Sassa Foster Child Grant Application – Eligibility Criteria & Application Procedure

SASSA provides financial assistance to foster parents through the foster child grant, specifically designed to nurture the well-being of financially needy children. This grant helps foster households that are economically underprivileged and fall beneath a certain financial criteria.

A foster child, as defined by the Child Care Act, refers to a child legally placed in the care of foster parents after being removed from their biological parents. Court-appointed foster parents receive monthly government payments to support their foster child. These payments are intended to cover the costs associated with caring for the child, such as food, clothing, housing, and other basic needs. Additionally, foster parents may also receive reimbursement for medical expenses, as well as a clothing allowance.

Usually, the financial assistance is provided for a two-year period, consistent with the standard period for courts to assign foster parents. After this time frame, children either adopted, reintegrated with their biological parents, or given to other foster parents. However, if certain conditions exist, a social worker can prolong the allowance based on particular situations.

Who Qualifies for Foster Care Grant

Applicant must meet the following criteria while applying for SASSA foster care grant.

Residency: You and your child must live in South Africa.
Legal Foster Care: When seeking the grant, it’s necessary to have at least one child currently under your foster care, confirmed by a valid court order. You must have a child legally assigned to your custody by a court. You are not allowed to choose a child by your own preference and apply for the grant.

Additionally, the court order must clearly outline the reasons for foster care, such as orphanage, child neglect, or child abuse, to meet the grant application requirements.

If you aren’t already a caregiver to a child and intend to become one only after getting the grant, your application will be rejected. Furthermore, you should already be entrusted with the responsibility of caring for a foster child in South Africa.

In simple terms, both you and the child should currently be living in South Africa and intend to continue living there for the period you wish to receive the SASSA grant.

Child Age

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Citizenship

South African citizenship is not a requirement for either the foster parent or the child.

Documents Needed to Apply for Foster Care Grant

When applying for a foster child grant, ensure the following original documents or certified copies accompany your application:

Your bar-coded identity document and that of your spouse.
The child’s birth certificate, which should have a bar-coded identity number if South African. The court order that legally placed the child in your foster care.
Any relevant documents, like a maintenance payment order, indicating the child’s income. If the child is attending school, provide the child’s school certificate.
If you’re a refugee, include your status permit and refugee ID

Important: If you lack an identity book or the child lacks a birth certificate, SASSA will provide an affidavit for completion.

Complete the official SASSA affidavit form in the presence of an Oaths Commissioner who has no association with SASSA. The form can be obtained from a SASSA official or downloaded directly from the SASSA website.
You must supply a certified affidavit verified by a trustworthy person like a community advisor, local chief, licensed social support worker, well-known spiritual leader, or school head. This person should be able to vouch for your identity and the specifics of the child.
A representative from SASSA will collect your fingerprints, and at the same time, you will be guided to the Department of Home Affairs to start the process for your ID application. If you fail to get your ID, your grant may be withheld.
Provide evidence of your application for an ID and/or birth certificate at the Department of Home Affairs.
A provisional ID issued by the Department of Home Affairs (where relevant).
Provide a baptismal certificate if it can be accessed.
Additionally, provide the health clinic card, if such exists, procured from a health road clinic.
If the child is enrolled in school, provide their school certificate.

Proof of spousal relationship status, which is only accepted in the form of:

A sworn statement or an affidavit
Divorce Order
Marriage certificate

Spouse’s death certificate if deceased.
The court order placing the child in your foster care.

Necessary affidavits will be provided by SASSA. To apply, visit the SASSA Local Office nearest to your residence.

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SASSA Means Test for Foster Care Grant

Only children whose economic condition falls under a specified threshold are eligible for the grant received by foster parents. This decision is based on a financial evaluation commonly referred to as a means test.

The means test for the foster child grant stipulates that if the foster child’s yearly income is below twice the annual amount of the foster child grant, which is R1 130 per month since October 1, 2023, then you qualify for the grant.

