What it is
The Foster Child Grant is paid to a foster parent who has been legally entrusted with a child by a court. It supports the costs of raising that child while the foster placement is in force. AllSASSA provides independent information only and cannot process applications.
Amount (from April 2026): R1,290 per month, according to the Budget figures published with the SASSA/DSD schedule. Verify on official channels.
Who qualifies
- The child has been placed in your custody by a court (foster placement order).
- Both you and the child are South African citizens or permanent residents, or qualify refugees.
- The child lives with you in South Africa.
- The placement order is still valid; grants follow the court period.
Confirm current eligibility rules on sassa.gov.za before applying.
What to bring
- Your 13-digit bar-coded ID document or smart ID card.
- The child's birth certificate.
- The court order placing the child in your foster care.
- Proof of your marital status where requested (SASSA will advise).
Applications are done in person at a SASSA office so they can capture and verify your documents. Read our how to apply guide for what to expect on the day.
Renewals and placement changes
Because the grant follows the court order, keep track of the placement end date. Extensions or terminations must be reported to SASSA with the new court documentation. If a payment stops after a placement change, take the paperwork to your nearest office rather than reapplying from scratch.
Payment stopped or late? Use our payment-late checklist first.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Foster Child Grant from April 2026?
The Foster Child Grant increased to R1,290 per month from April 2026 according to the Budget figures published with the SASSA/DSD schedule. Confirm the current amount on sassa.gov.za.
Do I need a court order to apply?
Yes. The Foster Child Grant is linked to a court-ordered foster placement. Bring the court order or placement document when you apply at a SASSA office.
Is the Foster Child Grant means tested?
Unlike most other SASSA grants, the Foster Child Grant is generally not means tested, because the court has placed the child in your care. Confirm your specific situation with SASSA.
When is the Foster Child Grant paid?
It is paid in the children's grants batch each month; see the payment dates page for the exact day per month of 2026/2027.
What happens when the foster placement ends?
The grant is linked to the placement period. When a placement ends or is extended, SASSA must be informed with the relevant court documentation, or the grant can be suspended.