A Foster Child Grant is a grant intended to provide for the basic needs of foster children who have been placed in the care of foster parents by a Children’s Court. The Foster Child Grant is paid to foster parents for children between the ages of 0 and 18 years. An extension order for foster care can be given until the age of 21 years if the child is still at school. (See Foster care)

Usually a grant is for 2 years but a social worker can extend the grant depending on the circumstances, subject to a review by a social worker or a magistrate through a Children’s Court. A foster parent is responsible for ensuring that the child is fed, clothed, healthy, and attending school and that the foster grant is used to benefit the child. SASSA officers must always be allowed to have access to the child. (See How much money can you get)

WHO CAN APPLY FOR A FOSTER CHILD GRANT?

Any adult or caregiver who is taking care of a child that qualifies, – and has no common law duty to maintain that child – can apply for this grant. To apply for a Foster Child Grant, the foster parent and the foster child must:

• Be resident in South Africa at the time of making the application (but they do not have to be South African citizens)
• Be in possession of a court order that makes the foster care status legal;\
• Qualify in terms of the means test for a Foster Child Grant
• A child from any country that finds themselves in need of care and protection in South Africa, can be fostered. This will include a child who is undocumented, or a child who is a refugee.
• A foreign national who is a refugee can qualify to be a foster parent

WHAT IS THE MEANS TEST TO QUALIFY FOR A FOSTER CHILD GRANT?

There is no means test to qualify for a Foster Child Grant.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A FOSTER CHILD GRANT

The process for applying for a Foster Child Grant is the same as for all other grants. (See Applying for a Social grant) The following documents are required for the application:

• The foster parent’s bar-coded identity document (ID) The foster child’s RSA or non-RSA identity document or birth certificate The court order indicating foster care status If there is no birth certificate, check with SASSA what alternative document will be accepted

The situation of the child who is placed in need of care is reviewed from time to time. A social work review may take into account, whether the foster child:

• Remains in the care of the parents
• Is living in adequate housing
• Is fed and given clothes to wear
• Receives necessary medical and dental care
• Goes to school regularly

WHEN DOES THE FOSTER CHILD GRANT STOP OR LAPSE?

A Foster Child Grant will stop:

• If the foster child or both foster parents pass away
• If the child is no longer in the custody of the foster parent
• When the child turns 18, the grant will stop in the last month of that year. If the child is still attending school over the age of 18 the foster placement can be extended until age 21
• When the court order expires
• When the child leaves school at school-leaving age

The beneficiaries must inform SASSA of any changes in the foster parent/s’ or foster child/ren’s circumstances.

If a child is severely disabled, the foster parent can get a Care Dependency Grant as well as a Foster Child Grant.

NOTE: The Children’s Amendment Act deals with foster care. (See The Children’s Act; See Children’s Amendment Act)