What is the Foster Child Grant?
The Foster Child Grant (FCG) is a monthly social grant provided by SASSA to foster parents who have legally fostered a child through a court order. The grant helps cover the costs of caring for a foster child, including food, clothing, education, and healthcare.
💰 2026 Payment Amount
R1,180 per child per month
You can receive the grant for each foster child in your care, provided you have a valid court order for each child. There is no limit to the number of foster children you can apply for.
⚠️ Important Requirement
You MUST have a court-issued foster care order before applying for this grant. The Child Support Grant does not require a court order and may be more appropriate if you're caring for a child but haven't been through the legal foster care process.
Difference Between Foster Child Grant and Child Support Grant
| Aspect | Foster Child Grant | Child Support Grant |
|---|---|---|
| Amount | R1,180 per month | R540 per month |
| Court Order | Required | Not required |
| Means Test | No income test | Yes (R5,500/R11,000 limit) |
| Who Can Apply | Legal foster parents only | Primary caregiver (parent, grandparent, etc.) |
| Age Limit | Until age 18 | Until age 18 |
| Review Process | Every 2 years (court order renewal) | Annual review |
Eligibility Requirements
📄 Court Order
- Must have valid foster care court order from Children's Court
- Order must be in your name as foster parent
- Court order must be current (not expired)
- Separate order required for each child
🆔 Foster Parent Identity
- South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Valid South African ID or permit
- Must be the person named on court order
- Any age (no age restrictions)
👶 Foster Child
- Child must be under 18 years old
- Child must be living with you
- Child must be South African citizen or refugee
- Must have valid birth certificate
💰 No Means Test
- No income limit for foster parents
- You can work and still receive the grant
- No asset test
- Higher amount than Child Support Grant
How to Get a Foster Care Court Order
Before you can apply for the Foster Child Grant, you must first obtain a foster care order from the Children's Court. Here's how:
Contact Social Services
Visit your nearest Department of Social Development office or registered Child Welfare organization.
- Explain your situation and intention to foster
- Request information about the foster care process
- Get assigned to a social worker
Home Assessment
A social worker will conduct a home assessment to ensure the environment is suitable for the child.
- Home visit to assess living conditions
- Background checks (criminal record, social history)
- References from community members
- Assessment report compiled
Court Application
The social worker will help you apply to the Children's Court for a foster care order.
- Social worker submits report to court
- Court date is scheduled
- You must attend the court hearing
- Bring all required documents
Receive Court Order
If approved, the court will issue a foster care order valid for 2 years.
- Court order issued in your name
- Valid for 2 years initially
- Must be renewed before expiry
- Keep certified copies for SASSA application
⏰ Timeline
The foster care court order process typically takes 3-6 months from initial contact with social services to receiving the court order. The process cannot be rushed as it involves thorough assessments to protect the child's best interests.
How to Apply for the Foster Child Grant
Once you have your court order, you can apply for the Foster Child Grant:
Gather Required Documents
- Your South African ID or valid permit
- Valid foster care court order (certified copy)
- Child's birth certificate
- Child's ID (if 16+)
- Your bank statements (3 months)
- Proof of residence
Visit SASSA Office
Go to your nearest SASSA office with all documents. You cannot apply online for the Foster Child Grant.
- Arrive early to avoid long queues
- Bring original documents plus copies
- Take the child with you if possible
Complete Application Form
A SASSA officer will help you complete the application form.
- Provide accurate information
- Attach all certified copies
- Sign the declaration
- Get your receipt with reference number
Wait for Processing
SASSA will verify your documents and court order.
- Processing takes 1-3 months
- SASSA may contact you for additional info
- Check status using your ID number
- Keep your phone on and available
Receive Approval & Payment
If approved, you'll receive notification and first payment within 3 months.
