Foster Care Grant Check SASSA Foster Care Grant Status Online

Foster care is a temporary solution for the children who cannot live with their blood parents. For several reasons those child’s need foster care like neglected, abused or abandonment. Foster care’s main aim is to offer them a safe and nurturing environment. This care is done until the children return to their family or are adopted.

In South Africa, SASSA helps the foster parents in the form of foster child grants. Their main aim is to approach those who are in need. Through this financial support the child’s caregiver can easily manage the child’s expenses including schooling, clothing, food, medical etc.

Read this guide to know about the requirements for foster child grant application, procedure and money which foster parents receive. Let’s move on to it:

SASSA Foster Child Grant

The SASSA Foster Child Grant is a financial support program in South Africa. Through this, SASSA provides essential help to caregivers who take care of children in foster care. The caregivers ensure that the kids are getting a stable and nurturing home environment.

The grant is not only beneficial for foster children, it helps caregivers as well by offering the necessary financial help. If you are a foster caregiver, and want to apply for this grant, firstly understand the grant’s requirements and application process. Let’s explain them.

Requirements For SASSA Foster Child Grant 2024

In order to apply for foster child grant, here are certain requirements which you have to fulfill:

Eligibility criteria to qualify for application process of specific grant
Necessary documents to prove that you are right applicant
Clear mean test to ensure your income and assets are below then certain limit

Let’s explain these points in detail:

Fall Upon Eligibility Criteria

You as foster parent and your foster child both should belong to South Africa.
The child must be legally in your care with proper court order.
You should have a South African permanent residency, or refugee.
The child must be in your care as an applicant.
Children from any country who need foster care in South Africa can be cared for. These childs include undocumented children or refugees.
The children for whom you are applying must be under 18 years old. This grant age limit can be extended to 21 years. But this happens if the child is still attending school and only possible at court order.
As you are an applicant then you and your spouse must pass a means test.

Ready Essential Documents

When applying for a SASSA foster child grant, you have to take some documents with. These could be original copies or certified copies. Let’s explain the list of documents in detail:

Identification Documents

Your original 13-digit barcode ID card.
If you are a refugee, you have to provide your status permit or refugee ID.
The child’s birth certificate should be submitted. This certificate should include a valid identification number. You must have this to receive a birth certificate.

Validation Document

You have to submit a validated declaration his declaration is approved by a person such as a community leader, social worker, and school principal. Through this document you can confirm your identity and relationship with the child who needs foster care.

Department of Home Affairs Documentation

With the application you have to provide a proof of your application. This proof belongs to your ID card or birth certificate from the Department of Home Affairs.

Marital Status Documents (if applicable)

If you are married, then you have to submit your marriage certificate.
If divorced, then provide your divorce decree.
If your spouse has died within the last 5 years, add a death certificate in the documents.
If you are a single parent, then an affidavit or sworn statement is required.

Child’s Earnings Documentation (if available)

If your child is earning, then submit the certificate. This will show the child’s earnings. Make sure you have ready all the documents for your application.

Additional Documents (if available)

Baptismal certificate is required, keep it with you.
School certificate of the child is also necessary.
Road to Health Clinic card of the child.

Clear Mean Test of Foster Child Grant

When you make a decision to apply for a SASSA foster child grant, it’s crucial that you know your income limit. This limitation is specified in the mean test. This test evaluates your assets and income level. And that certain limit of income is known as the income threshold.

Income Thresholds

You as caregivers should ensure that your total monthly income does not exceed the limit set by SASSA. This is reviewed regularly. This financial assessment’s main purpose is to support families which are genuinely in need. During the application process, you have to provide detailed documentation of your income which confirms your eligibility.

Income Level	Eligibility Status
Below R4,600	Eligibility
R4,600 – R7,200	Under review
Above R7,200	Not Eligible

This system helps SASS officials to decide with proper authenticity. This also helps them to approach truly eligible persons. Through this the caregivers can provide better care to the children.

Application Procedure For a Foster Child Grant 2024

After confirming all the desired parameters, the next step is to apply for this grant. Here is a complete procedure for foster child grant application.

Apply in SASSA Official Office

Visit SASSA Office

Find the nearest branch of the SASSA office. You can get the closest local office from their official website. The website contains various office addresses and contact details.