Important: The eligibility is determined by the foster child’s earnings, not the earnings of the parents. The income of the foster parents will not be taken into account.

Application Procedure for Foster Child grant

To request the foster child grant, complete the application form at your closest South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) or Regional Office counter service point.

Start by contacting a social worker at your local Department of Social Development office. Ask him for advice on how to get a court order, which will be a legal proof that you are a foster parent. You need this court order to be able to apply for a foster child grant.

Complete the application form with the assistance of a SASSA officer, who will be there to help you if you find any difficulties in filling out the form.

Once your application is finished, you will receive a receipt stamped with the date and the name of the assisting SASSA official. Save this receipt as this is your sole evidence of application.

There is no fee associated with the application process.

In a case your application is declined by SASSA, you will receive written notification specifying the reasons for rejection.

Your application will undergo processing and verification for approximately thirty working days, and you will receive notification through a letter about approval or rejection of your application.

Once your application is approved, you will start getting payments within three months, and these payments will be backdated to the day you applied for the grant. To track the status of your application and to find about expected Sassa payment date, you can contact the SASSA toll-free helpline at 0800 601 011.

Irrespective of your qualification status, keep this receipt as proof of your application.

Processing Time for the Application of SASSA Foster Child Grant

Processing and reviewing your application typically takes around thirty working days. Following this, you will receive notification indicating whether your application has been approved or declined.

What if your Application is not Approved

In a case your application is not successful, SASSA will send you a written explanation about the reasons for the decision. If you disagree with this outcome, you have the opportunity to appeal to the Minister of Social Development at the national office of the Department of Social Development. Remember, you must submit your appeal within 90 days of receiving notification of the unsuccessful application.

The Ministry of Social Development will carefully assess your appeal and render a decision. If they find merit in your appeal, they will reverse SASSA’s decision, and you will resume receiving your grant payments. Conversely, if your appeal is rejected, you will receive a detailed written explanation regarding the decision.

Understanding the SASSA Foster Child Grant Payment Process

When submitting your application, must specify your preferred payment method. Money can be directly transferred into your bank or Postbank account, but note that banks might impose service charges. If you wish to change your payment method [TN1] , visit a Welfare office and complete a form. However, note that the modification will take effect one month later.

To receive grant payments via bank account, complete the Consent Form for Bank Payment of SASSA Grant and provide:

Proof of identity: ID document, driving license, or birth certificate.
Bank account number in your name.
3 months bank statement with your name and account number visible.

It is advised by SASSA to choose direct deposit into your bank account. It is important to make sure that your personal bank details are correct in order to prevent any delays. SASSA will check these details to ensure they meet the income requirements, and once approved, grants will be deposited directly into the designated bank accounts. It is important to note that changing your banking information could result in delays in receiving payments.

You also have options to receive the funds in cash at specified retail stores associated with SASSA, such as Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Boxer, Checkers, Usave, and Spar.

CashSend Services allow beneficiaries without bank accounts to receive their R350 grant using their ID and phone numbers. This service requires a registered cell phone number and proof of identification, ensuring the grant reaches the correct beneficiary.
SASSA announced partnerships with Checkers, Boxer, and Pick n Pay stores for grant collection, excluding certain store types. Beneficiaries receive an SMS notification before collecting their grants at these stores.
The Shoprite Group now offers grant collection at 1,286 supermarkets, including Checkers, USave, OK, and Shoprite stores. Beneficiaries must present their ID and registered cell phone number to receive a confirmation pin and prevent fraud.

In some situations, grants can also be distributed through specific institutions like elder care homes, disability support centers, and charitable organisations.

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Important: If you’re unable to collect the money personally, you can designate a procurator at the SASSA office or grant someone power of attorney to collect the grant for you.

