Do you know about the latest increase in the Foster Child Grant for 2026? The SASSA grant provides financial assistance to those who care for foster children, and it has now increased to R1,050 per child per month. This article covers everything you need to know about the grant, including eligibility criteria, the application process, duration, and how to check your grant balance. Keep reading to find out more!
How Much is the SASSA Foster Grant 2026?
Good news for South African citizens, permanent residents, and refugees caring for foster children – the Foster Child Grant has increased for 2026. Currently, the grant provides R1,050 per month per child, a significant increase from previous years. This rise is great news for those who are providing care for children who have been orphaned, abandoned, at risk, abused, or neglected.
It’s important to note that to qualify for the grant; the foster child must be legally placed in your care and be younger than 18. Additionally, you must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee, and you and the child must live in South Africa.
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) administers the grant. It pays it out through different methods, including cash at a specific pay point, electronic deposit into your bank or Postbank account, or through an institution acting as the grant administrator. If you cannot collect the money, you can appoint someone to collect the grant.
To apply, visit the nearest SASSA office with your 13-digit bar-coded identity document, the child’s birth certificate, and other necessary documents. It may take up to three months to process your application, but if approved, you will receive payments from when the court placed the child in your care.
How Much is the SASSA Foster Grant Monthly?
The SASSA Foster Child Grant provides crucial financial assistance to those who have taken on the responsibility of caring for a foster child. As of 2026, the monthly grant amount is R1,050 per child. This grant ensures that foster parents can provide for the child’s basic needs and support their development. It’s a great initiative by the South African government to support children in need and ensure they have a loving home in which to grow up.
What Age Does Foster Money Stop?
Foster grants are a valuable resource that can help support children who need them the most. SASSA provides a monthly grant of R1,050 per child until they turn 18, and this financial support can make a world of difference to foster families. However, it’s important to note that the grant stops when the child leaves school or starts earning an income above the stipulated means test. As a foster parent, you have some say in the age and gender of the child you care for, but ultimately, the child’s welfare is the top priority. While the foster system has its challenges, it’s a crucial safety net for children in need, and it’s heartening to see so many people stepping up to provide a loving and supportive home for them.
Will the Child Support Grant Increase in 2026?
The Child Support Grant will increase from R480 to R510 on 1 October 2026. The Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, announced the grant increase in Parliament while presenting the country’s budget on 22 February 2026. This announcement relieves many families who depend on the grant to provide for their children. In addition, social grants have increased by around 5% overall. The old age and disability grants will also increase by R90 on 1 April 2026 and a further R10 on 1 October 2026. The foster care grant will increase from R1,070 to R1,130 on 1 October 2026.
The Department of Social Development will receive R66 billion this year to cover social grant increases. The government has allocated R35.7 billion to the Department of Social Development to fund the extension of the R370 SRD grant until March 2026. Social grant coverage is expected to increase from about 18.6 million beneficiaries in March 2026 to 19.6 million beneficiaries by March 2026.
How Do I Check My SASSA Child Grant Balance?
If you are a South African parent or guardian receiving the SASSA child grant, it is important to regularly check your account balance to ensure that you have enough funds to cover your child’s basic needs. Checking the balance of your grant is easy and can be done in several ways.
You can visit your nearest SASSA office, provide your identification and any other required information, and inquire about your current balance. Alternatively, you can contact SASSA via phone, email, or text.
Another option is to check your balance through SASSA’s online portal. To use this service, you will need your grant reference number and a current email address or phone number.
The easiest and most convenient way to check your SASSA child grant balance for free is to dial the USSD code 1347737# on your cell phone and follow the on-screen instructions. If this doesn’t work, try 12069277# and follow the prompts to determine your remaining balance.
How Many Kids Can You Apply For SASSA Grant?
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides social subsidies to those in need to help increase their standard of living. Parents of young children are eligible for these rewards, but how many kids can you apply for a SASSA grant? You can apply for all your biological children born after 31 December 1993 and a maximum of six adopted children. However, the applicant must be the child’s primary caregiver and satisfy the means test conditions.
