The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides essential support to families through various social grants. One of the most important is the Foster Child Grant, which assists caregivers looking after children placed in foster care by the courts. In September 2025, eligible caregivers will receive R1,250 per foster child, helping to cover essential costs such as food, clothing, education, and healthcare.
What is the Foster Child Grant?
The Foster Child Grant is a monthly financial support program provided by SASSA to caregivers of foster children. Children placed in foster care usually come from circumstances where their parents cannot care for them due to neglect, abandonment, or other challenges.
The grant ensures that caregivers have the financial means to provide for the child’s daily needs. Unlike the Child Support Grant, the Foster Child Grant is exclusively for children who are officially placed in foster care by the Children’s Court.
Foster Child Grant Amount for September 2025
For September 2025, SASSA has set the Foster Child Grant at R1,250 per child. Caregivers with multiple foster children will receive R1,250 for each child under their care. This adjustment accounts for inflation and the rising cost of living, ensuring that households caring for foster children receive meaningful financial support.
Payment Schedule for September 2025
SASSA follows a structured schedule each month to ensure beneficiaries know when to expect their funds. For September 2025, the payment schedule is as follows:
- Old Age Pension: Monday, 1 September 2025
- Disability Grant: Tuesday, 2 September 2025
- Child Grants, including Foster Child Grant: Wednesday, 3 September 2025
Funds will remain available in accounts or on SASSA cards until the beneficiaries choose to withdraw them, allowing for convenient access without rushing.
How to Claim the Foster Child Grant
Receiving the Foster Child Grant requires caregivers to be approved beneficiaries with a valid foster care court order. For existing recipients, payments will automatically be deposited into the SASSA card or bank account.
New applicants must follow these steps:
- Obtain a court order placing the child in foster care from the Children’s Court.
- Visit a SASSA office with the necessary documents, including a South African ID, the child’s birth certificate, and the foster care order.
- Complete the application form provided by SASSA.
- Submit additional documents, such as proof of residence and bank details if opting for direct deposit.
- Wait for approval. Once accepted, payments will start from the next scheduled cycle.
Methods to Access the Grant
Beneficiaries have multiple options to access their payments:
- Using the SASSA card at ATMs, functioning like a regular bank card
- Collecting funds at participating supermarkets, including Shoprite, Pick n Pay, and Boxer
- Direct deposit into personal bank accounts for convenience
- Mobile cash pay points in rural areas, though these are gradually being phased out in favor of digital methods
Importance of the Foster Child Grant
The Foster Child Grant plays a crucial role beyond financial assistance. It ensures vulnerable children grow up in safe and stable environments, supporting their education, nutrition, and healthcare needs. The grant reduces the financial burden on caregivers, helping them provide better care and emotional support.
By supporting foster children, the grant contributes to social stability and long-term development, giving children a stronger foundation for their future.
Conclusion
The Foster Child Grant remains a vital support system for caregivers and foster children in South Africa. In September 2025, eligible caregivers will receive R1,250 per child, with payments scheduled to begin on 3 September. This grant not only provides financial relief but also enables caregivers to offer a safer, more stable environment for foster children.
For those who qualify but have not applied, the process is straightforward and free, making it an important opportunity to access support. By ensuring basic needs are met, the Foster Child Grant helps foster children thrive and contributes to the overall well-being of South African communities.
