Who Qualifies for the SASSA Foster Care Grant?

In South Africa, the SASSA Foster Care Grant is a lifeline for families who are caring for children placed in foster care. This grant helps cover the basic needs of the child and provides some financial relief for the foster parent. However, there are specific eligibility criteria that both the foster parent and the child must meet to qualify for this grant.

In this guide, we will break down the key qualifications for the SASSA Foster Care Grant, how to apply, and everything you need to know about this vital social support.

What is the SASSA Foster Care Grant?

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) offers the Foster Care Grant to provide financial assistance to foster parents who are caring for children who have been removed from their biological families due to various reasons, such as abuse, neglect, or abandonment. This grant helps foster parents meet the child’s needs for food, clothing, healthcare, and schooling.

Unlike other social grants that require a means test to determine eligibility, the Foster Care Grant does not consider the income of the foster parent. However, there are other criteria that both the foster parent and child must meet to qualify.

Key Requirements for the SASSA Foster Care Grant

To qualify for the SASSA Foster Care Grant, certain criteria must be met, as outlined below.

1. The Foster Parent’s Eligibility

For the foster parent to qualify, they must meet the following criteria:

• Citizenship or Residency: The foster parent must be a South African citizen, a permanent resident, or a refugee. If the foster parent is a refugee, they can also qualify for the grant, which helps extend support to non-citizens who are legally living in South Africa.
• Residency in South Africa: Both the foster parent and the child must reside in South Africa to qualify for the grant. This means that the foster care placement and the child’s living situation must be within South African borders.
• Legal Responsibility: The foster parent must have legal responsibility for the child, and this is usually confirmed by a court order. This court order serves as proof that the foster parent has been legally entrusted with the child’s care.

2. The Child’s Eligibility

The child placed in foster care must also meet specific conditions to qualify for the grant. These include:

• Court-Ordered Foster Care Placement: The child must be placed in the care of the foster parent(s) by a court order. The court determines that the child needs protection, and foster care is seen as the best option. The child should remain under the foster parent’s care for the duration of the grant.
• Age Requirements: The child must be under the age of 18 years. However, the grant can be extended beyond 18 years of age up to 21 years if the child is still attending school. This provision ensures that young people who are still in education can continue to receive support from their foster families until they complete their schooling.
• Reason for Foster Care Placement: The child must have been placed in foster care for reasons such as being orphaned, abandoned, at risk, abused, or neglected. These circumstances generally lead to the removal of the child from their biological parents or guardians.

3. Basic Care Responsibilities

Foster parents are expected to be responsible for the child’s basic needs, which include:

• Feeding and Clothing: Foster parents are expected to provide food, clothing, and other necessities for the child’s well-being.
• Healthcare: The foster parent is responsible for ensuring the child receives adequate healthcare. This includes regular check-ups, medical treatment, and access to any required medications.
• Schooling: Foster parents are also responsible for the child’s education. This includes enrolling the child in school, paying for any school fees, and supporting the child’s academic development.

Financial Aspects of the Foster Care Grant

The SASSA Foster Care Grant is a vital financial support tool for foster families, but how much does it provide?

The amount provided to foster parents for each child is approximately R1,250 per month. This figure is subject to annual adjustments to keep up with inflation and rising living costs. It’s important to note that the grant is intended to cover the child’s basic living expenses, but it may not always be enough to fully cover all of a foster parent’s costs, particularly if the child requires special care or attends a private school.

While the amount provided may not cover every single cost, it significantly helps reduce the financial strain on foster parents who are raising children outside of their biological families.

When Does the Grant End?

The SASSA Foster Care Grant will stop under the following circumstances:

1. If the Child Leaves the Foster Parent’s Custody: If the child is returned to their biological parents, adopted, or placed with another foster family, the grant will stop.
2. When the Child Turns 18: The grant automatically ceases when the child turns 18 years of age. However, as mentioned earlier, the grant can continue up until the child turns 21 if they are still in school.
3. If the Child or Foster Parent Passes Away: In the unfortunate event of the death of either the child or the foster parent, the grant will stop.
4. When the Court Order Expires: Foster care placements are temporary, and the grant will also end when the court order expires or is revoked.

How to Apply for the SASSA Foster Care Grant

Applying for the SASSA Foster Care Grant involves several steps. To ensure you qualify, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements outlined above. The application process generally follows these steps:

1. Obtain the Court Order: The foster care placement must be legally formalized through a court order, which must be submitted as part of your application.
2. Complete the Application Form: Visit your nearest SASSA office or online portal to complete the Foster Care Grant application form. The form will require personal details, information about the foster child, and proof of the court order.
3. Submit Required Documents: Along with the application form, you will need to submit supporting documents such as proof of identity (for both the foster parent and child), proof of residency, and the court order.
4. Attend the Interview: In some cases, SASSA may request an interview to verify the details of the foster care arrangement.
5. Await Approval: After your application is submitted, SASSA will assess your eligibility and, if everything is in order, approve your application.

Check also: Collecting Your SASSA Grant at ATMs: Weighing the Pros and Cons

The SASSA Foster Care Grant is an essential resource for families who provide loving homes for children in need of care and protection. By offering financial assistance to foster parents, the grant helps ensure that children in foster care can have their basic needs met, including food, clothing, healthcare, and education. To qualify, foster parents must meet certain criteria, including having legal custody of the child through a court order, being a South African citizen or legal resident, and ensuring the child’s well-being.

Understanding the eligibility requirements and the application process is key to securing this grant, which can significantly ease the financial burden on foster families. Whether you are already a foster parent or considering becoming one, the SASSA Foster Care Grant is there to support you in raising a child in need.