Foster Care Grant, Age Limit

There are grants available through SASSA for people who are caring for foster children and are placed under their care through the foster care system in a home or foster homes. Providing social support to foster parents and caregivers is the purpose of Foster Child Grants. There are several important aspects of the Foster Child Grant:

What is the SASSA Foster Child Grant?

Children who cannot live with their biological parents benefit from foster care, which provides support and care. In order to help foster parents fulfill their responsibilities, the South African Social Security Agency offers a variety of grants. Foster parents can receive financial aid through the SASSA Foster Child Grant to support their foster children’s well-being and development.

How Much is a Foster Care Grant?

The worth of the Foster Care grant is R1,130 each month. Basically, people spread different news regarding grant payment increases which is wrong. When the management of SASSA increases the grant amount then it will be officially announced.

• The R50 Foster Care / Child Grant amount is R1,130 per month.

Age Limit

In normal routine, the Foster Child R50 Grant Age Limit is 18 years but after that child attends school the administration will extend it till 21 years old. After that grant will be ended.

Who Qualifies for Foster Care Grant

To qualify for the Foster Child Grant, you must meet the following criteria:

• Applicants must be South African citizens, residents, or refugees.
• Assist in the care of a child placed in your care through foster care or foster a child who is in your care.
• It must be a child under 18 years of age.
• Other social grants cannot be provided by the government to the child.

Which Documents are Needed for Foster Grant

The following documents must be presented at the time of application for a foster child grant through SASSA (originals or certified copies):

• If you do not have the child’s birth certificate on hand, a SASSA official will assist you with completing a sworn statement or affidavit.
• If you do not have your South African Identity Document with you, you will be assisted by an official from SASSA in completing a sworn statement or affidavit.
• As a refugee, you need your refugee ID and status permit.
• Upon request, SASSA will assist you in filling out an affidavit or sworn statement if your spouse does not have a South African Identity Document.
• The following documents can prove your marriage to your spouse:
  • If you are married, you will need a certificate of marriage.
  • Divorce order if you have been divorced.
  • If your spouse has passed away, please provide a death certificate.
  • A sworn statement or affidavit is required if any of the above don’t apply (e.g., if you are living with a partner and have never been married if you are separated or do not have contact with your spouse).
• You will need a court order from the court proving that you are a foster parent.

Understanding the SASSA Foster Child Grant

The SASSA Foster Child Grant is a government initiative that assists foster parents in providing for the needs of their foster children. This grant provides recipients with funds to cover education, healthcare, clothing, and other essential expenses for their children. Children in foster care will receive the proper care and support they need, and foster parents will be relieved of financial burdens. In addition, people can get the info about SASSA Child Grant who complete both grants.

Application Process for the SASSA Foster Child Grant

SASSA R50 Foster Child Grant application process is straightforward. In addition to obtaining the application forms in their local SASSA offices, foster parents can log on to their online account to complete the process. Foster parents and foster children must provide detailed information on application forms. Providing accurate and current information is important to expedite the application process.

How to Apply For a Foster Child Grant?

Right now, two options exist to submit applications for foster child grants which are physical and online. The process of both options is different which is discussed below.

“By Online”

• Open https://srd.sassa.gov.za/.
• Select Foster Child Grant.
• Fill Online application with all valid details.
• Submit and wait for a response.

“By Physical / Nearest Office”

• Today visit the nearest office of SASSA.
• Discuss with a representative for the Foster Child Grant.
• Collect the Application form and fill it with all valid details.
• Submit and wait for a reply.

Note: When you apply for this grant at the physical office, take your child with you because they need to conduct a verification. If you do not bring your child along, they will not process the Foster Grant application.

Benefits and Coverage

In addition to providing the basic needs of foster children, SASSA offers financial assistance to foster parents through its Foster Child Grant program. This grant covers various educational expenses, including school fees and textbooks. It also helps with healthcare costs such as medical checkups, vaccinations, and treatment. Moreover, the grant covers essentials essential for a child’s well-being such as clothing, nutrition, and other necessities.

Foster Grant OUTCOME

An applicant will receive a written notification if their application has been approved or rejected within 90 days of submitting it. If your application was rejected, SASSA will explain the reason for the rejection.

When your SASSA application is rejected, you can request a reassessment. Here you can find the SASSA Grant Reconsideration Application.

If your application is still rejected after reconsideration, you may appeal to the minister of social development.

How to Collect Foster Child Grant Payments?

The payment for your grant application will be sent to you on the date that your application has been approved. Once the child has been legally placed in your care, the Children’s Court will pay you the grant.

Your Foster Child Grant will be paid in one of the following ways, depending on your preference:

• Direct debit will be made from your bank account
• A cash collection point has been approved
• Specifically from institutions

To receive your SASSA grant in your bank account, you must complete a Consent Form for Bank Payment of SASSA Grant along with the following documents. Your driver’s license, ID, birth certificate, and bank statement (received from the bank) with your details (name, account number) must be provided.

If you visit the Welfare office to change your payment method, the new method will take effect the following month.

If you are unable to collect the grant yourself, you may nominate someone to do so on your behalf.

In the event of non-collection of grants for three consecutive months, they will be canceled and you will have to apply again.

Why SASSA has Suspended Foster Child Grant?

You may be suspended from your grant due to the following reasons:

• Changes in your circumstances make you ineligible for the grant.
• False or inaccurate information was included in your application.
• You did not cooperate with the review of the grant.
• Results of a review.
• The grant was approved incorrectly.

Restoration

If your grant was suspended for one of the reasons above, you can apply to reinstate it within 90 days.

Lapse

It is possible for your grant to lapse for the following reasons:

• The grant will cease to apply to a child who turns 18 in the month of their birthday.
• Grants that were awarded to deceased children expire on the last day of the month they died.
• Foster care for you has been terminated.
• During the first seven months after admission, children are admitted to state-funded institutions with grants that expire.
• School is left behind by a child.
• It is no longer possible to foster parents.
• Three consecutive months pass without foster parents claiming the grant.

Important Notes

As a grant holder, you are responsible for the following:

• SASSA should be notified as soon as possible if any changes occur in your personal or financial circumstances or those of your child.
• It is your responsibility to contact SASSA if your physical address or contact information changes.

Applicants must inform SASSA of any changes in their address immediately as official notices will be sent by registered mail to their most recent address. Failure to respond to or act upon the notices may result in the suspension of your grants.

SASSA will not tolerate fraudulent activities.

Responsibilities and Obligations of Foster Parents

For foster children to develop and grow, foster parents play an important role. The SASSA provides financial assistance to foster parents, but they are also required to fulfill certain obligations and responsibilities. 

Foster children should be supported emotionally, offer them educational opportunities, and guarantee their access to health care and education. For foster parents, it is equally important to remain in contact with SASSA and follow any reporting requirements.

FAQs:

Conclusion

As a foster parent, it is your responsibility to provide the care and support your foster child needs. Through SASSA Foster Child Grants, you can do so.

These grants ensure the bright future of vulnerable children by providing them with education, healthcare, and basic needs assistance. You may qualify for the SASSA Foster Child Grant if you are a foster parent in South Africa.