SASSA Foster Care Grant 2024: A Guide to Application and Payments for Children

The SASSA Foster Care Grant is designed to help foster parents provide for children placed in their care. 

This grant recognizes the challenges and responsibilities of fostering a child, offering financial assistance to ensure their basic needs are met. It’s not just about money; it’s about giving these children a chance at a stable, nurturing environment.

One of the key aspects of this grant is its duration. Normally, it extends until the child turns 18. But, if the child is still in school at 18, you can continue receiving this grant until they’re 21.

Staying informed about the grant status is easy. You can check your grant status online, which is a great way to keep tabs on the payment schedules and any updates. 

And remember, the grant will stop once the child reaches 21, finishes school, or starts earning above a certain amount. This approach ensures that the support goes to those who need it the most during their formative years.

Here’s what you need to know to determine if you qualify:

• Available to South African citizens, permanent residents, or recognized refugees.
• Both the foster parent and the child must reside in South Africa.
• Applicants must be legally appointed foster parents.
• Verification is done through a court order.
• The grant targets children in vulnerable situations, like those who are orphaned or have experienced abandonment or mistreatment.
• Covers children under the age of 18, focusing on minors who need care.
• Involves a unique means test that evaluates the income of the foster child, not the foster parents.

Purpose of the Grant:

The Foster Child Grant is more than just financial aid. It’s about providing necessary support to foster parents, enabling them to cater to the basic needs of the foster child. This includes ensuring the child’s well-being in terms of food, clothing, shelter, and education.

The grant is designed to be inclusive, covering children in various states of vulnerability. Whether a child has lost parents, faced abuse, or been neglected, this grant steps in to provide the necessary support.

Financial Assessment and Means Test:

The eligibility criteria for the SASSA Foster Care Grant includes a unique focus on the foster child’s income, rather than that of the foster parents. 

This aspect of the means test is crucial in determining whether the child is in financial need and thus eligible for the grant. Here’s how it works, with an example for clarity:

To qualify for the grant, the foster child’s annual income must not exceed a certain threshold. Specifically, the child’s income should be less than twice the annual amount of the foster child grant.

For instance, as of your information, the foster child grant amount is R1,130 per month. Therefore, the annual amount of this grant would be R1,130 x 12 = R13,560.

Following the rule, the foster child’s annual income must be less than twice this amount, which means it should be less than R13,560 x 2 = R27,120 per year.

Example:

Suppose a foster child earns a small income from a part-time job or perhaps receives a regular allowance from a relative. If this income totals R20,000 per year, the child would still be eligible for the grant since R20,000 is less than the maximum threshold of R27,120.

Now, let’s talk through the process of applying for this grant, its amount, and the associated costs.

Starting from October 1, 2023, the SASSA Foster Child Grant offers a monthly financial support of R1,130 for each foster child under your care. 

This grant is a critical aid in ensuring that foster children receive the necessary support for their overall well-being. Recognizing the ever-changing costs of living and the evolving needs of children, SASSA thoughtfully adjusts this grant amount twice a year, on April 1 and October 1. 

In a move that underscores their ongoing commitment to bolstering foster care, SASSA has planned an increase to the Foster Care grant amount 2024. Therefore, from April 1, 2024, you can look forward to an additional R10 per child each month. 

Application Process: Easy and Cost-Free:

• First off, it’s important to know that applying for this grant doesn’t cost anything. It’s entirely free, making it accessible for all eligible foster parents.
• To get started, you’ll need a legal court order confirming your status as the foster child’s guardian. This is a crucial step, typically facilitated with the help of a social worker from the Department of Social Development.

Apply for the SASSA Foster Care Grant Online

To apply for a SASSA Foster Care Grant online, follow these detailed steps:

Step 1: Access the SASSA Services Website

Visit the SASSA services website on any internet-enabled device (cellphone, tablet, laptop, desktop computer).

Step 2: Register as a New User

If you are a new user, click the yellow “Register” button on the homepage.