SASSA Foster Child Grant Status Check

After submitting your grant application, it’s important to monitor its status regularly for updates. You can easily track the status to see if your application is approved or declined, and to stay informed about upcoming payments. SASSA offers various methods to check foster child application status.

Check SASSA SRD Status Through SMS
Check SRD R350 status via WhatsApp
Check Your R350 Status Via Call
Check SASSA SRD Status Via Moya App – Data Free Method

SASSA Foster Child Grant Balance Check

The SASSA balance check service enables you to monitor the remaining balance of your grant, providing you with financial information to manage your funds effectively. Once your foster child grant application is approved and you start receiving payments, it’s essential to regularly check your balance using the following methods:

Dialing the USSD code 1203210# or 12069277# from your cellphone
Checking at any ATM (subject to normal bank charges)
Contacting SASSA via WhatsApp at 082 046 8553
Calling the SASSA toll-free call center at 0800 601 011

SASSA Foster Child Grant Reviews

The foster child grant is subject to a review that aligns with the expiration of the court order, which is typically set at two years. SASSA carries out this assessment to ensure that the recipient still meets the criteria based on means testing and that their circumstances have not changed. It is also used to confirm that the recipient is still alive. Keeping your application updated with any changes in your child’s situation helps with this process.

SASSA sends out a written notice with details of the review, such as the date and location, before the review deadline or three months prior. Those who receive grants through banks, institutions, or agents must submit a life certificate to SASSA annually. For those unable to go to the office, SASSA officials will conduct home visits for the reviews. After the review, a compliance receipt will be provided.

SASSA Grant Suspension

The foster child grant can be suspended under various circumstances:

Failure to claim of the grant for three consecutive months.
Being away from the country for more than 90 days.
Losing refugee status.
Not cooperating during allowance assessments
Engaging in fraud or misrepresentation.
Approval of the grant in error.

Restoration of the Grant

If you think your grant was wrongly suspended or if you disagree with SASSA’s decision, you can appeal to the Ministry of Social Development at the National Department of Social Development within 90 days of the suspension.

Reasons for Lapsing of the Foster Child Grant

Your foster child grant will stop in the following situations:

when the child finishes school or begins to earn an income that exceeds the pre-determined financial threshold. However, if the child is still in high school (and not in a higher education institution) when they turn 18, the allowance might be extended until the end of the year in which the child becomes 21 years old.
If the child or the last living foster parent passes away.
When the child is admitted to a state institution (the grant ends on the first day of the 7th month after admission).
When your foster care for the child comes to an end
If refugee status lapses (if applicable).
If the grant is not collected for three consecutive months (a new application is required if over 90 days).
If you are absent from the country for over 90 days without giving notice.

Responsibilities of the Beneficiaries

As a recipient of a SASSA grant, you are required to:
Report any changes in your personal or financial situation to SASSA in a timely manner, as well as any updates regarding your foster child’s circumstances.
Keep SASSA informed of any changes to your address or contact information without delay.
Provide honest and accurate information to avoid any fraudulent behaviour.
It is important to keep SASSA informed in these situations in order to avoid any interruption or cessation of your grants. SASSA relies on the address and contact information provided in your application to send important notices and updates. Failing to update this information could result in the suspension of your grant, as SASSA will be unable to contact you.

Fraud Activities in SASSA Child Grant

SASSA is committed to maintaining the integrity and trust of its programs and services. Any form of fraudulent activity, including false information or attempts to deceive the organization, will not be tolerated. SASSA will take immediate action to investigate and address any suspected fraudulent behavior, and those found guilty will face severe consequences, including legal action and potential disqualification from receiving benefits.

Conclusion

SASSA’s foster child grant serves as a lifeline for financially vulnerable households, offering support to foster parents and children in need. By fulfilling their responsibilities and updating SASSA with any changes, grant recipients play an important in maintaining the integrity of the program. SASSA remains committed to addressing any fraudulent activities to ensure the fair distribution of benefits and uphold trust in its services.