Foster Child Grant: I’m excited to share important news for foster parents across South Africa. The Foster Child Grant amount has been officially set at R1,250 per child for September 2025, representing the government’s continued commitment to supporting those who open their homes to children in need. If you’re currently caring for a foster child or considering becoming a foster parent, this update is particularly relevant to you. The grant aims to help cover the basic needs of foster children, including food, clothing, education, and healthcare expenses. Have you been wondering about the application process or eligibility requirements for this essential support?
What Is the Foster Child Grant?
The Foster Child Grant is a monthly payment provided by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to citizens, permanent residents, or refugees who are legally caring for foster children. This financial support is specifically designed to assist foster parents with the costs associated with raising children who are not biologically their own. The grant recognizes the valuable service foster parents provide to society by offering stable homes to vulnerable children.
To qualify for the Foster Child Grant, you must have a court order designating you as the child’s legal foster parent. The child must remain in your care, and both you and the child must reside in South Africa. The Foster Child Grant differs from other child support grants in that it’s specifically for children placed in foster care through the court system, rather than biological children or informal care arrangements.
How to Apply for the Foster Child Grant
Applying for the Foster Child Grant requires several steps and specific documentation. First, you’ll need to visit your nearest SASSA office with your ID document and the foster child’s birth certificate. You must also bring the court order that officially placed the child in your care. SASSA officials will guide you through completing the application form and may request additional supporting documents depending on your specific circumstances.
The application process typically includes an interview with a SASSA representative who will verify your information. Once your application is submitted, SASSA aims to process it within 90 days. If approved, payments will be backdated to the date of application. I recommend calling the SASSA helpline at 0800 60 10 11 before visiting to confirm the exact requirements and potentially schedule an appointment to reduce waiting time.
When and How Payments Are Made
The September 2025 Foster Child Grant payment of R1,250 will be disbursed according to SASSA’s regular payment schedule. Payments are typically made during the first week of each month, though specific dates may vary by region. You can receive your Foster Child Grant through several payment methods, including direct bank deposits, SASSA card withdrawals at ATMs or participating retailers, or cash payments at designated payment points.
It’s important to note that the grant is paid per foster child, meaning if you’re caring for multiple foster children, you’ll receive R1,250 for each child. The payment continues until the child turns 18, unless the court order specifies an earlier termination date. In special circumstances, such as if the child is still in school or has a disability, the grant may be extended until the age of 21 with proper documentation and approval.
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Why Regular Reviews Are Important
SASSA conducts regular reviews of all Foster Child Grant recipients to ensure ongoing eligibility. These reviews help maintain the integrity of the system and confirm that children are still in the care of their registered foster parents. You’ll typically be notified in advance when your grant is due for review, and you’ll need to present updated documentation to continue receiving payments.
Failing to participate in the review process could result in suspension or termination of your grant. If your circumstances change – for example, if the child returns to their biological parents, is adopted, or turns 18 – you must inform SASSA immediately. Continuing to collect payments when you’re no longer eligible constitutes fraud and may result in legal consequences and requirements to repay improperly received funds.
Real-Life Impact: The Mthembu Family’s Experience
The Mthembu family from KwaZulu-Natal has been fostering three siblings for the past four years. Mrs. Mthembu shares, “The Foster Child Grant has been essential for us, especially for covering school expenses and medical needs. The increase to R1,250 per child for September 2025 means we can provide better nutrition and additional educational resources for the children. Without this support, we simply couldn’t manage to give these children the quality of life they deserve.” Their experience highlights how the grant directly impacts the wellbeing of foster children and supports the generous families who care for them.
