Sassa Foster Child Grant Online Application 2024

1. Eligibility Criteria:

• Foster Child: The child must be under 18 years old and legally placed in foster care by a court order. If the child remains in education or training after turning 18, the grant can be extended until they are 21 years old.
• Foster Parent: The applicant must be the legal foster parent of the child as appointed by a court order.
• Residency: Both the foster parent and the child must be South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees.
• No Means Test: Unlike other grants, the Foster Child Grant is not means-tested, meaning the foster parent’s income does not affect the application.

2. Grant Amount:

• As of 2024, the Foster Child Grant amount is R1,125 per month per child (subject to change based on annual budget adjustments).

3. How to Apply:

To apply for the Foster Child Grant, you must visit the nearest SASSA office with the following documents:

• A court order that confirms the foster care placement.
• The foster child’s birth certificate.
• The foster parent’s valid South African ID.
• Proof of income (if employed), although it is not required for eligibility.
• Bank details (for direct deposit if that is your preferred payment method).

4. Application Process:

• SASSA will review the court order and ensure all documents are in order.
• The foster parent will be asked to provide their bank details or choose another method of payment.
• After submitting the application, SASSA will process it and notify you of the outcome.

5. What Happens After Approval:

• Once approved, the grant will be paid out monthly.
• If the child’s court order lapses or if the child is no longer under foster care, the grant will be discontinued.
• If the application is denied, you can appeal the decision.

6. Grant Duration:

• The Foster Child Grant is valid as long as the court order remains in effect, usually until the child turns 18. If the child continues their education or training, the grant can be extended up to 21 years of age.

7. Payment Methods:

• Payments can be made through a SASSA card, direct deposit into a bank account, or via cash payments at specified pay points.

8. What Happens When the Child Turns 18:

• If the child is still in school or receiving training, the foster parent can apply to extend the grant until the child is 21.
• If the child turns 18 and is no longer in education, the grant will end.

9. Contact SASSA:

• You can reach SASSA for more information at their toll-free number 0800 60 10 11 or by visiting their local office or website.

The Foster Child Grant provides crucial financial support to foster parents, helping them meet the needs of children placed under their care by the state. Let me know if you need further assistance!