What is the Foster Child Grant?

The Foster Child Grant (FCG) is a monthly social grant provided by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to foster parents who have been placed in charge of a child through a valid Children's Court order. The grant is intended to help cover the costs of raising a child who is not your biological child but has been legally placed in your care by the court. It is one of the higher-value social grants because foster parents take on full parental responsibility.

How much is the Foster Child Grant in 2026?

The Foster Child Grant is R1 290 per child per month (from April 2026, per the National Budget). The amount is reviewed annually by the Minister of Finance during the national budget speech and typically increases each year to account for inflation. The grant is paid monthly, either into your own bank account or onto your SASSA/Postbank black card (which replaced the old gold card), used to withdraw cash at major retailers or ATMs.

Who qualifies for the Foster Child Grant?

To qualify, you must be a foster parent with a valid Children's Court order placing the child in your care. You must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee. The child must be under 18 years old. Unlike the Child Support Grant, there is no means test for the Foster Child Grant — any foster parent with a valid court order qualifies regardless of income. The court order is the essential requirement.

Do I need a court order to apply for the Foster Child Grant?

Yes. A valid Children's Court order is the single most important requirement for the Foster Child Grant. Without it, SASSA cannot process your application. The court order must specifically place the child in your foster care and must name you as the foster parent. Court orders are issued under the Children's Act (Act 38 of 2005) and must be renewed every two years. If your court order has expired, you must renew it before SASSA will continue payments.

What documents do I need to apply for the Foster Child Grant?

You need your South African ID (green ID book, Smart ID card, or temporary ID certificate), the valid Children's Court order placing the child in your care, the foster child's unabridged birth certificate, proof of residential address (utility bill or affidavit not older than 3 months), banking details (bank statement not older than 3 months), and a school attendance letter if the child is of school-going age. Your designated social worker may also need to provide a report confirming the foster placement is still active.

Where do I apply for the Foster Child Grant?

Apply in person at your nearest SASSA office. You cannot apply online or by phone — SASSA requires your original documents to be verified in person. To find your nearest office, call the SASSA toll-free number 0800 60 10 11 or visit the SASSA website (sassa.gov.za). Your designated social worker can often assist with the application process and may accompany you to the SASSA office.

What happens when my Children's Court order expires?

Children's Court orders must be renewed every two years. If your court order expires and is not renewed, SASSA will suspend the Foster Child Grant until a new or extended order is provided. Start the renewal process at least 3 months before the expiry date by contacting your designated social worker, who will arrange the court proceedings. Once the renewed order is issued, take it to SASSA to reinstate the grant.

Can I receive the Foster Child Grant and the Child Support Grant for the same child?

No. You cannot receive both the Foster Child Grant and the Child Support Grant for the same child simultaneously. The Foster Child Grant (R1 290/month from April 2026) is higher than the Child Support Grant (R580/month from April 2026) because it recognises the greater responsibility of full-time foster care. If you are currently receiving the CSG for a child and then obtain a foster care court order for that same child, you should apply for the FCG and the CSG will be stopped for that child.

Can I apply for the Foster Child Grant for more than one child?

Yes. You can apply for the Foster Child Grant for each child placed in your foster care by the Children's Court. Each child requires a separate application, affidavit, and court order. There is no limit on the number of foster children you can receive the grant for, provided each placement is supported by a valid court order.

How long does it take to get approved for the Foster Child Grant?

SASSA aims to process applications within 30 days of submission. If approved, the first payment is usually made within 30 to 90 days. SASSA may contact your social worker to verify the foster placement. You will receive an SMS notification of the outcome. If your application is declined, SASSA will provide the reason in writing and you have 90 days to appeal through the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA).

What is the difference between a foster parent and a legal guardian?

A foster parent is placed in charge of a child through a Children's Court order under the Children's Act. A legal guardian is appointed through a High Court order and has broader parental rights. For the Foster Child Grant, you must be a foster parent with a Children's Court order — a legal guardianship order alone does not qualify you for this specific grant. Legal guardians may qualify for the Child Support Grant instead.

Is my personal data safe when using FillMeIn to download this form?

Yes. FillMeIn processes all your data entirely on your device. Your ID number, foster child's details, court order information, and all other form entries never leave your phone or computer — nothing is sent to our servers or stored in the cloud. This privacy-first approach means your sensitive personal and foster care information stays under your control at all times.

SASSA Affidavit — Foster Child Grant

South African Social Security Agency · Verified 26 July 2026

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