Now you will see a “Client Registration Consent”. Click on the box “I agree” then click on apply.

Now you will see “Client Registration Form” on your screen. Provide the following personal information and click on “Register Me” button.

• Citizenship: South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
• ID Number: Enter your ID number
• ID Document Type: Choose ID document or temporary ID
• Title: Select Mr, Mrs, or Miss
• Surname: Enter your surname
• Full Name: Enter your full name
• Email Address: Provide your email address
• Password: Choose a password (at least 8 characters with uppercase or lowercase letters, numbers, symbols, or special characters; avoid common words or names)
• Confirm Password: Re-enter your password
• Cellphone Number: Enter your 10-digit South African cellphone number starting with 0

Step 3: Confirm Registration

• Click the button to receive a One-Time-Pin (OTP) sent to your cellphone number.
• You will receive a message “SASSA Registration OTP”. Enter the 6-digit OTP into the “Verification OTP” box and click on “verify” to confirm your registration.

Step 4: Log In

Log in to the SASSA services website using your username and password. (You username is your ID number that you used to register the account).

Step 5: Apply for the Grant

Click on “Apply for a Grant” and select “Foster Child Grant” and click on continue.

Step 6: Complete the Personal Information Form

Fill in the grant personal information form with all the required information.

Step 7: Complete the Child Information Form & Financial Details

Now you need to fill the information of the child. If there is more than one child, you can click on add child and fill his information form also. Next you need to provide your financial details and click on “Next.”

Step 8: Prepare and Certify Required Documents

• Print the SASSA-generated affidavit and have it certified by a commissioner of oaths.
• Print, sign, and submit the Bank Payment Form with your affidavit.

Step 9: Upload Supporting Documents

Upload certified copies of the following documents in PDF format:

• Your ID document
• Your spouse’s ID document (if applicable)
• Proof of marital status (marriage certificate if applicable)
• Proof of banking details (letter from the bank with your banking details and name)
• Proof of income (if applicable)
• SASSA-generated affidavit

By following these steps, you can successfully apply for the SASSA Foster Care Grant online, ensuring that you provide all necessary information and documents for a smooth application process.

Apply for the SASSA Foster Child Grant Through Office

You can apply at any local SASSA office. If you’re unable to personally visit a SASSA office due to certain constraints like age or illness, don’t worry. A trusted family member or friend can apply on your behalf. All they need is a Power of Attorney form, completed and signed by you.

Once you’re ready to apply, you’ll need to complete the SASSA application form. These forms are readily available at SASSA offices.

If you find the form a bit difficult, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance from a SASSA officer. They’re there to help make the process as smooth as possible for you.

After submitting your application, a SASSA officer will conduct an interview. This is an essential step to verify your situation and the needs of the foster child.

Upon completing this process, you’ll be given a dated stamp receipt. Keep this safe as it’s your proof of application submission.

When applying for the SASSA Foster Child Grant, it’s important to gather all the necessary documents to ensure a smooth application process. Here are the key SASSA Foster Child Grant required documents.

• Your Identity Documentation: This includes your original 13-digit bar-coded ID. If you’re a refugee, ensure you have your status permit and refugee ID.
• Child’s Identification: You’ll need the child’s birth certificate, complete with a valid ID number.
• Alternative Identification: In cases where an ID or birth certificate is missing, a SASSA standard affidavit, completed in front of an Oaths Commissioner, is required.
• Verified Declarations: If formal IDs are unavailable, bring a declaration verified by a reputable community member (like a counselor or social worker) to confirm identities.
• Home Affairs Documentation: Provide evidence that you’ve applied for an ID and/or birth certificate if they are currently unavailable.
• Temporary IDs and Supplementary Documents: Include any temporary IDs or supplementary documents like baptismal or school certificates.
• Legal Court Order for Foster Care: This document is essential as it officially designates you as the legal foster parent.
• Proof of Marital Status: Depending on your situation, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, death certificate for deceased spouses, or an affidavit if single.
• Evidence of Child’s Earnings: If applicable, present documents that show the child’s earnings, such as a maintenance payment order.

