Find out if you qualify for the Foster Child Grant and how to apply at SASSA.
Official information. We are not affiliated with SASSA.What you need to know about this grant 📋
💵 R1,290 per child from April 2026
Check your payment date via Vodacom, MTN or Capitec Pay.
The Foster Child Grant increased to R1,290 per child per month from April 2026. SASSA pays children's grants on the third staggered payment day each month. You can track your payment using Capitec Pay or FNB eWallet. Many caregivers also use MTN mobile banking alerts or a Vodacom data connection to check their Postbank balance before heading to the ATM. Find out your exact payment date and make sure your banking details are up to date at your nearest SASSA office.
⚠️ Grant suspended? Act now
Late court order renewal can stop your grant. Check today.
Your Foster Child Grant may be suspended if the children's court order expires and is not renewed in time. SASSA requires a valid, current court order at all times. If your grant stops unexpectedly, visit your nearest SASSA office immediately with your SA ID and updated court documents. You can receive reinstated payments through Capitec Pay, TymeBank, or SnapScan-linked accounts. Do not wait — a lapse in the court order can delay payments for several months. Cell C and Standard Bank customers can also set up SMS alerts to monitor grant deposits.
Where to collect your grant 🏦
Most Foster Child Grant recipients collect at a Postbank-linked SASSA pay point or ATM. Bring your SASSA card and your SA ID on payment day. Queues at pay points can be long — arrive early. If you bank with Standard Bank or have a Capitec GlobalOne card, you may be able to have your grant deposited directly into that account. Elderly or mobility-limited caregivers can request a home visit from SASSA. Always verify the payment date with your local SASSA office before travelling.
Capitec Pay is a convenient digital option for receiving your Foster Child Grant. With a Capitec account, your grant can be deposited directly each month — no queuing at a pay point. TymeBank is another low-fee digital account accepted for grant payments. You can check your balance anytime using the Capitec app over a Vodacom or MTN data connection. Switching your payment method requires a visit to your nearest SASSA office with your SA ID and bank account details. Never share your PIN or banking details with anyone.
Estimate your monthly grant 🔍
Calculate your Foster Child Grant
Move the slider to see how much you may receive each month based on the number of foster children in your care.
Each child qualifies separately. Amounts are subject to annual adjustment in…
Other grants you may qualify for 📌
As a foster carer, you may also qualify for other SASSA grants. Capitec and TymeBank account holders can receive multiple grant payments in one account. Check the…
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Extra support for caregivers
Check now ➔Disability Grant
Support if you cannot work
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Relief for those in need
Check now ➔Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I apply for the Foster Child Grant at my nearest SASSA office?
To apply for the Foster Child Grant, visit your nearest SASSA office in person. Bring your valid 13-digit SA ID, the child's birth certificate, and the children's court order placing the child in your foster care. SASSA staff will complete the application form with you. There is no online application for this grant. Once approved, you can choose to receive your payment through Postbank, Capitec Pay, or TymeBank. Processing typically takes up to 90 days. You may qualify if both you and the foster child are resident in South Africa.
How much is the Foster Child Grant in 2026 and when is it paid each month?
The Foster Child Grant is R1,290 per child per month, effective April 2026 following the annual Budget Speech adjustment. Each foster child qualifies for a separate grant, so caregivers with multiple children may receive R1,290 for each. SASSA pays children's grants on the third staggered payment day of each month. You can check your exact date on the SASSA website at sassa.gov.za. Many caregivers use Vodacom or MTN data to check their Capitec or Postbank balance online before collecting. Dates are published for the full 2026/2027 financial year.
What do I do if my Foster Child Grant payment is late or has been suspended?
If your Foster Child Grant is late or suspended, visit your nearest SASSA office immediately with your SA ID and current court order. Common reasons for suspension include an expired court order or outdated banking details. Do not send your ID or banking information via WhatsApp or to any third party — this is a common scam. You can update your payment method to Capitec Pay or TymeBank at the SASSA office. Cell C and Telkom customers can call the SASSA toll-free helpline on 0800 60 10 11. Once resolved, back-payments may be made for the months missed.
Fuentes Oficiales 🏛️
Disclaimer: This site provides information about government assistance programmes in South Africa. We are not affiliated with SASSA, the Department of Social Development, or any government agency. Visit sassa.gov.za to apply.