- SMS notification sent to your number
- First payment includes backdated amounts
- Future payments on monthly schedule
- Collect payment via chosen method
Payment Methods
Choose how you want to receive your R1,180 monthly payment:
🏦 Bank Account
Recommended - Safest and most convenient
- Money deposited directly to your account
- Available 1st of each month
- No travel costs to collect
- Requires bank account in your name
💳 SASSA Card
Collect at ATMs or retail stores
- Free SASSA-branded card
- Withdraw at specific ATMs
- Withdraw at Pay Points
- No bank account needed
📮 Post Office
Collect cash at SAPO branches
- Take your ID to any Post Office
- Available from 1st of month
- May involve queues
- No account needed
🏪 Retail Stores
Selected Pick n Pay, Boxer, Shoprite stores
- Convenient locations
- Extended operating hours
- Shorter queues than Post Office
- Must use SASSA card
Grant Duration and Renewal
How Long Does the Grant Last?
The Foster Child Grant continues as long as:
- The child remains under 18 years old
- Your foster care court order remains valid
- The child continues to live with you
- You comply with all reporting requirements
Court Order Renewal (Every 2 Years)
Critical: Foster care court orders are typically valid for 2 years. You MUST renew your court order before it expires, or your grant will be suspended.
Renewal Process:
- Social worker contacts you 3-6 months before expiry
- Home visit and reassessment conducted
- Court application submitted for renewal
- Attend court hearing
- Submit new court order to SASSA immediately
When the Grant Ends
The Foster Child Grant automatically ends when:
- The child turns 18 years old
- The court order expires and is not renewed
- The foster care arrangement ends (child returns to parents or is adopted)
- The child no longer lives with you
- You're found to have provided false information
Multiple Foster Children
If you're fostering more than one child, you can receive the grant for each child:
| Number of Foster Children | Monthly Amount | Annual Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 child | R1,180 | R14,160 |
| 2 children | R2,360 | R28,320 |
| 3 children | R3,540 | R42,480 |
| 4 children | R4,720 | R56,640 |
| 5 children | R5,900 | R70,800 |
📝 Requirements for Multiple Children
- Each child must have their own court order
- Submit separate applications for each child
- All children must be living with you
- No income limit regardless of number of children
Important Reporting Requirements
You MUST report any changes to SASSA within 3 months or risk suspension or prosecution:
Change of Address
If you move to a new home, report your new address immediately
Change of Contact Details
Update your phone number or email address
Change of Bank Details
If you change banks or accounts, update SASSA before next payment
Court Order Changes
Submit renewed court orders immediately; report if court order is revoked
Child No Longer in Your Care
If the child moves out, returns to parents, or is adopted, report immediately
Death of Foster Child
Report immediately and submit death certificate
⚠️ Consequences of Not Reporting Changes
- Grant may be suspended
- You may be required to repay amounts received after change
- Legal action may be taken for fraud
- Future grant applications may be denied
Common Reasons for Grant Decline
1. No Valid Court Order
Most common reason. You must have a current, valid foster care order from Children's Court.
Solution: Complete the foster care process through Social Development first, then apply for the grant.
2. Expired Court Order
Your foster care order has expired and wasn't renewed on time.
Solution: Contact your social worker immediately to start the renewal process. Apply for grant renewal once new order is issued.
3. Identity Verification Failed
Home Affairs has no record of your ID or the child's birth certificate.
Solution: Visit Home Affairs to update your records. Get new birth certificate for child if needed.
4. Child Over 18
The foster child has turned 18 and is no longer eligible.
Solution: No appeal possible. The child may apply for other grants if eligible (e.g., Disability Grant if applicable).
5. Incomplete Documentation
Missing required documents or information on application.
Solution: Check SASSA communication for what's missing. Submit outstanding documents as soon as possible.
6. Child Already Receiving Another Grant
The child is already receiving a Child Support Grant or another grant that conflicts.
Solution: Choose which grant to keep (Foster Child Grant is higher). Cancel the Child Support Grant to switch.
How to Appeal a Declined Application
If your Foster Child Grant application is declined, you have the right to appeal within 90 days of receiving the outcome.
Understand the Reason
Get a written explanation from SASSA about why your application was declined.
Gather Supporting Evidence
Collect any documents that prove you meet the eligibility requirements, especially your valid court order.
