SASSA Foster Child Grant Program

Sassa Foster Child Grant is provided to those people who take care of the Foster Child. A foster child is given under your custody by the court as a result of being: 

1. Orphaned
2. Abandoned 
3. At risk 
4. Abused 
5. Neglected

As a result of the Sassa Foster Child Grant, foster parents will be responsible for their foster child’s Food, Education, Health, and all other daily life basic needs.

Foster Child Grant Application Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the foster child grant, you need to meet these criteria:

• You must be a South African citizen, a recognized refugee, or have permanent residency.
• Both you and the foster child must live in South Africa.
• You must be the foster parent, and the child must stay in your care.
• The child must have been placed with you by court order because they are:
  • Orphaned
  • Abandoned
  • Abused
  • Neglected
  • At risk
• The foster child must be under 18 years old.
• The child must pass the means test requirements.

Foster Child Grant Application Required Documents

When applying for the foster child grant at the SASSA office, make sure to bring these documents:

Identity Documents

• Your original 13-digit bar-coded ID (Identity Document).
• Status permit and refugee ID, if applicable.
• Child’s birth certificate with a valid ID number.

If you don’t have ID or a child’s birth certificate

• Fill out the SASSA standard affidavit form in front of an Oaths Commissioner who isn’t affiliated with SASSA. You can get the form from a SASSA official or download it from their website.
• Bring a declaration validated by a reputable person who can verify you and the child.
• Documentation from the Department of Home Affairs showing you’ve applied for an ID and/or birth certificate.
• Temporary identity document card from the Department of Home Affairs, if applicable.

Additional Documents

• Baptismal certificate (if available).
• School certificate (if available).
• Card from the Road to Health Clinic (if available).
• Court order designating you as the child’s legal foster parent.
• Documentation verifying your marital status:
  • Marriage certificate if married.
  • Divorce decree if divorced.
  • Death certificate if spouse passed away.
  • Affidavit or sworn statement if none of the above is applicable.
• Any documents showing the child’s earnings, like a maintenance payment order, if available.

How to apply for a Foster Child Grant?

Contact a Social Worker

• First, get in touch with a social worker at the nearest Department of Social Development office.
• They’ll help you apply for a court order that confirms you as a foster parent.
• You can’t apply for the foster child grant without this court order.

Complete Application Form

• The application form will be filled out with the help of an officer from SASSA.
• If you can’t fill out the form yourself, a SASSA officer will assist you.
• After completing the application, you’ll get a receipt stamped with the date and name of the SASSA official who helped you.
• Keep this receipt safe because it’s your proof that you applied.
• Applying for the grant doesn’t cost any money.

Application Outcome

• If SASSA rejects your application, they must tell you why in writing.
• You have the right to ask SASSA to reconsider their decision if you’re not happy with it.
• Your request for reconsideration must be based on the outcome of your application.
• If SASSA’s reconsideration decision is still not in your favor, you can appeal to the Minister of Social Development.

What if the Application is Not Approved?

If your application is unsuccessful, you’ll receive a written explanation of the reasons. You also have the right to request the decision to be reconsidered and to appeal.

Time to Take to Process the Foster Child Grant Application

• Timeframe: It usually takes between 30 days to 3 months for SASSA to process a Foster Child Grant application.
• Review Process: Once you submit your application, SASSA will review it thoroughly.
• Grant Payment: If your application gets approved, you’ll start receiving the grant payment from the date the child was placed in your care as a foster parent.
• Rejection Explanation: If your application is rejected, SASSA will give you a written explanation for the decision.
• Appeal Option: If you disagree with the rejection, you can appeal to the Department of Social Development within 90 days.

Foster Child Grant Payment Process

You can receive the grant in these ways:

• Cash at a specific place on a certain day.
• Electronic deposit into your bank or Postbank account. Note that the bank may charge you.
• Through an organization that manages the grant, such as a welfare group.

If you prefer to receive your grant payments in your bank account, follow these steps:

• Fill out the Consent Form for SASSA Grant Bank Payment.
• Provide these documents:
  • Proof of identity like your ID document, birth certificate, or driver’s license.
  • Your bank account number. Ensure it’s in your name.
  • Your bank statement for the last 3 months, shows your name and account number.

Foster Child Grant Balance Check

To check your Foster Child Grant balance, you have several options:

• USSD Code
  • Dial (*120*3210# or *120*69277#) the USSD code provided by SASSA on your cellphone.
  • Follow the instructions on your screen to check your balance.
• ATM
  • Visit any ATM.
  • Insert your card and follow the prompts on the screen.
  • Choose the option to check your account balance.
• SASSA WhatsApp
  • Add the SASSA WhatsApp number 082 046 8553 to your contacts.
  • Send a message to this number requesting your balance.
  • Follow the instructions you receive to get your balance.
• SASSA Call Center
  • Call the SASSA call center toll-free number 0800 601 011.
  • Speak to a representative and request your balance.
  • Provide your details as requested to get your balance information.

These methods allow you to conveniently check your Foster Child Grant balance using your cellphone, ATM, WhatsApp, or by calling the SASSA toll-free number.

Foster Child Grant Reviews

Foster Child Grant Reviews involve

• Systematic evaluation of case records and payment documentation.
• Ensuring compliance with eligibility requirements for the grant.
• Conducted by the Children’s Bureau to monitor the Title IV-E Foster Care Program.

The review process includes

• Examining a random sample of foster care cases, provider files, and payment documentation.
• Validating the accuracy of reimbursement claims made by agencies.

The goal of these reviews is to

• Ensure fiscal accountability.
• Improve child welfare practices.
• Support child safety, permanency, and well-being.

Foster Child Grant Reviews play a crucial role in

• Maintaining program integrity.
• Ensuring appropriate allocation of funds to support children in foster care.

Foster Child Grant Suspension Reason

The foster child grant may be suspended for the following reasons:

• If the grant is not claimed for three consecutive months.
• Absence from the Republic for more than 90 days.
• Ceasing to be a refugee.
• Failure to cooperate during a grant review.
• Involvement in fraudulent activity or misrepresentation.
• Approval of the grant in error.

An application for the restoration of a grant must be made within 90 days of suspension.

Lapsing of Foster Child Grant

The foster child grant lapses in the following circumstances:

• Death of the foster child.
• Death of the foster parent(s).
• If the child is no longer in your custody as a foster parent.
• At the end of the calendar year, the foster child turns 18 years old.
• When the child leaves school.

Responsibilities of Beneficiaries 

• Keeping SASSA Informed: It’s your responsibility to inform SASSA about any changes in your circumstances.
• Address Updates: You must notify SASSA of any changes to your residential and/or postal address.
• Communication: SASSA primarily communicates with you through registered mail, so it’s important to keep your address up to date.
• Failure to Respond: Not responding to notices from SASSA may lead to the suspension of your grant.

FAQs for Sassa Foster Child Grant

Summary

We tried our best to provide SASSA Foster Child Grant information about the grant available to foster parents in South Africa. We have discussed about the application process, eligibility criteria, and the responsibilities of foster parents. Also, we have discussed the methods of receiving grant payments, the review process, and circumstances that may lead to the suspension or lapsing of the grant. Additionally, we have highlighted the importance of keeping SASSA informed about any changes in circumstances and addressed the financial aspects of fostering, including fostering fees.