Everything You Need to Know About the SASSA Foster Child Grant in 2026
Last Updated: February 2026
At a Glance: Foster Child Grant Key Facts for 2026
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Who Receives It | Foster parent named in a court order |
| Grant Amount | R1,180 per child per month |
| Court Order | Required |
| Means Tested | No |
| Processing Time | Up to 90 days |
| Payment Day | Same cycle as Child Support Grant |
| Official Helpline | 0800 60 10 11 |
What the Foster Child Grant Is
The Foster Child Grant is a monthly social grant paid by SASSA to foster parents who have been granted formal foster care of a child through a court order. It is specifically designed to assist foster parents with the costs of caring for a child who has been placed in their care by the Children’s Court.
The Foster Child Grant is different from the Child Support Grant in two critical ways. First it requires a formal court order placing the child in your care. An informal arrangement where you are caring for a child without a court order does not qualify for the Foster Child Grant. Second it does not have a means test, meaning your income and assets are not assessed. Any foster parent with a valid court order qualifies financially regardless of how much they earn.
The grant pays R1,180 per child per month, which is more than double the Child Support Grant amount of R530. This higher amount reflects the formal legal responsibility and additional costs associated with formal foster care.
Foster Child Grant Amount in 2026
The Foster Child Grant amount is R1,180 per child per month as of the 2025/2026 financial year. This amount is reviewed annually as part of the national budget process each February. For the most current grant amount confirm on sassa.gov.za.
If you are a foster parent caring for multiple children each with their own court order, you receive R1,180 per qualifying child per month.
Who Qualifies for the Foster Child Grant
The foster parent must:
Be named as the foster parent in a valid Children’s Court order placing the child in their care. Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee with a valid refugee status permit. Be resident in South Africa. Not be receiving the Child Support Grant or Care Dependency Grant for the same child.
The child must:
Be under 18 years of age. In certain circumstances the grant can continue beyond 18 if the child is a full-time learner at a school, in which case it can continue until the child turns 22 or completes their schooling, whichever comes first. Be placed in your care by a valid Children’s Court order. Not be cared for in a state-funded institution.
There is no means test. The Foster Child Grant does not assess your income or assets. Any foster parent with a valid court order qualifies regardless of their financial circumstances.
The Court Order Requirement Explained
The court order is the single most important requirement for the Foster Child Grant. Without a valid Children’s Court order placing the child specifically in your care, you cannot receive this grant.
What type of court order qualifies.
A Children’s Court foster care order issued under the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 is the qualifying document. This order must specifically name you as the foster parent and name the child being placed in your care.
How to get a foster care court order.
If you are caring for a child informally and want to formalise the arrangement, you need to approach the Children’s Court in your area. The Department of Social Development assists families through this process. Contact your nearest Department of Social Development office for guidance on applying for a foster care order.
Department of Social Development call centre: 0800 220 250 (toll-free)
Website: dsd.gov.za
What if the court order expires.
Foster care court orders are typically issued for a fixed period, usually two years, after which they must be renewed by the Children’s Court. If your court order expires and is not renewed, your Foster Child Grant will be suspended. Monitor the expiry date of your court order carefully and begin the renewal process well before it expires. Contact the Department of Social Development for assistance with renewals.
What if the child is placed with you in an emergency.
In some cases the Department of Social Development places a child with a foster parent on an emergency basis before a formal court order is obtained. Contact SASSA on 0800 60 10 11 to understand what temporary arrangements may be available while the formal court order is being processed.
Documents Required To Apply
For the foster parent:
Original South African ID document. Proof of residence not older than three months. Bank account details for payment.
For the child:
The child’s birth certificate. The valid Children’s Court foster care order naming you as the foster parent and naming the child.
Additional documents for specific situations:
If the child’s parents are deceased: death certificates for both parents if available. If the child has a disability requiring additional care: medical documentation may be required if applying for Care Dependency Grant in addition.
How To Apply for the Foster Child Grant
Step 1: Obtain your Children’s Court order.
Before applying to SASSA, ensure you have a valid Children’s Court foster care order. If you do not yet have one, contact the Department of Social Development on 0800 220 250 for guidance.
