The SASSA Foster Child Grant is a financial support program provided by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). The main aim of this grant is to assist foster parents or caregivers in meeting the basic needs of children under their care. The grant aims to provide financial assistance for the child’s education, healthcare, and general well-being.
Qualification Criteria for Foster Child Grant
To qualify for a Foster Child Grant, you need to fulfill the following requirements.
Residence: Both the caregiver and the foster child must be living in South Africa. That means they must have a permanent address here.
Legal Placement: The foster child must be legally placed under your care. This involves going through a formal process, such as obtaining a court order or approval from the relevant authorities.
Continued Care: Throughout the grant, the child must remain in your care. If the child is no longer under your care, it may affect eligibility.
Age of the Child: The foster child should be younger than 18 years old to qualify for the grant.
Financial Need: The grant is intended to assist caregivers who require financial support to meet their child’s basic needs.
Means Test: SASSA may conduct a means test to determine if you meet the income requirements for the grant.
Documentation: You will need to provide certain documents, such as identification documents, proof of residence, and legal placement papers.
Application Process: To apply, you need to complete the necessary application forms and submit them to the nearest SASSA office or Submit it online.
Application Procedure for Foster Child Grant
Follow the procedure for applying for the foster child grant in detailed steps:
Step 1: Obtain a Court Order
To start the process, you’ll need a court order that validates your legal position as the child’s foster parent.
You can get the court order from the social worker of the Department of Social Development.
Make an appointment with the social worker to obtain the court order.
Step 2: Fill out the Application Form
Once you have the court order, you can apply for the SASSA foster child grant.
Visit your nearest SASSA office branch or apply online through the SASSA services website.
If you prefer to apply in person, go to the SASSA office and ask for the application form.
Fill out the application form completely and accurately.
If you need assistance, the SASSA officer will be there to help you.
Step 3: Proxy Application (if applicable)
If you are unable to apply in person due to age, illness, or disability, you can have a trusted family member or friend apply on your behalf.
Fill out the Power of Attorney form and have it attested by a Commissioner of Oaths.
The person applying on your behalf should take the Power of Attorney form and a doctor’s note explaining why you cannot visit the SASSA office yourself.
Step 4: Interview and Assessment
Once you have completed the application form, a SASSA officer will interview you or your appointed person.
During the interview, they will ask questions to determine if you qualify for the foster child grant.
Be honest and provide all the necessary information requested.
Step 5: Stamped Receipt
After completing the application and interview, you will receive a dated stamp receipt.
This receipt serves as proof of your application, even if you are not qualified for the grant.
Keep the receipt in a safe place for future reference.
Documents Required for Foster Child Grant Application
These are the documents that SASSA authorities may require from you for the Application of the SASSA Foster Child Grant.
Court Order: This is a legal document issued by the court that confirms you as the foster parent.
ID Documents: You’ll need to provide your identification documents, like your ID card or passport. This helps verify your identity and ensure you are eligible to apply.
Child’s Birth Certificate: This document proves the child’s identity and age. It’s important to have this document to ensure that a grant is being provided to the right child.
Proof of Residence: You will need to show something that confirms your current address, like a utility bill or rental agreement.
Proof of Income: This is to determine your eligibility for the grant. You may need to provide documents like pay slips or bank statements that show your income level.
Medical Reports (if applicable): If the child has any medical conditions or disabilities, you may need to provide relevant medical reports or certificates.
Foster Care Agreement: This is a written agreement between you and the child’s biological parents or the social services department.
Social Worker Assessment: A social worker will assess your home and suitability as a foster parent. This assessment report is usually required as part of the application process.
Bank Account Details: You’ll likely need to provide your bank account details for the grant to be deposited into your account. This ensures a smooth transfer of funds.
Reasons for Suspension of Foster Child Grant
The following are the reasons for the suspension of a foster child grant:
Change in circumstances: Significant changes in the foster child’s situation can lead to grant suspension.
Failure to comply with reviews: Cooperation during grant reviews is important to avoid suspension.
Fraud or misrepresentation: Committing fraud or misrepresenting information can result in suspension.
Mistakes during approval: Errors or oversights during the approval process may lead to suspension.
Reason for Foster Child Grant Lapse
Death of the child or the last living foster parent: If the child or the last living foster parent passes away, the grant may lapse as it is intended to support the child’s needs within the foster care arrangement.
Non-claiming of the grant for three consecutive months: If the foster parents fail to claim the grant for three consecutive months, it may lapse.
Absence from the country: If the foster family is absent from the country for an extended period, the grant may lapse.
Child no longer in foster care: If the child is no longer in the foster care of the designated family, the grant may lapse.
No longer a refugee: If the foster family is no longer recognized as refugees, the grant may lapse.
Admission of the child to a state institution: If the child is admitted to a state institution for any reason, such as for specialized care or treatment, the grant may lapse as the institution would then be responsible for providing for the child’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
To check the status of your Sassa child grant, you can visit the website https://www.sassa.gov.za . Once you’re there, you’ll need to enter the South African ID Number of the child’s parent, guardian, or caregiver. Also, make sure to provide the cell phone number that is linked to your child support grant application ID.
SASSA grants are paid at various locations, including Post Offices and cash pay points in different communities.
It usually takes around 3 to 4 weeks for the application to be processed, but it can sometimes take longer depending on the volume of applications and the completeness of the documentation provided. It’s important to ensure that all required documents are submitted to avoid any delays.
As of now, the foster child grant amount is set at R1,080 per month.
Yes, you can receive a foster child grant even if you are not the biological parent of the child. The grant is intended to provide financial support to caregivers who are providing foster care to children in need.
