SASSA Foster Care Grant 2026 — Amount, Eligibility & How to Apply
Check your SASSA SRD status instantly — free tool
Check Status Now →The SASSA Foster Care Grant supports South Africans who care for children placed in their foster care by a court order. It pays R1 180 per child per month in 2026.
Foster Care Grant Amount 2026
| Per Child | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| Foster Child Grant | R1 180 |
The amount increased from 1 April 2026.
Who Qualifies?
The foster parent (caregiver) must:
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Have a valid court order placing the child in their foster care
- Care for a child under 18 years of age (or under 21 if still in school)
- Pass the means test
The child must:
- Be under 18 (or under 21 if still in school)
- Have been placed in foster care by a Children’s Court
Means Test 2026
| Status | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|
| Single caregiver | R89 160 per year |
| Married couple | R178 320 per year |
How to Apply
You must apply in person at a SASSA office. You cannot apply online.
- Visit your nearest SASSA office
- Bring the required documents (see below)
- SASSA processes the application within 90 days
- Payment is backdated to the application date if approved
Documents needed:
- Your South African ID
- Court order placing the child in your foster care
- Child’s birth certificate or ID
- Proof of your income (or affidavit if you have no income)
- Your bank account details
Foster Care Grant vs Child Support Grant
Many caregivers confuse these two grants:
| Foster Care Grant | Child Support Grant | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount (2026) | R1 180 per child | R560 per child |
| Court order required | Yes — Children’s Court | No |
| Who applies | Foster parent | Primary caregiver |
| Age limit | Under 18 (or 21 in school) | Under 18 |
If you are a biological parent or permanent caregiver without a court order, apply for the Child Support Grant instead.
What If the Court Order Expires?
Foster care orders must be renewed periodically by the court. If your court order expires, your grant payment will stop. Apply to the Children’s Court for a renewal before the order lapses.
Can You Receive Multiple Foster Care Grants?
Yes. If you have multiple children placed in your foster care, you can receive the grant for each child — provided each has a valid court order. Each child must be individually registered with SASSA.
For queries call SASSA toll-free: 0800 60 10 11
srdsassagov.io is an independent resource. Not affiliated with SASSA or the South African Government. For official services visit srd.sassa.gov.za.