How to apply for SASSA Foster Care Grant

Providing care for a foster child is a commendable endeavor, and in South Africa, the government offers financial assistance via the SASSA Foster Care Grant to alleviate the financial strain on foster caregivers. This detailed guide will tell the eligibility criteria, application procedure, and advantages of this SASSA grant, ensuring you get all knowledge about obtaining this support.

Steps to apply for SASSA Foster Care Grant

SASSA Foster Child Grant is offered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), this grant provides support to children who are being raised by foster parents. The SASSA Foster Care Grant is a monthly financial support given to foster parents who are looking after a child assigned to them by a court. This grant is designed to help cover the expenses associated with raising a foster child, such as food, clothing, education, and healthcare.

Follow the below guide to directly apply for foster child funds:

Eligibility Criteria for Foster Care Grant

To be eligible for the SASSA Foster Care Grant, it is necessary to satisfy the following requirements:

  • Foster Parent Status: You must hold legal foster parent status for the child, supported by a valid court order that verifies your foster care arrangement.
  • Residency: Both you and the foster child must live in South Africa.
  • Citizenship or Residency Status: You must be a South African citizen, a permanent resident, or a recognized refugee.
  • Child’s Age: The foster child must be younger than 18 years old. However, if the child remains enrolled in school, the grant may be extended until they reach the age of 21 or complete school.
  • Financial Need: There is no fixed income limit, SASSA calculates the financial circumstances of both the applicant and the child to establish eligibility.

Documents Required for application

  • The birth certificate of a foster child is required.
    • If the birth certificate is unavailable, an affidavit form must be completed and signed.
  • Refugees are required to present their refugee identification, while permanent residents must South Africa ID card.
  • Identity documents for your spouse are necessary.
  • Proof of marital status is required (married or divorced).
  • If your spouse is dead, the death certificate must be submitted.
  • An affidavit, signed by you, is also required.
  • The legal document that verifies your foster care setup.
  • Evidence of your earnings and expenses.

SASSA foster care grant application process

Follow the step-by-step guide to get foster care grant approval:

Collect the required documents: Gather all necessary paperwork and identification.

Find a SASSA office: Search for a SASSA office in your area.

Request the application form: Ask for the form needed for the Foster Child Grant.

Complete the form: Fill it out carefully and clearly.

Include your documents: Attach all required documents with your application.

Submit your application: Deliver your completed application and documents to the SASSA office.

Allow for processing time: Be patient as your application is under review.

Update your contact details: Keep your information updated so SASSA can reach you if needed.

Check on your application: Ask about the status of your application if necessary.

Await the outcome: Wait for a decision on your grant application.

Status check for foster grant application

After you submit your grant application, it’s important to keep an eye on its status to stay informed. The great news is that you can easily track whether your application has been approved, or declined. Once your application is approved, make sure to check status regularly to stay updated on any upcoming SASSA payments. You can check the SASSA foster child status through the following methods:

SASSA Foster grant balance check

Keeping track of your balance helps you stay informed about your finances, allowing you to make smart choices regarding your grant funds. Once your application for the foster child grant is approved and you begin receiving payments, it’s a good idea to check your balance regularly using the available methods:

  • Access the service by entering the USSD code *120*3210# or *120*69277#.
  • You can visit any ATM (note that standard bank fees may apply).
  • You can also reach out through the SASSA WhatsApp number at 082 046 8553
  • Call toll-free SASSA call center at 0800 601 011.

Means Test for SASSA Foster Care grant

The Means Test for a Foster Child Grant looks into the financial circumstances of foster parents or caregivers to decide if they qualify for the grant. It examines their income, assets, and general financial health to make sure the grant is awarded to those in genuine need.

The exact criteria and income limits can differ based on the region and the guidelines set by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).

Applicants need to submit precise financial details during the application process to complete this means test. If their financial status aligns with the specified requirements, they could be eligible for the Foster Child Grant.

How much is SASSA foster child grant?

The Foster Care Grant is evaluated every year and may vary. In 2024, the monthly grant amount is R1180 for each child.

Collect Foster care grant

SASSA provides various options for receiving the Foster Care Grant:

  • Cash payments at specific pay points.
  • Electronic deposits directly into your bank or Postbank account.
  • Post bank was postponed in April 2024.
  • Payment is made via an organization that serves as a grant administrator, such as a social services agency.

SASSA Foster Child grant approved or rejected

Once you submit your application, SASSA will take a look at your details and the documents you provided. If your application gets accepted, you’ll start receiving the grant from the approval date. However, if your application is declined, SASSA will inform you in writing and explain why. If you don’t agree with their decision, you have the option to appeal.

more about foster care funds

  • The Foster Care Grant is exempt from taxes.
  • Your responsibility to tell SASSA about any changes in your situation or that of the foster child, changes to your address, or income.
  • Inform SASSA directly if the foster child is no longer under your care. Not doing so could lead to overpayment issues and possible legal circumstances.

Why SASSA foster care grant suspended

Following reasons that can cause grant suspension for foster child:

  • If there are any changes in your foster child’s situation.
  • You submitted incorrect information.
  • You were uncooperative during the grant review process.
  • If your grant was mistakenly approved.

Guide Conclusion

The SASSA Foster Child Grant plays an essential role in supporting foster children and their caring guardians in South Africa. It goes beyond just providing financial help; it reflects the love and commitment that foster families show.

Understanding the eligibility requirements, required documents, and the application process enables more deserving families to obtain the support they need to nurture these special relationships and ensure a better future for the foster children they look after.