SASSA

SASSA foster child grant: who qualifies and how to check your status

The foster child grant is a monthly payment for a child placed in foster care under a South African court order. Foster parents can check the status online using their ID number and the phone number registered for the grant.

Criteria / detailInformation
Who qualifiesA foster parent legally appointed by a South African court
ChildPlaced in foster care under a court order, usually under 18 and possibly to 21 while still at school
DocumentsThe foster parents’ IDs, the child’s birth certificate, and the court order
ApplyOnline or at a SASSA office
ProcessingRoughly 30 days to 3 months; the outcome is sent by SMS or email
Check statussrd.sassa.gov.za with your ID and registered phone number
PaymentBank account, SASSA card or cash collection at approved pay points

The foster child grant is R1,290 per child per month from April 2026, rising to R1,300 from October 2026. The amount is set in the national budget and can change.