The Process To Apply For SASSA Foster Child Grant – All You Need To Know in 2024
The SASSA Foster Child Grant, provided by SASSA, offers financial support to foster parents (non-biological parents). To help care for their foster children. The Foster child grant is also called a foster care grant. A foster child is one who is given to you by the court so you can take care of him/her.
A foster child is a kid that a court gives you to take care of because they have no family, were left alone, mistreated, ignored, or are in danger. You’re there to help them feel safe, happy and loved. Also, as a foster parent, it’s your responsibility to take care of the foster child like you would your own child. This means ensuring they have enough to eat, clothes to wear, a safe place to sleep, can go to a doctor when sick, and can go to school to study.
The grant to care for foster children is usually given out until the child is 18 years old. But if the child is 18 and still in high school. They will continue receiving this money until they are 21. This way, they can keep studying and complete high school without worrying.
Latest Form for SASSA Foster Child Grant
Amount Of SASSA Foster Child Grant In 2024
The current amount for the Foster Child Grant is R1,130 per child per month. From April 1, 2024, the grant is expected to increase by an extra R10 per child per month. Also, this amount is checked and can be changed every six months, on April 1 and October 1, to ensure it’s enough for the needs of foster children.
The Eligibility Criteria for Getting the SASSA Foster Child Support
Before you apply for the foster grant, make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the grant.
Understanding the Means Test for Foster Child Grant
The means test helps the SASSA check the income status of foster children. This test ensures that this grant is given to only those kids who really need financial help.
The grant is given to foster parents caring for children who need help because they don’t have a lot of money and are living in tough situations. Foster parents’ income will not be considered. Moreover, the means test checks how much money the foster child makes in a year. If they earn less than twice the amount of money the grant provides in a year, they can receive it.
Method Of Applying For Foster Child Grant
To apply for the foster child grant, you need an order paper from the court proving you’re officially the child’s foster parent. You should meet with a social worker who works for the Department of Social Development to get this order. They will help you get the court order you need. After getting the court order, you can now apply for the foster grant by visiting the SASSA office.
Latest Form for Foster Child Grant
Apply By Visiting SASSA Office
You can apply for the grant in person by going to the SASSA office near you and following the steps below.
Getting the Form at a SASSA Office
- First, you need to go to the nearest SASSA office.
- After going to the office, ask the workers to give you a foster grant application form.
- They will give you an application form.
- You have to fill the form in the presence of a SASSA officer.
- Be careful to write and put in all your information correctly.
Get Assistance If Needed
- If you find filling out the form difficult or have questions, feel free to ask the SASSA staff for help.
- They will help you in filling your form.
Submit Your Form to SASSA
- After completing the application form, you must attach any other documents requested by SASSA and submit the form to SASSA.
- Before submitting, double check your information again to be sure it’s accurate and current.
Get The Receipt
After you apply, SASSA will provide a receipt with the application date. The SASSA officer’s name who assisted you, and a reference number.
Keeping your receipt safe is important. This receipt is your proof that you applied for the SASSA foster child.
What Are Required Documents For SASSA Foster Child?
Below is the list of the documents needed for foster grant. You can bring original documents or copies of the documents.
Identity Documents:
For your identity, you need to bring the following documents.
Marital Status:
You must bring the following documents as proof of your marital status.
- Marriage Certificate: Bring this if you’re married.
- Divorce Decree: Needed if you’re divorced.
- Death Certificate: Required if your spouse has died.
- Affidavit or Sworn Statement: Use this if none of the above apply to you.
- Custody Court Order: You must obtain legal custody of the child and prove that you are taking care of the child.
Few Methods to receive payments
You can use the following methods to receive the payments. SASSA will give you the grant money in the three ways given below.
- Direct Deposit: The money goes straight into your bank or Postbank account. Remember, the bank can charge a small fee for this.
- Cash Withdrawal: You can withdraw your money in cash at stores that work with SASSA, such as Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Boxer, Checkers, Usave, and Spar.6
- Specific Institutions: If you’re at places like old age homes, disability centres, or with a non-profit organisation, you can get your payment there.
If you want to receive payment through bank accounts, you must complete the Consent Form for Bank Payment of SASSA Grant and submit the documents below.
- ID Proof: Your ID, driver’s licence, or birth certificate.
- Bank Account: Your account number, and it should be yours.
- Bank Statements: Last three months’ statements with your name and account number.
Some Reasons Behind Suspending The Grant
- If you don’t collect the grant money for three months.
- If you’re out of the country for more than 90 days.
- If you no longer have refugee status.
- If you don’t help Sassa during a grant check-up.
- If you lie or try to trick Sassa with false information.
- If Sassa approved your grant by mistake, you are not eligible.
Foster Child Grant Restoration
If you feel your grant was unfairly suspended or you disagree with SASSA’s decision. You can ask SASSA to review it. You have 90 days from the date. The grant was suspended to appeal to the Ministry of Social Development at the National Department.
What You Need to Do as a Grant Receiver
When you get a grant from SASSA, there are following points you must follow
- Always tell SASSA if something changes with your income or personal details.
- If you move or your contact info changes, inform SASSA.
- Make sure all the information you give to SASSA is true.
Reasons Behind Lapsing Of Foster Child Grant
The foster child grant can stop for several reasons:
- The child reaches 18 years old, or 21.
- If the child is no longer living with you.
- If you or the child move out of South Africa.
- The child’s living conditions improve.
- If there’s a mistake or change in the child’s legal status.
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Conclusion
The Foster Child Grant provides financial help for people who care for foster children. Sassa offers money every month to ensure that these kids have what they need, such as food, a place to live, and school. If you’re caring for a child, follow the requirements to apply, like being the legal foster parent and living in South Africa. Keep your information with SASSA up to date so you can get your grant without any problems.