Gather Essential documents

Collect all required documents which are necessary for foster child grant. Carry all certificated you at SASSA branch.

Fill Application Form

Meet any SASSA officer and ask for a SASSA foster child grant application form. Put all the information like name, number, ID number, email, address etc.
Attach accessory documents and recheck your application form.

Submit Your Application

Submit the application form in the hands of a SASSA staff officer. They will give you a recipient. Keep it for further process.

Avoid Certain Mistakes During Application

To improve your chances of approval as a caregiver of foster Childs, avoid these common mistakes while submitting the SASSA grant application:

Missing Important Documents: Ensure you have added all required documents. Because if only one document is left , delays may happen in your application.
Incorrect Personal Information: Double-check your personal details to avoid errors that could affect your application.
Not Understanding Eligibility Criteria: Understand the requirements to prevent your application from being rejected.
Failure to Review Before Submission: Always review your application to find out the mistakes. This could help you in seamlessly processing your chances of receiving the grant.

Approval Time of SASSA Foster Grant Application

The SASSA foster child grant application will take around three months of approval. During this period their team will review each step of your application’s each step efficiently. They will visit your residence too. Judge your certificates. Confirm the court allowance for foster children. For that child the review occurs by officers. They will confirm several things in the review, let’s explain them:

Grant Review by SASSA Officials

The situation of the child which you express in need of care is regularly evaluated. During this SASSA foster child grant, several factors are considered including:

The child is still living with their parents.
The child has suitable housing.
The child is provided with enough food and clothing.
The child receives essential medical and dental care.
The child attends school regularly.

After confirmation, you will get a notification from their side. The notification could be as eligible or ineligible. If your grant application is approved then you will get your payment in upcoming months. And what if your grant application is rejected? Let’s discuss it.

If SASSA Foster Child Grant Application Is Rejected

If you believe your grant application was wrongly rejected, and you are still eligible. You should request a reconsideration from SASSA. If SASSA still denies your application, you can appeal their decision to the Ministry of Social Development. Apply it within 90 days of receiving the rejection notice.

The Ministry will review your appeal and make a decision. If they agree with you, they will change the SASSA’s decision, which may take up to 3 months. After this, you would get your payments. If they will deny your appeal too, don’t worry. You will get a detailed letter from their side. This will help you to cope your application form until next time.

Check Your SASSA Foster Care Grant Status

When your application is submitted, you can check your application status through several ways. Here are two from them:

Online Method

Visit the official website of SASSA.
Enter your ID number. Instead of this you can add the barcoded ID document number for the foster child support grant.
After adding an ID number , now put the mobile number you registered with your SASSA application.
Review your information. If you have any query, submit it there.
Within 2 seconds, you will receive a display of the status of your SASSA foster child grant.

SMS Method

Open the messenger of your mobile phone.
Enter the official number which is: 82 046 8553
Write a message of your ID number, and your query.
You have to add the reference number of your grant application.
You will get a reply with your application status through sms.
Through this method you can ask any other query too.

Foster Care Grant Payment Dates 2024

When applying for the SASSA foster child grant, you have a chance to choose your preferred payment methods. There are options available on application form which includes:

Cash Payments

You can receive your grant payment cash on announced days at specific locations called Pay Points. These are allocated by SASSA.

Digital Deposits

You can select the option of getting the grant payment directly into your bank account. Please be aware that regular bank fees may apply.

If you want to change your payment method, you need to fill out a form at a Welfare office. The changes will be processed after one month of your application for changes. On approval of your payment method changes, you will get a confirmation SMS from SASSA.

SASSA Foster Child Grant Money 2024

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana of South Africa had announced that the foster child grant grant has been increased from October 2024. The changes in SASSA grant money usually happens after 6 months but this also depends upon several factors.

Payment Month	Amount For Foster Grant
February	R1130

Balance Calculation Of Foster Care Grant

After receiving your grant payment in your account, now you can find out how much SASSA foster child grant money you have left. This is a very simple task. In this regard you can use the SASSA balance check service.