Grant Processing Time:

The processing time for a SASSA Foster Child Grant application typically takes about 3 months. This period is necessary for SASSA to conduct a comprehensive review of your application, ensuring all criteria are met and that the grant is awarded to eligible applicants.

After approval, the grant payments begin and are backdated to the date of application submission. This is important because it means you will receive all due payments from the time of your application, ensuring no financial loss during the waiting period.

Grant Status Checking:

Keeping track of your application’s status is crucial. SASSA provides several avenues for this:

• SASSA Official Website: A reliable and direct source for up-to-date information.
• Moya App: A convenient option, especially for those looking to save on data costs.
• SMS to 082-046-8553: A quick way to receive updates.
• WhatsApp Messaging: An easy and accessible method using the same number.
• SASSA’s Toll-Free Number (0800-601011): Direct communication with a representative for detailed information.

Regularly checking the status ensures you are always informed about the progress of your application. It’s a proactive approach that helps you plan accordingly and understand where you stand in the application process.

Navigating the SASSA Foster Child Grant process, especially when facing acceptance issues, can be a journey filled with questions and uncertainties. 

If your SASSA application is initially denied, you can ask SASSA to review it again. If they still don’t approve it and you disagree with their decision, you have the right to make an appeal to the Ministry of Social Development at the National Department of Social Development.

Let’s simplify this process to help you understand what to do if your application faces hurdles, how the payment process works, and how to stay on top of your grant balance.

Overcoming Application Acceptance Challenges

• Right to Appeal: If your application for the SASSA grant is rejected, don’t lose heart. You have the right to request a second look from SASSA. If they still say no, the next step is to appeal to the Ministry of Social Development, and you have 90 days to do this. It’s your opportunity to make your case once more.
• The Review Process: When your appeal reaches the Ministry, they’ll review it thoroughly. If they find merit in your case, they might just overturn SASSA’s decision. And if things go your way, your grant payments will be backdated to when you first applied.
• Understanding Denials: In case your appeal doesn’t succeed, you’ll get a detailed letter explaining why. This information is valuable because it helps you understand what went wrong and how you might address it in the future.

The Payment Process Demystified

SASSA issues grant payments monthly, but the specific dates vary each month. It’s important to regularly check the payment schedule to know when you’ll receive your grant.

• No Fixed Payment Dates: SASSA operates on a monthly payment schedule, but there aren’t any fixed dates. This means you need to stay updated with the schedule to know when to expect your grant.
• Flexible Payment Options: You can choose how you receive your payments. Options include direct bank deposits, cash withdrawals at SASSA-partnered retail outlets, or payments made to specific institutions.
• Bank Payments and Consent: Prefer getting the grant directly in your bank account? Fill out a Consent Form for Bank Payment and provide the necessary documents. Keep in mind that banks might charge a fee for this service.

Life changes, and so can your preferred payment method. Just visit a welfare office to make the switch. Remember, it’ll take effect from the following month after verification.

Nomination and Balance Checks

• Nominate Someone for Collection: If you’re unable to collect the grant yourself due to age or disability, you can appoint someone to do it for you. This requires proper authorization.
• Balance Check Service: Keeping track of your grant balance is important for managing your finances. Thankfully, SASSA provides a service for this.

How to Check Your Balance: You’ve got options here. Use USSD codes, ATMs, WhatsApp, or call the SASSA call center to find out your balance. Each of these methods is designed for convenience and ease of access.

Grant Month	Children Grant
March – 2024	07/03/24
April – 2024	05/04/24
May – 2024	07/05/24
June – 2024	06/06/24
July – 2024	04/07/24
August – 2024	06/08/24
September – 2024	05/09/24
October – 2024	04/10/24
November – 2024	07/11/24
December – 2024	05/12/24