SASSA Child Grant – Foster Care, Eligibility & Process

Many families search for the SASSA child grant when the cost of raising a child becomes difficult to manage. Food, school needs, transport, clothing, and clinic visits can quickly put pressure on a low income. The confusion starts when people find different names, different amounts, and mixed explanations online about who qualifies and which grant they actually need.

The first thing to understand is that the correct official name is Child Support Grant, not “child care grant.” Many people use the wrong term in search, but the grant itself is called the Child Support Grant. The Foster Child Grant is a separate grant with different rules, different documents, and a different process.

In this article, we will explore the details of the SASSA Child Support Grant and the Foster Care Grant, explaining how they work, who qualifies, how much you can receive, and the application process. We’ll also look at important details regarding eligibility, required documents, and common questions.

Child Support Grant vs Foster Care Grant

The Child Support Grant is for a child who is being looked after by a primary caregiver. That could be a parent, grandparent, or another person who is mainly responsible for the child’s daily needs. This grant is based on income, which means the applicant must meet the means test.

The Foster Child Grant is different because it applies when a child has been legally placed in foster care by a court. It is not the same as ordinary caregiving. Foster care involves the Department of Social Development, a social worker investigation, and a Children’s Court order before SASSA pays the grant.

How Much Is the SASSA Child Grant This Month?

As of March 2026, the Child Support Grant is R560 per month per child. From April 2026, it increases to R580.

The Foster Child Grant is R1,250 per month per child. It increases to R1,290 in April 2026 and then to R1,300 in October 2026.

So if someone asks, “how much is SASSA child grant this month?”, the answer for March 2026 is R560, and from April 2026 it becomes R580.

Child Support Grant Application Process

The Child Support Grant (CSG) is a financial assistance program provided by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to parents or caregivers of children under the age of 18. The grant helps to support children from low-income families, ensuring that they receive adequate care and basic needs.

Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for the Child Support Grant:

1. Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, ensure you meet the following criteria:

• Age of Child: The child must be under 18 years old.
• Income and Asset Test: A single applicant must earn no more than R67,200 a year, while a married couple must have a combined income of no more than R134,400 a year according to SASSA’s means test.
• South African Citizenship or Permanent Residency: The child and the caregiver must be South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees.
• Caregiver: The person applying for the grant must be the biological parent, legal guardian, or caregiver with primary responsibility for the child.

2. Documents Required for the Application

You will need to provide the following documents when applying:

• South African ID: The applicant must provide their South African ID or passport if a foreigner.
• Child’s Birth Certificate: Proof of the child’s birth registration.
• Proof of Residence: A document verifying your residential address (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement).
• Proof of Income: Latest payslips or proof of income (bank statements, pension receipts, etc.).
• Guardianship or Legal Documents: If you are not the child’s biological parent, you will need proof of guardianship or a court order to prove you are responsible for the child.

3. How to Apply

There are two main ways to apply for the Child Support Grant:

Option 1: Apply Online via the SASSA Website

1. Visit the official SASSA website (www.sassa.gov.za).
2. Navigate to the Child Support Grant section.
3. Create a SASSA account (if you don’t have one).
4. Fill out the online application form and upload the required documents.
5. Submit your application and wait for confirmation.

Option 2: Apply in Person at SASSA Offices

1. Visit your local SASSA office.
2. Request an application form for the Child Support Grant.
3. Complete the form with accurate information and submit it with the required documents.
4. A SASSA official will assist you and provide further instructions regarding your application.

Note: You may also be required to undergo a means test (an income and asset assessment) to determine your eligibility.

Foster Care Grant Application Procedure

The Foster Care Grant is a financial support provided by SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) to caregivers who are legally responsible for children placed in their care through a court order. Unlike other grants, eligibility for this grant is based not on financial need but on the legal responsibility of the caregiver to provide care for a child in foster care.

Below is a step-by-step guide to applying for the Foster Care Grant:

1. Eligibility Criteria for the Foster Care Grant

To apply for the Foster Care Grant, you need to meet the following criteria:

• Foster Care Placement: The child must have been placed in your care by a court order. This is the primary eligibility requirement, as the Foster Care Grant is based on the child’s legal status as a foster child.
• Age of the Child: The child must be under 18 years old.
• Caregiver: You must be the legal guardian or caregiver as per the court order. The applicant (foster parent) must also be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.

2. Documents Required for the Foster Care Grant Application

When applying for the Foster Care Grant, you will need to provide several documents to prove your eligibility and the legal foster care placement of the child:

• Foster Care Court Order: The court order confirming that the child has been placed in your care. This is the most critical document.
• South African ID: A valid South African ID for the applicant. If you are not a South African citizen, provide the necessary identification.
• Child’s Birth Certificate: A birth certificate of the child or a document proving the child’s identity.
• Proof of Residence: A document proving where you live, such as a utility bill or a lease agreement.
• Proof of Income: Bank statements, payslips, or proof of income to show that you are able to care for the child.
• Proof of Guardianship (if applicable): If you are not the biological parent, you may need additional legal documents showing your guardianship of the child.

3. How to Apply for the Foster Care Grant

You can apply for the Foster Care Grant by following these steps:

Option 1: Apply at a Local SASSA Office

1. Visit the nearest SASSA office: Go to your local SASSA office where they handle social grants.
2. Complete the application form: The SASSA official will provide an application form to complete.
3. Submit your documents: Hand over all the required documentation, including the court order, ID, proof of residence, and other relevant documents.
4. Wait for the verification: SASSA will verify the application, including checking the validity of the court order and assessing whether the child meets the eligibility criteria.

Option 2: Apply through the SASSA Website

1. Visit the official SASSA website: Go to www.sassa.gov.za.
2. Create an account: You may need to create an account if you don’t already have one.
3. Complete the online application: Fill out the online application form and upload all necessary documents.
4. Submit the application: After submitting, wait for SASSA to process and verify the application.

4. Processing and Verification of Application

Once your application is submitted, SASSA will:

• Review the court order: Ensure that the child is placed in your care through a valid court order.
• Verify income: SASSA will also check your income to ensure that you are eligible for the grant. This step may include an affordability check to assess your financial capacity to care for the child.
• Verify identity: SASSA will check the identity of the child and the caregiver.

If all documents are in order, SASSA will approve the application.

How Long Does It Take?

For the Child Support Grant, the SASSA application can take up to three months. If approved, the payment is backdated to the date of application.

For the Foster Child Grant, the SASSA payment stage can also take up to three months, but the overall process may take longer because the social worker and court process must happen first.

Review, Suspension, and Lapse Rules

The Child Support Grant may be reviewed if your income or circumstances change. It can lapse if the child dies, enters a state institution, leaves the country, is no longer in your care, is not claimed for three consecutive months, or reaches the end of the month in which the child turns 18.

The Foster Child Grant is linked to the court order, so it must be reviewed when that order expires. In some cases, the grant may continue until the child turns 21 if the child is still in school or another educational institution and the required extension documents are submitted.

What Is the Top‑Up Grant?

In addition to the basic child support grant, SASSA provides an optional Top‑Up for certain children who need extra support  for example, orphans or children in kinship care. This top‑up adds more money to the basic grant to help with additional needs.

For qualifying cases, the top‑up amount increases the total support per child beyond the standard rate. It is R280.

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