your life certificate, SASSA will send you a notice.

If you receive your grant via bank deposit or through an agent, you must submit your life certificate to the SASSA office. Failure to do so may result in a home visit from the SASSA team for verification.

Why is Grant Suspended?

The SASSA child support grant may be temporarily declined for several reasons:

  1. If the child passes away.
  2. If your financial situation improves to the extent that you no longer meet the eligibility criteria based on SASSA’s means test.
  3. Once the child reaches the age of 18.
  4. If the child relocates abroad.
  5. If the child begins residing in a state-funded institution.
  6. If the guardian fails to collect the grant for three consecutive months.

Foster Child Support Grant Restoration:

If your grant is suspended or discontinued and you think that you are eligible for SASSA child support grant then you own the right to appeal within 90 days of suspension of grant  for the restoration of grant.

Contact SASSA: 

To contact SASSA for any queries or assistance regarding SASSA SRD grants, you have several options:

1. Call the toll-free number at SASSA’s call center: 0800 60 10 11.

2. Call SASSA’s Head Office at: 012 400 2322.

3. Send an email to: [email protected] .

4. Visit any SASSA office near you to resolve your query or obtain information.