Find out exactly when SASSA pays the Foster Care Grant in 2026 — and how to check your R1,290 payment using your phone or bank account.
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When Does SASSA Pay the Foster Care Grant Each Month?
If you care for a foster child, knowing your payment date is everything. SASSA releases grants on a staggered payment schedule — different grant types are paid on different days each month. The Foster Care Grant falls on the third payment day in SASSA's monthly schedule.
For 2026, that means caregivers receiving the Foster Care Grant can expect their R1,290 per child to be deposited on the third working day that SASSA designates — not necessarily the third day of the month. SASSA publishes the full annual schedule in advance so you can plan ahead. You can find the confirmed dates on the DSD website or at your nearest SASSA office.
The easiest way to check your exact date is on your phone. If you bank with Capitec, you can set up instant payment notifications through the Capitec app — the moment your Foster Care Grant lands, you get an alert. Many caregivers say this saves them an unnecessary trip to the ATM.
If you use Vodacom, you can check your Postbank balance by dialling the USSD code *120*3210# — no data required. This works even on a basic handset. MTN customers can do the same via MTN's banking USSD menu. Knowing your balance before you leave home means no wasted journeys.
Keep in mind that public holidays can shift payment dates. When a scheduled payment day falls on a public holiday, SASSA typically pays before that date, not after. Watch for SASSA announcements in April and June 2026 — those months have public holidays that may affect your Foster Care Grant deposit date.
How Much Is the Foster Care Grant in 2026?
From April 2026, the Foster Care Grant increased to R1,290 per child per month. If you are caring for more than one foster child, SASSA pays R1,290 for each child — the amounts are added together and paid in a single deposit.
This increase was confirmed following the annual Budget Speech process. Remember that grant amounts are reviewed each year and are subject to confirmation in the next Budget Speech. Always check the latest figures on the DSD website or at a SASSA office before making financial plans based on the grant amount.
For many foster families, the Foster Care Grant is a critical source of income for school fees, food, and transport. Stretching it as far as possible matters. Opening a Capitec savings account can help — Capitec charges low monthly fees, and you can split your grant across different savings goals within the app. This makes it easier to set aside money for school term costs before they arrive.
Standard Bank also offers accessible accounts for grant recipients. If your nearest branch is closer than a Capitec, Standard Bank's basic account lets you receive SASSA payments with low transaction costs. Whichever bank you choose, make sure your banking details registered with SASSA are current — outdated details are one of the most common reasons payments are delayed.
If you receive the grant via a Postbank card, check your balance regularly using Vodacom or MTN USSD services so you always know what has been deposited before visiting an ATM or pay point.
What to Do If Your Foster Care Grant Payment Is Late or Missing
A late or missing Foster Care Grant payment is stressful. Here is what to check first before visiting a SASSA office.
Step 1 — Check your balance first. Sometimes the money arrives but you have not been notified. Use your Capitec app, the MTN banking USSD menu, or dial *120*3210# on Vodacom to check your Postbank balance. It takes less than a minute and costs nothing on Vodacom or MTN USSD.
Step 2 — Check if the date has shifted. Public holidays or system updates sometimes push payment dates by one or two days. Visit the DSD website or call the SASSA toll-free number (0800 60 10 11) to confirm the scheduled date for the current month.
Step 3 — Check your banking details. If your account number or card has changed and you did not update SASSA, the payment may have failed. Visit your nearest SASSA office with your SA ID and proof of your current bank account to update your details. Standard Bank and Capitec can both print a bank-stamped letter confirming your account details — this is what SASSA requires.
Step 4 — Check that your court order is current. The Foster Care Grant is linked to a valid foster care court order. If your court order has expired, SASSA will suspend your grant until a renewed order is submitted. This is a separate process handled through the courts and your social worker, not through SASSA directly.
If none of the above resolves the issue, lodge a formal query at your nearest SASSA office. Bring your SA ID, your Postbank card or bank details, and the child's birth certificate.
How to Keep Your Foster Care Grant Payments Running Smoothly
Staying on top of a few simple things can prevent most Foster Care Grant payment problems. Here is what experienced caregivers do every month.
Set up a payment alert. The single most useful thing you can do is set up a real-time payment notification on your bank account. If you bank with Capitec, the app sends a push notification the instant money arrives. This way you know immediately whether your Foster Care Grant has been deposited — without checking manually or visiting the ATM.
Save the SASSA payment schedule. Download or screenshot the annual payment schedule from the DSD website at the start of the year. The 2026/2027 schedule is published on the DSD site. Keep it on your phone so you always know the expected payment day for each month, including months with public holidays.
Keep your mobile number active. If your phone number is linked to your Capitec or Standard Bank account, keep it active. Cell C and other networks sometimes deactivate SIM cards after periods of inactivity — if your number changes, update it with your bank immediately so you keep receiving alerts.
Use low-cost data options wisely. Checking your balance or the SASSA website uses data. Cell C offers affordable bundles, and both Vodacom and MTN allow USSD balance checks for free (no data needed). Use USSD for quick checks and save your data for the SASSA or DSD website when you need more detail.
Renew your foster care court order before it expires. Contact your social worker at least three months before the court order expiry date. A lapsed order is the most common reason Foster Care Grant payments stop — and reinstatement takes time. Stay ahead of it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
On which exact day of the month does SASSA pay the Foster Care Grant?
The Foster Care Grant is paid on the third designated payment day in SASSA's monthly schedule — this is not always the same calendar date each month. Public holidays can shift it by a day or two. Check the full 2026/2027 schedule on the DSD website, or use your Capitec app or Vodacom USSD balance check to confirm when the money arrives.
What happens to my Foster Care Grant if my court order expires?
SASSA will suspend your Foster Care Grant payments if your foster care court order expires. The grant is only payable under a valid court order. Contact your social worker as early as possible — ideally three months before expiry — to start the renewal process. Once a new court order is submitted to SASSA, payments can resume. MTN and Capitec payment alerts will notify you the moment your deposit is restored.
Can I receive the Foster Care Grant into a Capitec or Standard Bank account?
Yes. SASSA can deposit the Foster Care Grant directly into a Capitec or Standard Bank account in the caregiver's name. Visit your nearest SASSA office with your SA ID and a bank-stamped letter from Capitec or Standard Bank confirming your account details. Make sure the account is in your name — SASSA does not deposit into third-party accounts. Cell C, Vodacom, and MTN USSD services can help you check your balance for free once set up.
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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.