Step 2: Visit your nearest SASSA office.
Take all required documents including your ID, the child’s birth certificate, your court order, and proof of residence. Tell the official you want to apply for the Foster Child Grant.
Step 3: Complete the application.
A SASSA official will assist you to complete the application form, verify your court order, and capture your details. You will receive an application reference number. Keep this to track your application.
Step 4: Wait for the outcome.
SASSA has 90 days to process your application. You will be notified by SMS and in writing. Track your application on the SASSA services portal using your application reference number.
Foster Child Grant Payment Dates 2026
The Foster Child Grant follows the same payment schedule as the Child Support Grant and is typically paid on the same day.
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January 2026 | 8 January 2026 |
| February 2026 | 5 February 2026 |
| March 2026 | 5 March 2026 |
| April 2026 | 3 April 2026 |
| May 2026 | 7 May 2026 |
| June 2026 | 4 June 2026 |
| July 2026 | 3 July 2026 |
| August 2026 | 6 August 2026 |
| September 2026 | 3 September 2026 |
| October 2026 | 3 October 2026 |
| November 2026 | 5 November 2026 |
| December 2026 | 3 December 2026 |
When a payment date falls on a public holiday or weekend SASSA moves it to the preceding working day. For official confirmation see sassa.gov.za/payment-dates-for-2025-2026-financial-year.
How Your Foster Child Grant Is Paid
SASSA card at ATMs and retailers. Use your SASSA gold card at any ATM displaying the Maestro or Visa logo and at participating retailers.
Bank account. Link your Foster Child Grant to your personal bank account for automatic payment. All major banks are supported including Capitec, TymeBank, Absa, Standard Bank, FNB, and Nedbank.
Retail collection. Cash collection at Pick n Pay, Boxer, Shoprite, Checkers, and Usave if your grant is set up for retail collection.
Foster Child Grant Versus Child Support Grant: Key Differences
Understanding the difference helps you apply for the correct grant and avoid delays.
| Feature | Foster Child Grant | Child Support Grant |
|---|---|---|
| Court order required | Yes | No |
| Means test | No | Yes |
| Grant amount | R1,180 per child | R530 per child |
| Who qualifies | Court-appointed foster parents | Any primary caregiver |
| Administered by | SASSA with DSD involvement | SASSA |
If you are caring for a child informally without a court order, you qualify for the Child Support Grant not the Foster Child Grant. For guidance on the Child Support Grant see our Child Support Grant page.
Common Foster Child Grant Problems and How To Fix Them
Court order expired.
If your court order has expired your grant will be suspended. Contact the Department of Social Development on 0800 220 250 immediately to begin the renewal process. Take the renewed court order to a SASSA office once obtained to reinstate your grant.
Payment not received.
Wait three working days after the payment date. Check your bank statement for deposits under non-SASSA references. Contact your bank to confirm whether a deposit was received and accepted or returned. Contact SASSA on 0800 60 10 11 for your payment reference number.
Child turns 18.
The grant normally stops when the child turns 18. However if the child is a full-time learner at a school, the grant can continue until the child turns 22 or completes their schooling whichever comes first. Notify SASSA and provide proof of school enrollment to continue the grant beyond the child’s 18th birthday.
Application declined.
If your application is declined SASSA must notify you in writing with the reason. Contact SASSA on 0800 60 10 11 to confirm the reason and the appeal process. If the decline relates to your court order, consult the Department of Social Development for assistance.
Child placed with you in an emergency before court order is obtained.
Contact both the Department of Social Development on 0800 220 250 and SASSA on 0800 60 10 11 immediately to understand what support is available while the formal court order is being processed.
Copy and Paste Template for Foster Child Grant Payment Follow-Up
Subject: Foster Child Grant Payment Not Received — [Your ID Number] — [Month Year]
Message:
Dear SASSA,
I am writing to follow up on my Foster Child Grant payment for [Month Year] which has not reflected in my account. My payment date has passed and funds have not been received.
