Are you thinking about fostering a child in South Africa but worried about the costs? Ever wondered if there’s help out there for everyday heroes like you?
Well, buckle up, because I’ve got some exciting news that might just change your life and a child’s too! and I’m here to spill the beans on a little something called the Foster Child Grant.
The Foster Child Grant is a monthly payment given to court-appointed foster parents. It helps cover the costs of caring for a child who isn’t their own. This grant is part of South Africa’s social welfare system, aiming to support children who have been:
- Orphaned
- Abandoned
- Placed at risk
- Abused
- Neglected
How to Check SASSA Foster Child Grant Status Online?
Wondering if your grant was approved or when you’ll get paid? Here’s how to check:
- Go to the SASSA status check website: https://sassasrd-gov.co.za/
- Find the boxes where you type in information
- In the first box, type your 13-digit ID number
- In the second box, type the cell phone number you used when you applied
- Click the “Check Status“ button
- Wait a few seconds
- The website will show you the status of your grant
Remember: Be careful when typing your ID and phone number. If you make a mistake, you won’t get the right information.
Who Can Get the Foster Child Grant?
To get this grant, you need to meet certain rules:
- You must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Both you and the foster child must live in South Africa
- The child must be legally placed in your care by a court
- The child must stay in your care
- The foster child must be younger than 18 years old
How Much is SASSA Foster Child Grant?
As of 2024, the Foster Child Grant pays R1,180 per month for each foster child. This amount may change, so it’s a good idea to check the SASSA website for the most up-to-date information.
How to Apply for the Foster Child Grant?
Applying for the grant involves a few steps:
- Visit your nearest SASSA office
- Bring the required documents:
- Your 13-digit bar-coded ID
- The child’s birth certificate
- The court order placing the child in your care
- Proof of your marital status
- The child’s school certificate (if they’re in school)
- The child’s clinic card (if available)
- Fill out the application form with help from a SASSA officer
- Keep the receipt they give you as proof of your application
What if You Don’t Have All the Documents?
Don’t worry if you’re missing some papers. You can:
- Make a sworn statement (affidavit) at the SASSA office
- Bring a letter from someone trustworthy who knows you and the child (like a teacher, social worker, or religious leader)
- Give fingerprints to the SASSA officer
- Show proof that you’ve applied for missing documents at Home Affairs
How Will You Get Paid?
SASSA offers three ways to receive your grant:
- Cash at a specific pay point
- Bank deposit into your account
- Payment to an institution acting as the grant administrator
Remember: If you can’t collect the money yourself, you can choose someone to do it for you.
When Will Your Grant be Reviewed?
SASSA checks grants every two years. They’ll let you know three months before it’s time to review your grant. If you get paid through a bank or someone else collects for you, you’ll need to fill out a life certificate each year at a SASSA office.
Reasons Your Grant Might Stop
Your grant could be suspended if:
- Your situation changes
- You don’t cooperate during a review
- There’s fraud or wrong information
- There was a mistake when approving your grant
SASSA Foster Child Grant Balance Check Online
SASSA Foster Child Grant recipients can check their balance using the same methods:
- USSD: Dial *120*3210# or 120*69277#
- ATM: Use any ATM (fees may apply)
- WhatsApp: Send a message to 082 046 8553
- Call Centre: Contact 0800 601 011 for free
Keeping track of your SASSA Foster Child Grant balance helps you manage your monthly expenses and budget effectively.
When Does the Grant End?
The Foster Child Grant will stop if:
- The child or last living foster parent dies
- The child goes to a state institution
- You don’t claim the grant for three months in a row
- You leave South Africa
- The child is no longer in your care
- Your refugee status ends (if applicable)
Important Tips to Remember
- Keep all your documents safe and make copies
- Tell SASSA right away if your situation changes
- Ask for help if you’re not sure about something
- Check the SASSA website for updates on grant amounts
- If the foster child has a disability, look into the Care Dependency Grant too
What if Your Application is Denied?
If SASSA says no to your application:
- They’ll tell you why in writing
- You can appeal to the Minister of Social Development within 90 days
- Send your appeal to the national office of the Department of Social Development
Conclusion
The SASSA Foster Child Grant is a helping hand for those caring for children in need. By understanding the process and requirements, you can make sure you’re giving the best support to your foster child. Remember, this grant is here to help you provide a loving and stable home for a child who needs it.
Table: Key Information at a Glance
Topic | Details |
Grant Amount | R1,180 per month per child |
Age Limit | Child must be under 18 |
Citizenship | South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee |
Review Period | Every two years |
Application Location | Nearest SASSA office |
Online Status Check | Available at SASSA SRD Status website |
Appeal Time | Within 90 days of rejection |
Remember, fostering a child is a big responsibility, but you’re not alone. The Foster Child Grant is just one way South Africa supports caregivers like you. Stay informed, ask questions, and reach out for help when you need it. Together, we can make a difference in children’s lives.
Contents
- 1 How to Check SASSA Foster Child Grant Status Online?
- 2 Who Can Get the Foster Child Grant?
- 3 How Much is SASSA Foster Child Grant?
- 4 How to Apply for the Foster Child Grant?
- 5 What if You Don’t Have All the Documents?
- 6 How Will You Get Paid?
- 7 When Will Your Grant be Reviewed?
- 8 Reasons Your Grant Might Stop
- 9 SASSA Foster Child Grant Balance Check Online
- 10 When Does the Grant End?
- 11 Important Tips to Remember
- 12 What if Your Application is Denied?
- 13 Conclusion