SASSA Foster Care Grant

The SRD Sassa status Foster Care Grant is a financial aid program designed to support foster parents in South Africa who are legally responsible for the care of a foster child. This grant helps cover essential expenses such as food, clothing, education, and healthcare for the child.

Foster care plays a critical role in child welfare, ensuring that children without parental care receive the necessary support in a stable home environment.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the SASSA Foster Care Grant, applicants must meet the following conditions:

1. Residency Requirements

• The foster parent must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or recognized refugee.
• Both the foster parent and child must reside in South Africa.

2. Child Placement

• The child must be legally placed in the care of the foster parent by a court order.

3. Age Requirements

• The foster child must be under 18 years old.

If the child is still in school, an extension can be granted until the age of 21 on the recommendation of a social worker.

Grant Amount

• As of April 2024, the Foster Care Grant amount is R1,180 per month per child.

Note: Grant amounts are subject to periodic reviews and adjustments based on government policy.

Application Process

1. Visit the Nearest SASSA Office

• Foster parents must apply in person at their nearest SASSA office.

2. Complete the Application Form

• The SASSA Foster Care Grant application form is not available online and must be filled out at a SASSA office.

3. Submit Required Documents

Applicants must provide the following documents:

• Foster parent’s 13-digit bar-coded identity document (ID).
• Foster child’s birth certificate or ID document.
• Court order proving that the child has been placed in foster care.

4. Interview with a SASSA Officer

• Applicants must undergo an interview with a SASSA officer to verify eligibility.

5. Receipt of Application

• After submitting the application, applicants receive a receipt as proof of application submission.

Processing Time

• The application process may take up to three months.

If approved, payment is backdated to the date the court placed the child in foster care.

Payment Methods

Beneficiaries can receive the Foster Care Grant through the following methods:

1. Cash Collection

• Collection at a designated SASSA pay point on a specified day.

2. Bank Deposit

• The grant can be deposited electronically into the foster parent’s bank or Postbank account (note: bank charges may apply).

3. Institutional Payments

• Payments may also be made to an institution (e.g., a welfare organization) that acts as the administrator of the grant.

Grant Review Process

• The Foster Care Grant is reviewed upon the expiry of the court order, typically every two years.
• Beneficiaries receive a three-month advance notice before the review date.

If payments are made through a bank, institution, or procurator, a life certificate must be completed annually at a SASSA office.

Foster Child Grant Balance Check

Foster parents or beneficiaries can check the remaining balance of their Foster Care Grant through the following methods:

1. SASSA Online Portal

• Visit https://services.sassa.gov.za.
• Log in with your registered details.
• Navigate to “Grant Payment Status” to check the available balance.

2. SASSA WhatsApp Service

• Save the official SASSA WhatsApp number: 082 046 8553.
• Send the message “SASSA Balance” and follow the prompts.

3. SASSA USSD Code

• Dial 1203210# and follow the prompts to check your balance.

4. ATM Balance Inquiry

• If the grant is deposited into a bank account, check the balance via ATM withdrawal or balance inquiry.

Foster Child Grant Suspension Reasons

The Foster Care Grant may be suspended due to the following reasons:

1. Change in Foster Care Status

• The child is no longer in the foster parent’s care.
• The court order expires without renewal.

2. Failure to Complete Required Reviews

• The foster parent fails to attend the scheduled grant review.
• Life certification is not completed (if applicable).

3. Child Admitted to a State Institution

• If the child is placed in a state-funded home or juvenile center, the grant may be stopped.

4. Failure to Claim for Three Consecutive Months

• If the grant is not collected for three months, payments may stop unless valid reasons are provided.

5. Death of the Foster Child or Foster Parent

• The grant automatically ends upon the death of the child or last living foster parent.

6. Loss of Refugee Status

• If the foster parent or child loses refugee status, the grant may be suspended.

Responsibilities of Beneficiaries

To ensure continued eligibility for the Foster Care Grant, beneficiaries must:

1. Ensure Legal Compliance

• Keep the court order valid and updated.
• Renew the grant through SASSA reviews as required.

2. Use the Grant for the Child’s Welfare

• The grant should be used for food, education, medical needs, and clothing.
• SASSA may investigate misuse of funds.

3. Complete Regular Grant Reviews

• Reviews are conducted every two years, or earlier if required.
• SASSA notifies beneficiaries three months in advance.

4. Report Any Changes to SASSA

• Change in foster care arrangement.
• Changes in income or financial status.
• Death of the foster parent or child.

5. Maintain Up-to-Date Contact Information

• Ensure phone numbers, addresses, and banking details are correct.
• Any delays in updates may lead to suspension.

Conditions for Grant Suspension

The grant may be suspended or discontinued under the following conditions:

• Death of the child or the last surviving foster parent.
• The child is admitted to a state-funded institution.
• Failure to claim the grant for three consecutive months.
• The child is no longer in the foster parent’s care.
• Loss of refugee status (if applicable).
• The foster child leaves South Africa permanently.

The SASSA Foster Care Grant provides financial support to foster parents to help them provide a stable and nurturing environment for foster children. By following the correct application process, ensuring all required documents are submitted, and staying updated on grant reviews, foster parents can successfully benefit from this essential support system.

For assistance, applicants are encouraged to visit their nearest SASSA office or contact SASSA support channels to ensure a smooth application process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I apply for a Foster Care Grant if I am not a South African citizen?

No, only South African citizens, permanent residents, or recognized refugees can apply.

2. How often is the grant amount reviewed or increased?

The grant amount is reviewed annually and may be adjusted based on government policy and economic factors.

3. What should I do if my application is declined?

You can appeal the decision by visiting your nearest SASSA office and submitting a request for reconsideration.

4. Can I receive multiple grants if I foster more than one child?

Yes, foster parents can receive grants for each legally placed foster child.

5. What happens to the grant if the child turns 18 while still in my care?

If the child is still in school, the grant may be extended until 21 upon a social worker’s recommendation.