Submit Appeal
Visit SASSA office to submit a written appeal with supporting documents within 90 days.
Wait for Review
SASSA will review your appeal within 90 days. You may be contacted for additional information.
Further Appeal to ITSAA
If SASSA rejects your appeal, you can escalate to the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA).
Tips for a Successful Application
✅ Get Court Order First
Complete the foster care legal process before applying for the grant. SASSA cannot approve without a valid court order.
📄 Certify Your Documents
Get certified copies of your court order, ID, and birth certificate. SASSA needs originals and certified copies.
📅 Apply Immediately
Apply as soon as you receive your court order. Payments can be backdated to the date of the court order.
🏦 Open a Bank Account
The safest way to receive payments is via bank deposit. Open an account if you don't have one.
📞 Keep Contact Details Updated
Ensure SASSA has your current phone number and address so they can reach you if needed.
⏰ Track Renewal Dates
Set reminders for court order renewal dates. Start the renewal process 6 months before expiry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work while receiving the Foster Child Grant?
Yes! There is no income limit for the Foster Child Grant. You can work full-time and still receive the full R1,180 per child per month. This is different from the Child Support Grant which has means test income limits.
What's the difference between fostering and kinship care?
Fostering requires a legal court order and allows you to receive the higher Foster Child Grant (R1,180). Kinship care (informally caring for a relative's child) doesn't require a court order but only qualifies for the Child Support Grant (R540). If you're caring for a family member's child, you can choose to go through the foster care process to receive more support.
Can I foster my grandchild and get the Foster Child Grant?
Yes, grandparents can foster their grandchildren and receive the Foster Child Grant, but you must go through the legal foster care process and obtain a court order. Alternatively, you can apply for the Child Support Grant (R540) without a court order if you're the primary caregiver.
How long does it take to get the Foster Child Grant?
After obtaining your court order, the SASSA application process takes 1-3 months. However, getting the court order itself takes 3-6 months. Total timeline from starting the foster care process to receiving first payment: approximately 4-9 months.
Can the biological parent still receive Child Support Grant while I get Foster Child Grant?
No. Only one grant can be paid per child. Once the Foster Child Grant is approved, any existing Child Support Grant for that child will be cancelled. The Foster Child Grant is higher (R1,180 vs R540) so it's more beneficial.
What happens if my court order expires?
If your court order expires and is not renewed, SASSA will suspend your grant immediately. You won't receive payments until you submit a new valid court order. You should start the renewal process 6 months before expiry to avoid gaps in payments.
Can I receive the grant for a child I'm fostering informally without a court order?
No. The Foster Child Grant specifically requires a court-issued foster care order. However, you can apply for the Child Support Grant (R540 per month) if you're the primary caregiver, which doesn't require a court order but has income limits.
Do I pay tax on the Foster Child Grant?
No, social grants are not taxable income in South Africa. You don't need to declare the Foster Child Grant on your tax returns.
Can I receive the Foster Child Grant if the child's parents are still alive?
Yes. Foster care can be arranged even when biological parents are alive, especially in cases where parents cannot care for the child due to illness, addiction, imprisonment, or other circumstances. The court will consider the child's best interests when issuing the foster care order.
What happens when the foster child turns 18?
The Foster Child Grant automatically ends when the child turns 18 years old. SASSA will send you notification before the last payment. There is no grant for foster children over 18, even if they're still in school.
Can I foster a child from another country?
Yes, but the child must be a refugee with proper documentation from Home Affairs. The child must have an official refugee permit or asylum seeker permit to qualify for the Foster Child Grant.
Is there a limit to how many foster children I can have?
While SASSA doesn't impose a limit on the number of foster children you can receive grants for, the Children's Court and social workers will assess whether you can adequately care for each child. The court considers factors like your home size, financial stability, and ability to provide proper care before approving multiple foster placements.
Need Help?
SASSA Contact Details
Toll-Free Number: 0800 60 10 11 (Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm)
Email: [email protected]
Find Your Nearest Office: SASSA Office Locator