Check SASSA Foster Child Grant Status Online
The SASSA Foster Child Grant plays a vital role in South Africa, offering essential financial support to foster parents caring for children legally placed in their custody under the South African Child Care Act. Designed to help cover the needs of these vulnerable children, the grant empowers foster families to provide a stable and nurturing environment.
Checking the status of a Foster Child Grant application has never been easier, thanks to SASSA’s streamlined online process. Below is a clear and detailed guide to tracking your grant status effortlessly.
Check SASSA Foster Child Grant Status
Let’s check SASSA Foster Child Support Grant Status Online by simply following this step-by-step guide
Check SRD Foster Child Grant Status Online via srd.sassa.gov.za
- Visit www.sassacheck.org to check SASSA status online.
- Provide ID number or bar coded identity document number for Foster Child Support Grant online.
- Enter mobile phone number registered with SASSA Foster child support Grant Application while adding personal information
- Review and ‘Submit’ your request to the database.
- In next 2 seconds, a pop-up screen will show you SASSA status of Foster Child Support Grant online.
Check SASSA Foster Child Grant Status Online Via WhatsApp
SASSA offers a convenient WhatsApp service at 082 046 8553 to check your grant balance. Here’s how to use it:
- Open Whatsapp and navigate to your SASSA contact number 082 046 8553 to initiate the conversation with their bot
- Type ‘SASSA’ in chat bar
- Press “Status” in the next reply by the bot where it will show a few more options to check your grant balance.
- Provide your reference number for your Foster Child grant application.
- If you don’t have reference number, you may opt to enter registered mobile number
- Follow the instructions and provide the necessary details. A pop-up notification will show your SASSA Foster child support grant balance via WhatsApp message.
Important Notice
Any payment transactions through a bank account may apply bank charges or state tax. To avoid this tax application, you may change your bank account option anytime. Moreover, you would receive next payment cycle through your updated payment method
SASSA Child Support Grant Amount
SASSA Child grant amount is currently R1130. According to the last announcement of Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, SASSA relief grant is increased with effect from April 2024.
SASSA Approved Payment Methods for Foster Child Grant
When requesting SASSA application for Child Grant, you can select your preferred mode of payment. SASSA relief grants can be transferred through bank accounts or in cash on specific payment dates at designated collection pay points.
- Cash Payments
- Receive money in cash on specific days at a designated Pay Point.
- Electronic Deposits
- Alternatively, opt for the grant to be electronically deposited into your bank account. Regular bank charges will apply to these transactions. You can also use 3rd party e-wallets like Moya App to withdraw any type of SRD SASSA Grant
To change your payment method, complete a form at a Welfare office. Note that the change will take effect one month after submission.
You will receive a confirmation SMS from SASSA that you have changed your bank account payment method from SASSA gold card to Capitec. SASSA SRD will process your new payment cycle through your new bank account, Capitec or Standard Bank.
Circumstances for Discontinuation of the SASSA Foster Child Grant
SASSA Grant payments may be discontinued under various circumstances, including:
- Death of both foster parents.
- Death of the foster child.
- The child no longer being under your foster care.
- The child turning 18 or leaving school.
- The child earning an income above the qualifying threshold.
Ineligible for the SASSA Foster Child Grant
The SASSA Foster Child Grant is a valuable financial resource for foster parents, but there are specific conditions under which an individual may not be eligible to receive this grant. Understanding these eligibility criteria is crucial to ensure compliance with the South African Child Care Act and the policies of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).
Conditions for Ineligibility
- Child Not Legally Placed in Foster Care
- The grant is specifically for children who have been legally placed in foster care by a court order. If the child is not under legal foster care, the foster parents are not eligible for the grant.
- Age of the Child
- The grant is intended for children under the age of 18. If the child turns 18 or leaves school, they are no longer eligible for the foster child grant. However, exceptions may apply if the child is still in school up to the age of 21, subject to SASSA’s discretion.
- Child’s Income Exceeds Threshold
- If the foster child starts earning an income that exceeds the qualifying threshold set by SASSA, they will no longer be eligible for the grant. This threshold is periodically reviewed and adjusted by SASSA.
- Change in Foster Care Status
- If the child is no longer under your foster care, either due to being reunited with their biological parents or being placed in another care situation, the foster parent will no longer qualify for the grant.
- Death of Foster Child
- In the unfortunate event of the foster child’s death, the grant payments will cease immediately.