Here are the ways through which you can check your balance:

Dial USSD Code: Through this you just have to dial *120*3210# or *120*69277# from your mobile phone.
SMS Service: If you want to enjoy SASSA SMS service then just dial SASSA number. Put your ID number and your grant reference number.
WhatsApp Service: SASSA service is available at whatsapp too. You can send your reference number and ID number at 82 046 8553. A pop up message will soon appear on your mobile screen with your balance statement.
Call Service: You can enjoy SASSA call service, call at SASSA call center and get answers to your query. Call at SASSA toll-free number: 800 601 011.

When the Foster Child grant is suspended

Your SASSA foster child grant can be suspended or stopped for various reasons, let’s explain them:

Age Limit: When the age of your child reaches its limit of 18 years, the grant will automatically end. But if your child is still ongoing schooling then you can return it through reconsideration.
Change in Custody : The grant will stop if the child is no longer in the caregiver’s custody. If the child has been moved out of South Africa, or admitted in a state institution.
Non-collection : If the caregiver is unable to collect the grant for consecutive three months. Then your grant may be suspended.
Fraud : Any fraudulent activity detected by SASSA will result in immediate suspension of the grant.

Additional Information For Ineligible Persons

The SASSA foster child grant is financial support especially for foster parents. But there are certain reasons under which a caregiver or child may not be eligible to receive this grant. If you understand these conditions, then you will be able to know the policies of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).

Child Not Legally Placed in Foster Care

The grant is specifically for children who are legally placed in foster care by a court order. If the child is not in legal foster care, the foster parents could not get this grant.

Age of the Child

The grant is provided to those Childs whose age is under 18 years. If the child approaches 18 or he leaves school. The parents are no longer eligible for the foster child grant.

However, some children apply for this grant at age 21, this exception is for those whose schooling continues.

Child’s Income Exceeds Threshold

If the foster child starts earning an income that is more than the threshold income of SASSA foster child grant. This is set by SASSA. Ultimately, the foster parents will not receive this grant.

Change in Foster Child Status

If the child is no longer under your foster care, the foster parent will no longer qualify for the grant. This may happen when the child is being reunited with their parents or moved to another care institute.

Death of Foster Child

If the foster child’s death happens, the grant payments will cease immediately.

Death of Foster Parents

If both foster parents pass away, the grant will be stopped unless the child is legally placed with another foster parent or guardian. That guardian or foster parents have to reapply for the grant.

Non-Compliance with SASSA Reviews

Regular reviews by SASSA are conducted to ensure your eligibility for the specific grant continuously. If you don’t cooperate with the SASSA team for review, the grant will be stopped. The conditions include not submitting required documents or not informing SASSA of changes in your criteria can result in the ineligibility of the grant.

Foster Parents’ Income

Though the primary focus of SASSA is on the child’s needs. But they might consider the foster parents’ income. If the foster parents are financially stable to support the child without the grant, then the eligibility is affected.

SASSA Contact Information

You can contact the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to get any information regarding application criteria, application approval, status check, payment dates or amount check. Here are some topic on which you can as:

Child Support Grant
Old age homes for pensioners
Help with your application
Addresses and contact numbers of district offices
Eligibility rules for different grants
Payment dates
Reporting fraud or corruption
Grant money

Get assistance through these contacts:

Toll free helpline: 0800 601 011
SMS/WhatsApp: 82 046 8553
Email: GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za.

FAQS

To better understand the amount of SASSA foster child grants you can visit their official website. But for 2024, this grant amount was R1130, which further increased from October 1, 2024 and updated to R1180.

A caregiver who is caring for a foster child under court order can qualify this grant. But the age of the child should be below 18. There are more conditions which you can get from SASSA’s official website.

A foster parent after qualifying a foster grant can get a certain amount from SASSA. This is given each month of the year. For better consideration explore SASSA online portal. You can find the exact value of this grant for foster parents per child.

Conclusion

The SASSA foster child grant is an important financial support for foster parents. It helps them and ensures that children in foster care are enjoying every resource they need to thrive. It is essential for foster parents to understand the eligibility requirements, how to apply, and the payment details of this grant.

Better understanding will help them to effectively navigate the system and create a stable, caring environment for their foster children. In South Africa, foster care is crucial for child welfare. The grant expressed the dedication of the government to assisting children and their caregivers.