SASSA Foster Child Grant
The Foster Child Grant is a monthly SASSA grant paid to a foster parent for a child who has been legally placed in their care by a court order.
This guide explains the current amount, who qualifies, the court order rule, documents, application steps, payment schedule and how foster care differs from ordinary child support.
Foster Child Grant Quick Answer
The Foster Child Grant is for a foster parent who is legally caring for a child placed in their care by a children’s court order. The foster parent and the child must live in South Africa, and the child must remain in the foster parent’s care.
From April 2026, the Foster Child Grant is R1,290 per month per foster child.
Official references: gov.za foster child grant page, SASSA foster child grant page and SASSA grants information portal.
Foster Child Grant Amount
The Foster Child Grant is paid per qualifying foster child. If a foster parent legally cares for more than one foster child, each child is considered under the foster-care grant rules.
| Grant | Monthly Amount | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Foster Child Grant | R1,290 per foster child | Monthly amount from April 2026 for each qualifying foster child. |
The 2026/27 grant increase confirmed the Foster Child Grant at R1,290 from April 2026. Grant amounts can change after official budget or SASSA announcements.
Who Qualifies for the Foster Child Grant?
The Foster Child Grant is different from ordinary child support because it depends on legal foster-care placement. The key issue is not only who cares for the child, but whether the child was legally placed in foster care.
Foster Child Grant Court Order Rule
The court order is the main document that separates the Foster Child Grant from the Child Support Grant. A caregiver may look after a child every day, but without legal foster-care placement, the ordinary Foster Child Grant route may not apply.
The foster-care order shows that a children’s court has legally placed the child in the foster parent’s care. SASSA uses this to confirm that the applicant is the correct person to receive the foster grant for that child.
Foster Child Grant vs Child Support Grant
These two grants are often confused because both support children. The difference is mainly the legal care route.
| Grant | Who It Is For | Main Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Foster Child Grant | A foster parent caring for a child placed in foster care by court order. | Requires legal foster-care placement. |
| Child Support Grant | A qualifying primary caregiver of a child under 18. | Based on primary care and income rules, not foster-care court placement. |
If the child is not legally placed in foster care, the Child Support Grant or Child Support Grant Top-Up may be the route to ask SASSA about.
Documents You May Need
SASSA may ask for documents that confirm the foster parent’s identity, the child’s identity, the foster-care court order and the child’s care situation.
- Foster parent’s South African ID or accepted identity document.
- Child’s birth certificate or accepted child identity document.
- Valid foster-care court order placing the child in your care.
- Proof that the child lives with you, where requested.
- Banking details or payment method information.
- Any extra documents SASSA asks for during the application.
How to Apply for the Foster Child Grant
Apply through SASSA or an official SASSA services route where available. The foster parent should apply with the child’s documents and the valid foster-care court order.
- Confirm that the child is legally placed in your foster care.
- Prepare your ID document and the child’s identity document or birth certificate.
- Prepare the foster-care court order.
- Apply through SASSA or the official SASSA services portal where available.
- Keep proof of application.
- Respond if SASSA asks for extra documents or verification.
Official online services are available through the SASSA services portal.
Foster Child Grant Payment Schedule
Foster Child Grant payments normally fall under the children’s grants payment group in SASSA’s monthly permanent grant payment cycle.
Use the SASSA payment dates page to check the full 2026/27 payment calendar.
What Happens When the Foster Child Turns 18?
Foster child grants are generally linked to children under 18. In some cases, foster care may be extended when the child is still at school and the official extension requirements are met.
Do not assume the grant will automatically continue after the child turns 18. Check the court order, school situation and SASSA requirements before the child reaches the age limit.
What If the Foster Child Has a Severe Disability?
If a child needs full-time special care because of a severe disability, the Care Dependency Grant may also be relevant to understand. The correct route depends on the child’s legal care situation and medical/care needs.
Foster care and care dependency are not the same thing. Foster care is about legal placement; care dependency is about the child’s severe disability and full-time care needs.
Reviews, Court Orders and Changes
Foster-care situations can change. A court order may expire, be extended, or be replaced by a new legal arrangement. SASSA may need updated documents when the foster-care order changes.
The foster parent should keep SASSA informed if the child leaves their care, the court order changes, the child turns 18, the child leaves school, or the payment details change.
Common Foster Child Grant Problems
Official Foster Child Grant Links
Use official sources when checking rules, applications or updated amounts.
More SASSA Grant Guides
This page is part of the wider SASSA grants guide. Use that hub to compare foster child, child support, care dependency, disability, older persons, grant-in-aid, war veterans and SRD grant guides.
Foster Child Grant FAQs
How much is the Foster Child Grant?
From April 2026, the Foster Child Grant is R1,290 per month per qualifying foster child.
Do I need a court order for the Foster Child Grant?
Yes. The child must be legally placed in the foster parent’s care by a court order.
Is the Foster Child Grant the same as the Child Support Grant?
No. The Foster Child Grant requires legal foster-care placement, while the Child Support Grant is for a qualifying primary caregiver.
Can I receive the Foster Child Grant for more than one child?
Yes, if each child is legally placed in your foster care and meets the grant rules.
Can the Foster Child Grant continue after age 18?
It may be extended in certain cases, such as where the child is still at school and the official foster-care extension requirements are met.
Can SRDTool.com approve a Foster Child Grant?
No. SRDTool.com is independent and cannot approve, decline, process, pay or speed up any SASSA grant.
Independent Disclaimer
SRDTool.com is independent and is not affiliated with SASSA, DSD or any South African government department. Official Foster Child Grant applications, court orders, approvals, reviews, payments and records are controlled by official SASSA, court and government systems.