Difference Between Foster Child and Child Support Grant

Are you wondering what makes a Foster Child Grant different from a Child Support Grant? Both programmes offer important help for children in South Africa, but they are designed for different situations. Knowing the difference can help you apply for the right support and ensure your child gets the care they deserve.

Understanding the Foster Child Grant

The Foster Child Grant is a type of financial help given to foster parents who officially care for a child through a court order. This grant is managed by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to make sure foster families can meet the needs of children placed in their care.

Who Qualifies for a Foster Child Grant?

You qualify for a Foster Child Grant if:

You are the legal foster parent of a child.
You have a valid court order showing the foster care placement.
The child is under 18 years old.
The child must live in South Africa.

Unlike some grants, your income does not affect your eligibility for a foster grant. It’s based entirely on the court’s decision to place the child in your care.

How Much is the Foster Child Grant?

As of the latest update, the Foster Child Grant provides around R1,130 per month per child. This amount may change over time depending on government adjustments.

Purpose of the Foster Child Grant

The Foster Child Grant helps foster parents afford:

Food
Clothing
School fees
Medical care
Other basic needs

It ensures that foster children enjoy a safe, healthy, and loving environment.

Understanding the Child Support Grant

The Child Support Grant is different. It is designed to help low-income families support their own biological or legally adopted children. This grant focuses on providing a safety net for millions of South African families facing financial difficulties.

Who Qualifies for a Child Support Grant?

You can apply for a Child Support Grant if:

You are the child’s parent, grandparent, or primary caregiver.
Your total household income meets the means test requirements.
The child is under 18 years old.
Both you and the child live in South Africa.

The means test checks your income to make sure the grant goes to families who truly need it.

How Much is the Child Support Grant?

The Child Support Grant currently offers about R510 per month per child.
Like other grants, this amount may increase with time as the government updates policies.

Purpose of the Child Support Grant

It aims to reduce child poverty and ensure that every child has a chance to grow up healthy and educated. The Child Support Grant helps families cover:

Daily living costs
School-related expenses
Medical needs
Nutritious meals

Key Differences Between Foster Child and Child Support Grant
Feature	Foster Child Grant	Child Support Grant
Who Receives It	Foster parents with a court order	Parents, grandparents, or primary caregivers
Child’s Status	Child placed under foster care by the court	Biological or legally adopted child
Income Test	No income test	Income test applies
Grant Amount	Around R1,130 per month	Around R510 per month
Purpose	Support full foster care needs	Help with basic needs for low-income families
Required Documents	Court order, birth certificate, and ID	Birth certificate, proof of income, and caregiver’s ID

Let’s break down the differences even more clearly:

When Should You Apply for a Foster Child Grant?

You should apply for a Foster Child Grant if:

A court places a child under your foster care.
You have received the official court documents confirming your foster parent status.

Make sure you apply as soon as you receive the court order to avoid any delays in getting financial help.

When Should You Apply for a Child Support Grant?

You should apply for a Child Support Grant if:

You are raising your biological or adopted child and meet the income requirements.
You are the primary carer, even if you are a grandparent, older sibling, or another family member.

Applying early helps ensure your child’s basic needs are supported from the start.

Documents Needed for Each Grant

Here’s a quick checklist to help you prepare:

For Foster Child Grant:

Foster care court order
Child’s birth certificate
Foster parent’s South African ID or passport
Proof that the child is living with you

For Child Support Grant:

Child’s birth certificate
Caregiver’s South African ID or passport
Proof of income (pay slip, bank statement, or affidavit)
Proof of primary caregiving if not a biological parent

Application Process for Both Grants

The application process is simple and supportive. Here’s how it works:

Visit your nearest SASSA office.
Fill out the application form provided at the office.
Submit all required documents.
Complete an interview with a SASSA officer if needed.
Wait for approval, which usually takes up to 3 months.
Once approved, the grant will be paid monthly through a bank account, cash pay points, or a special SASSA card.

Good to know:
There is no application fee for any SASSA grant.

FAQs About Foster Child and Child Support Grants

Can I get both the Foster Child Grant and Child Support Grant at the same time?

No, each child can only qualify for one type of grant at a time, depending on their legal status and needs.

Does a foster parent have to pass a means test?

No, for a Foster Child Grant, your income does not matter because the grant is based on the child’s foster status.

What happens if my foster court order expires?

You must renew your foster care placement with the court. SASSA requires a valid court order to continue payments.

Can I appeal if my Child Support Grant is declined?

Yes! If your Child Support Grant application is rejected, you can appeal the decision through the SASSA appeals process.

Summary

The Foster Child Grant and Child Support Grant are both vital programs run by SASSA to help children grow up in safe, loving, and healthy environments.
Each grant serves a unique purpose:

The Foster Child Grant supports children placed in foster care through the courts.
The Child Support Grant helps low-income families meet the basic needs of their children.

Choosing the right grant depends on your child’s legal status and your caregiving role. Knowing the differences helps you apply confidently and ensures that every child receives the best care possible.