Foster Care Grant Increased to R1,230

Supporting Foster Families Across South Africa

The Department of Social Development has announced an increase to the Foster Care Grant, effective April 1, 2026. The grant will increase from R1,180 to R1,230 per child per month, representing a R50 increase designed to help foster parents meet the growing costs of caring for vulnerable children.

What is the Foster Care Grant?

The Foster Care Grant provides financial support to approved foster parents who care for children who have been legally placed in their custody through a court order. This grant acknowledges the vital role foster parents play in providing safe, loving homes for children who cannot live with their biological parents.

Why the Increase Matters

This R50 increase may seem modest, but for foster parents caring for multiple children, it represents meaningful additional support. For example:

• 1 foster child: Additional R50/month = R600/year
• 2 foster children: Additional R100/month = R1,200/year
• 3 foster children: Additional R150/month = R1,800/year

These funds can be used for essential expenses like school uniforms, books, nutritious food, medical co-payments, and extracurricular activities that enrich children's lives.

Who Qualifies for the Foster Care Grant?

To receive the Foster Care Grant, you must meet specific legal and procedural requirements:

Legal Requirements

• You must have a valid court order placing the child in your foster care
• The court order must specify you as the approved foster parent
• The placement must be through the Children's Court
• The foster care order must be current and not expired

Personal Requirements

• Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
• Reside in South Africa
• Be over 18 years of age
• Pass a social worker assessment
• Meet all Children's Act requirements for foster parents

Important Note About Relatives

Even if you're a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or other relative caring for a child, you must have a formal foster care court order to receive the Foster Care Grant. Kinship care without a court order does not qualify you for this grant, though you may be eligible for the Child Support Grant instead.

How to Become a Foster Parent

The process of becoming a foster parent is rigorous, designed to ensure children are placed in safe, suitable homes:

Step 1: Approach a Social Worker

Contact your local Department of Social Development office, NGO, or child welfare organization. A social worker will guide you through the process.

Step 2: Complete Screening and Assessment

The social worker will:

• Conduct a home visit to assess suitability
• Interview all household members
• Check references and conduct background checks
• Assess your financial capacity to care for a child
• Evaluate your motivation and understanding of foster care
• Complete a police clearance check

Step 3: Attend Foster Care Training

Prospective foster parents must complete training covering:

• Child development and age-appropriate care
• Trauma-informed parenting
• Managing challenging behaviors
• Legal rights and responsibilities
• Working with biological families
• Available support systems

Step 4: Court Appearance

If approved by the social worker, your case goes to the Children's Court where a magistrate will:

• Review the social worker's report
• Consider the best interests of the child
• Issue a foster care order (typically valid for 2 years)

Step 5: Apply for the Grant

Once you have the court order, apply for the Foster Care Grant at your nearest SASSA office.

Documents Needed to Apply for the Grant

• Your South African ID or passport
• The child's birth certificate
• Valid foster care court order
• Proof of residence
• Your bank account details
• Social worker's report (if not already submitted to court)

Renewing Your Foster Care Grant

Foster care orders are typically granted for 2 years at a time. Before your order expires:

6 Months Before Expiry

• Contact the social worker who assisted with your original placement
• Request a foster care review

Social Worker Review

• The social worker will conduct a home visit
• Assess whether foster care should continue
• Interview you and the child
• Prepare a report for court

Court Extension

• Appear in court for the extension hearing
• Bring the child (if old enough to express views)
• Receive the new court order
• Update SASSA with the new order details

Important: If your court order lapses, your grant payments will stop. Start the renewal process early to avoid gaps in payment.

Foster Care vs. Child Support Grant

Many caregivers wonder about the difference between these grants:

Aspect	Foster Care Grant	Child Support Grant
Amount (2026)	R1,230/month	R560/month
Requirements	Court order required	No court order needed
Means test	No means test	Means test applies
Renewal	Every 2 years (court)	Annual verification

Responsibilities of Foster Parents

Receiving the Foster Care Grant comes with important responsibilities:

Care and Supervision

• Provide a safe, stable home environment
• Meet the child's physical, emotional, and educational needs
• Ensure the child attends school regularly
• Provide age-appropriate supervision
• Seek medical care when needed

Legal Responsibilities

• Comply with all court orders
• Allow social worker visits and monitoring
• Facilitate contact with biological family if ordered by court
• Inform the social worker of any changes or problems
• Attend court hearings when required

Financial Responsibilities

• Use grant money for the child's benefit
• Keep receipts for major purchases (recommended)
• Report changes in financial circumstances

Support for Foster Parents

Foster parenting can be challenging. Support is available:

Social Worker Support

• Regular home visits and check-ins
• Guidance on parenting challenges
• Assistance accessing services
• Court preparation

Foster Care Support Groups

• Connect with other foster parents
• Share experiences and advice
• Emotional support and encouragement

Additional Services

• Counseling services for children and parents
• Educational support and tutoring
• Healthcare services
• Legal advice when needed

What Happens When Foster Care Ends?

Foster care placements may end when:

• The child reunifies with biological parents
• The child is adopted
• The child turns 18
• The placement is no longer suitable

When foster care ends, grant payments stop. However, if you continue caring for the child without a court order, you may apply for the Child Support Grant (subject to means test).