The SASSA Foster Child Grant pays R1 290 per child per month from April 2026. The SASSA Foster Child Grant is paid to caregivers who have been legally appointed by a children’s court to care for a child not biologically their own. Unlike most social grants, the SASSA Foster Child Grant has no income or asset means test.
Who qualifies for the SASSA Foster Child Grant
The foster parent must be a South African citizen, permanent resident or recognised refugee. Both the foster parent and the child must live in South Africa. The child must be legally placed in your care through a valid children’s court order. The child must remain in your care.
The court order requirement
A valid court order from the Children’s Court is the central requirement of the SASSA Foster Child Grant. Foster care orders typically expire every two years. You must contact your social worker before the expiry date to have the order extended. The grant stops automatically when a court order expires and is not renewed.
Documents required for the SASSA Foster Child Grant
- Your 13-digit bar-coded South African ID
- The child’s birth certificate or ID
- The official children’s court order placing the child in your care
- Proof of marital status, where applicable
- A report or letter from the social worker assigned to the case
How to apply for the SASSA Foster Child Grant
Apply in person at your nearest SASSA office. A SASSA officer assists you to complete the form and verifies the court order. Once approved, the SASSA Foster Child Grant is paid for the duration of the court order, usually until the child turns 18. If the child is still in school after turning 18, the grant can be extended to age 21 on submission of a school attendance certificate.
For full monthly payment dates, see the SASSA payment dates 2026 schedule.
Sources
- SASSA: Foster Child Grant
- South African Government: Foster child grant
- Department of Social Development: 2026/27 grant increases
About this article
Nuusflits is a South African news publication covering current affairs, social grants and consumer information. This article is sourced from official primary sources, including the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), the Department of Social Development, the National Treasury and SAnews. Facts are verified against the published 2026/27 social grant schedule and current SASSA policy. Last updated 21 May 2026.
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