Full name: [Your full name as on your ID]
ID number: [Your 13-digit ID number]
Phone number registered to grant: [Your registered phone number]
Number of children on the grant: [Number]
Court order reference: [Court order number if available]
Bank account on file: [Account number and bank name if known]
Please confirm whether payment was processed for this month, the payment reference number, and which account payment was sent to. If payment failed or was returned, please advise on reprocessing.
Thank you.
Scam Awareness for Foster Child Grant Recipients
Foster parents are targeted by scammers who know the grant provides ongoing monthly income.
Common scams include people offering to expedite your court order or SASSA application for a fee, calls claiming your grant has been suspended and asking for a fee to reinstate it, and fake Department of Social Development officials claiming to conduct home visits requiring payment.
SASSA and the Department of Social Development never charge fees for applications, court order processing, or grant payments. All legitimate processes are completely free. Never share your banking PIN, OTP, or SASSA card PIN with anyone.
Summary: Foster Child Grant at a Glance
- The grant is R1,180 per child per month for foster parents with a valid Children’s Court foster care order.
- No means test applies. Income and assets are not assessed.
- Apply at a SASSA office with your ID, the child’s birth certificate, and your court order.
- Monitor your court order expiry date carefully and renew well before it expires.
- If the child is a full-time learner after turning 18, the grant can continue until age 22 or school completion.
- Contact SASSA on 0800 60 10 11 for all payment and application queries.
- Contact the Department of Social Development on 0800 220 250 for court order assistance.
Foster Child Grant FAQs
Do I need a court order to receive the Foster Child Grant?
Yes. A valid Children’s Court foster care order naming you as the foster parent is the single most important requirement. Without it you cannot receive the Foster Child Grant. If you are caring for a child without a court order, apply for the Child Support Grant instead.
Is there a means test for the Foster Child Grant?
No. The Foster Child Grant does not assess your income or assets. Any foster parent with a valid court order qualifies regardless of their financial circumstances.
Can I receive the Foster Child Grant for multiple children?
Yes. You receive R1,180 per qualifying child per month provided each child has their own valid Children’s Court order placing them in your care.
What happens when my court order expires?
Your grant will be suspended when the court order expires. Begin the renewal process with the Department of Social Development well before the expiry date to avoid a gap in payments. Once the renewed order is obtained take it to a SASSA office to reinstate your grant.
Can the Foster Child Grant continue after the child turns 18?
Yes in certain circumstances. If the child is a full-time learner at a school the grant can continue until the child turns 22 or completes their schooling whichever comes first. You must notify SASSA and provide proof of school enrollment before the child’s 18th birthday to continue the grant.
What is the difference between the Foster Child Grant and the Child Support Grant?
The Foster Child Grant requires a Children’s Court order, has no means test, and pays R1,180 per child. The Child Support Grant requires no court order, has a means test based on your income, and pays R530 per child. If you have a court order you should apply for the Foster Child Grant as it pays more.
Can I receive both the Foster Child Grant and the Child Support Grant for the same child?
No. You cannot receive both grants for the same child. Apply for the Foster Child Grant if you have a court order as it pays a higher amount.
What if the biological parents want the child back?
If the Children’s Court order is revoked because the child is returned to their biological parents, your Foster Child Grant stops. Contact SASSA on 0800 60 10 11 to notify them of the change in circumstances.
Can a grandparent or other relative receive the Foster Child Grant?
Yes provided they have a valid Children’s Court foster care order naming them as the foster parent. The relationship to the child does not matter as long as the court order is in place.
What if the child I am fostering has a severe disability?
If the child has a severe disability requiring permanent home care, you may qualify for the Care Dependency Grant of R2,190 per month instead of or in addition to the Foster Child Grant depending on the specific circumstances. Contact SASSA on 0800 60 10 11 for guidance on your specific situation. See our Care Dependency Grant page for full details.
Official References
- SASSA services portal
- SASSA website
- SASSA payment dates 2025/2026
- SASSA helpline: 0800 60 10 11 (free, Monday to Friday)
- SASSA WhatsApp: 082 046 8553
- Department of Social Development: 0800 220 250
- Department of Social Development website
- Legal Aid South Africa: 0800 110 110
- Black Sash: 072 663 3739
