Check the full requirements for the Foster Care Grant in 2026 — find out if your child and household qualify for R1,290 per month from SASSA.
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What Is the Foster Care Grant and Who Can Apply
The Foster Care Grant is a monthly payment from SASSA designed to help families care for children who are not their biological children but have been placed in their care by a court order. In 2026, the grant is set at R1,290 per child per month. It is one of the most important grants for families who have taken on the responsibility of raising a child in need.
To apply for the Foster Care Grant, the caregiver must be a South African citizen or permanent resident, and they must be the court-appointed foster parent. The child must be under 18 years of age, and the placement must be confirmed by a court order issued by a Children's Court. Without a valid court order, SASSA will not process the application — this is a firm legal requirement under the Social Assistance Act No. 13 of 2004.
Many families are not aware that the court order must specifically name the applicant as the foster parent. If you are caring for a relative's child informally — without going through the Children's Court — you may qualify for a different grant instead, such as the Child Support Grant. It is worth checking which grant fits your situation before you visit a SASSA office.
Once approved, the grant can be paid directly into a bank account. Capitec is a popular choice for many South African families because of its low fees and easy-to-use app. You can also receive payments through Standard Bank or collect your grant at a SASSA-approved pay point. Always confirm your preferred payment method when you register at SASSA.
Documents You Must Bring to Your SASSA Application
Getting your documents right before you visit SASSA saves time and prevents delays. Missing even one document can mean your application is turned away and you have to come back another day. Here is what you need to bring for the Foster Care Grant application.
For the foster parent (caregiver):
- Your South African ID (a valid SA ID with your 13-digit SA ID Number)
- Proof of residence (a recent utility bill, affidavit, or letter from a ward councillor)
- Proof of income or a declaration that you have no income (SASSA will apply the Means Test)
For the foster child:
- The child's birth certificate (issued by DHA — Department of Home Affairs)
- The court order from the Children's Court confirming you as the foster parent
- The child's SA ID if they are old enough, or a clinic card for younger children
If the child was born outside South Africa, additional documents from DHA may be required to confirm the child's legal status in the country. It is best to contact your nearest DSD — Department of Social Development — office for guidance specific to your case.
It is a good idea to keep digital copies of all your documents. If you have a smartphone, you can use mobile banking apps from Capitec or Standard Bank to store scanned copies securely. Mobile data from providers like Vodacom or MTN makes it easy to check your application status online after you have submitted your documents to SASSA.
The Means Test: Does Your Income Affect the Grant?
The Foster Care Grant is subject to a Means Test. This means SASSA looks at the income of the foster parent — not the child — to decide whether the household qualifies. If your income is above the threshold set by SASSA, your application may be declined. The Means Test thresholds are reviewed annually, usually following the Budget Speech in February.
For 2026, the Means Test for the Foster Care Grant considers the gross income of the foster parent. If you are unsure whether your income falls within the qualifying range, visit your nearest SASSA office or the official SASSA website at sassa.gov.za for the latest figures. Do not rely on old information — thresholds change every year.
It is important to understand that receiving other SASSA grants does not automatically disqualify you from the Foster Care Grant. For example, if you already receive the Older Persons Grant or the Child Support Grant for another child, you may still qualify — each case is assessed individually.
Once your grant is approved, you need a reliable way to receive your money. Capitec is widely used across South Africa for receiving SASSA payments — their branches and ATMs are found in most towns and townships. You can also link your grant to a Vodacom or MTN mobile wallet in some cases, making it easier to access your money without travelling far. Speak to your nearest SASSA office about which payment options are available to you.
Renewing the Foster Care Grant Before It Expires
The Foster Care Grant does not last forever without renewal. It is linked directly to the court order that placed the child in your care. When the court order expires, the grant also stops — unless you renew it in time. This is one of the most common reasons families suddenly stop receiving payments.
Court orders for foster care are usually valid for two years. Before your court order expires, you need to return to the Children's Court to have it extended. Once the court issues a new or extended order, you must take it to SASSA to update your records. Missing this step means your grant will be suspended, and you will need to re-apply from scratch — which takes time your family may not be able to afford.
SASSA recommends starting the renewal process at least three months before the court order expiry date. Mark the expiry date on your calendar — it is printed on the court order document. If you are unsure of the date, check with the Children's Court clerk in your area.
During the renewal period, keep your bank account active and in good standing. If you receive your grant through Capitec, make sure your account is not dormant. Standard Bank customers should also check that their details on the SASSA system match their current banking details. You can use data from Cell C or MTN to check your SASSA status online at sassa.gov.za, or visit a Capitec branch to confirm your payment details are up to date. Acting early protects your family from unnecessary payment gaps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a grandparent or aunt apply for the Foster Care Grant?
Yes, a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or any adult can apply — but only if they have been formally appointed as a foster parent by a Children's Court. Informal care arrangements do not qualify for this grant. If you are a relative caring for a child without a court order, check whether the Child Support Grant may be a better fit. Visit sassa.gov.za or your nearest SASSA office for guidance. You can bank your grant through Capitec or Standard Bank once approved.
What happens to the grant if the foster child turns 18?
The Foster Care Grant stops when the child turns 18. In some cases, if the child is still in full-time schooling, the grant may continue until the child turns 22 — but only if the court order is extended to cover this period. SASSA will notify you when the grant is due to end. Make sure your contact details are current on the SASSA system so you receive any updates. Check the latest rules at sassa.gov.za.
How long does it take for SASSA to approve the Foster Care Grant?
Processing times vary. SASSA aims to finalise applications within 90 days, but this depends on whether all your documents are in order and whether the Means Test is completed quickly. Having a complete set of documents — including the court order, birth certificate from DHA, and your SA ID — speeds up the process. Once approved, payments can be deposited into your Capitec or Standard Bank account. Use Vodacom or MTN data to track your application status online.
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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.