SASSA provides this Foster Child grant as a lifeline. An amount of R1,250 is disbursed every month toward every foster child that may be eligible. This financial assistance sustains foster parents in caring for their foster child by covering expenses for necessities such as food, schooling, clothing, and medication, thereby ensuring that vulnerable children are protected. From October 2025 onward, this would be strengthened into a steady form of income for families involved in the great work of child protection.
Who Can Apply?
It is SASSA who sets the criteria on the basis of which one is eligible. The child claimed under the Foster Child Grant must be placed in your care in terms of a court order under the Child Care Act. The caregiver and the child must live in South Africa. The caregiver must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or a formerly recognized refugee. The grant cannot be paid to a foster child aged 18 years and above unless under special circumstances. The grant may be suspended if the legal order of fostering ceases or an eligibility requirement is not complied with.
Application Process and Documents Required
Applying for the Foster Child Grant requires visiting a SASSA office with all the necessary documents. A foster care giver should bring his or her South Africa ID, the child’s birth certificate or ID, and the court order that proves the child is under his or her care. Furthermore, the applicant may be requested to provide a few more documents such as proof of residence or marriage certificate. The processing of applications may take up to three months; however, when approved, payments can be backdated to the date on which the child was placed into the care of the foster parent.
Payment Date and Mode of Payment
The Foster Child Grant is a monthly grant paid by SASSA, and the beneficiary has a number of payment options available. It can be paid by means of bank or Postbank direct deposit, or cash withdrawal at any SASSA pay point, and in certain cases, it can be paid by a recognized institution or agent. Caregivers should be certain that their banking details are updated with SASSA to prevent delays in payments.
Importance of the Grant
For foster parents, the grant is one lifeline in helping them secure a certain level of stability for their children and fulfill immediate needs of the children. This being at R1,250 per child, it goes a long way in alleviating some of the financial pressure that comes with rearing foster children. There are important documents that should be kept current and court orders that should be updated lest payments be suspended or canceled. The SASSA Foster Child Grant seeks to support caregivers but also to see that children are cared for and given opportunities they deserve.
Also Read: SASSA R350 SRD Grant October 2025: Full Payment Calendar & Tracker