- Death of Foster Parents
- If both foster parents pass away, the grant is discontinued unless the child is legally placed with another foster parent or guardian who then reapplies for the grant.
- Non-Compliance with SASSA Reviews
- Regular reviews by SASSA are conducted to ensure continued eligibility. Failure to comply with these reviews, such as not submitting required documents or not informing SASSA of changes in circumstances, can result in the discontinuation of the grant.
- Foster Parents’ Income
- While the primary focus is on the child’s needs, there might be considerations regarding the foster parents’ income. If the foster parents are deemed capable of financially supporting the child without the grant, eligibility might be affected.
Additional Information
- Reapplication and Appeals
- If your grant application is denied or discontinued, you have the right to reapply or appeal the decision. Ensure all necessary documentation and legal requirements are met to improve the chances of a successful application or appeal.
- Other Grants
- If you are not eligible for the Foster Child Grant, consider other available grants, such as the Child Support Grant or the Care-Dependency Grant, depending on your specific situation and needs.
Understanding these eligibility criteria helps foster parents maintain compliance with SASSA regulations and ensures that only those who truly qualify receive the financial support intended to aid in the care and well-being of foster children.
For more information or assistance, contact SASSA through their toll-free helpline at 0800 601 011 or via email at [email protected]
SASSA Review of Foster Child Grants
SASSA conducts regular reviews of all child grants to ensure ongoing eligibility. Foster parents must inform SASSA of any changes in their or their child’s situation and assist with any required paperwork during the review process.
Benefits of SASSA Foster Child Grants
The SASSA Foster Child Grant is a vital initiative designed to provide financial assistance to foster parents or caregivers responsible for children who are not their biological offspring. This grant is a key element in supporting the well-being and development of foster children across South Africa. Here are some significant benefits of the SASSA Foster Child Grant:
- Financial Support for Basic Needs
- The grant provides financial assistance for the essential needs of foster children, including food, clothing, and shelter.
- Covering Education, Healthcare, and Essential Services
- It helps cover the costs associated with education and healthcare, crucial for the child’s overall development. This includes school fees, uniforms, books, medical check-ups, and treatments.
- Financial Relief for Foster Parents
- By reducing the financial burden, the grant allows foster parents to focus on providing emotional and physical care to the foster child without financial stress.
- Promotion of Stability and Proper Care
- The grant promotes stability by ensuring access to resources needed for proper care, crucial for the emotional and psychological well-being of foster children.
SASSA Contact Details for Enquiries
For any inquiries, you can reach out to the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to obtain information on:
- SASSA Child Support Grant
- Old age homes for SASSA pensioners
- Assistance with your application
- District office addresses and contact numbers
- Qualifying rules for all government grants.
- Pay-out dates.
- Reporting any instances of fraud or corruption.
- Main Office Toll-Free Helpline Number: 0800 601 011
- Email: Grant [email protected]
Updates for 2025
- Payment Method Shift: The SASSA Gold Card expires March 20, 2025, replaced by the Postbank Black Card. Swap yours at retailers like Shoprite or Pick n Pay before the cutoff to avoid payment delays. Alternatively, link a personal bank account via e-Forms at services.sassa.gov.za.
- Grant Increase: The Foster Child Grant rose to R1,180 in October 2024, with a projected R1,190 from April 2025, pending budget confirmation. Check your status to confirm the updated amount.
- Digital Push: SASSA’s e-Form system now supports faster updates to banking details or appeals, reducing processing times from three months to as little as six weeks for some cases.
- Policy Uncertainty: With SRD funding ending March 31, 2025, advocacy groups like Black Sash push for broader social grant reforms. While the Foster Child Grant isn’t directly affected, system-wide changes could impact future reviews—stay vigilant.
What to Do Next
- If Approved: Expect payments on the 4th of each month (e.g., May 5, 2025, if the 4th is a Sunday), deposited into your bank or Black Card.
- If Pending: Processing can take up to 90 days—ensure your court order and ID are current.
- If Declined: Appeal within 90 days at a SASSA office or online, providing proof of foster status.
Why It’s Essential in 2025
With South Africa’s foster care system supporting thousands of vulnerable children, the R1,190 monthly grant is a lifeline. Regularly checking your status ensures you’re not caught off-guard by reviews (every two years) or payment hiccups amid the Postbank transition. Call 0800 601 011 or visit sassa.gov.za for the latest updates—secure your foster child’s support today!