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The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) continues to provide essential financial assistance to vulnerable families through its range of social grants. Among these, the Foster Child Grant is one of the most important, designed to support caregivers who take responsibility for children placed under foster care by the courts. In September 2025, beneficiaries of this grant can expect to receive R1,250 per child, an amount that provides critical support for education, food, clothing, and other basic needs.
With the rising cost of living in South Africa, this financial aid has become even more significant. Caregivers across the country depend on the Foster Child Grant to help them provide stability and a safe home for children who might otherwise be left without adequate support. In this article, we will explain what the Foster Child Grant is, how much beneficiaries will receive in September 2025, and the exact steps you need to follow to access the payment.
What Is the Foster Child Grant
The Foster Child Grant is a monthly payment provided by SASSA to caregivers who have foster children under their care. These children are usually placed in foster care by the Children’s Court due to circumstances such as neglect, abandonment, or situations where their parents are unable to care for them.
The grant is specifically aimed at ensuring that foster parents or guardians have the financial means to provide for the child’s daily needs. This includes food, education, clothing, and healthcare. Unlike the Child Support Grant, which is available to a larger group of caregivers, the Foster Child Grant is only available to those who have official foster care orders granted by the court.
Foster Child Grant Amount for September 2025
For September 2025, the Foster Child Grant has been set at R1,250 per child. This increase reflects the government’s commitment to adjusting grant values in line with inflation and the rising cost of living. While the grant may not cover every expense, it provides vital assistance to households that often carry the emotional and financial responsibility of raising foster children.
Caregivers with more than one foster child will receive R1,250 for each child under their care. This structure ensures that the support is proportional to the number of children being cared for.
Payment Schedule for September 2025
SASSA follows a structured payment schedule each month to ensure beneficiaries know when to expect their funds. For September 2025, the payment dates are 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
Once the payment has been made, the money will remain in your account until you are ready to withdraw it. This means beneficiaries do not need to rush to collect funds on the first day, reducing unnecessary pressure at ATMs, retail stores, or post office branches.
How to Claim the Foster Child Grant
To claim your Foster Child Grant, you must be an approved beneficiary with a valid foster care court order. If you are already receiving the grant, the payment for September 2025 will automatically be deposited into your SASSA card or designated bank account.
For new applicants, the process involves several steps:
- Obtain a court order placing the child in your foster care through the Children’s Court.
- Visit your nearest SASSA office with the necessary documents, including your South African ID, the child’s birth certificate, and the foster care order.
- Fill in the official application form provided by SASSA. This service is free of charge.
- Submit supporting documents such as proof of residence and bank details if you prefer direct deposits.
- Wait for the application to be processed. SASSA will inform you whether your application has been approved or rejected.
Once approved, payments will begin from the date of your application, and you will receive R1,250 monthly per foster child starting from the next scheduled payment cycle.
Ways to Access the Grant Safely
Beneficiaries have several options when it comes to withdrawing the grant. The most common method is using the SASSA card at ATMs, which works like a standard bank card. Grants can also be collected at participating supermarkets such as Shoprite, Pick n Pay, and Boxer, making it convenient for caregivers to access funds while shopping.
Direct deposits into personal bank accounts are another option, often preferred by those who want funds readily available without the need to visit a pay point. SASSA also provides services through mobile cash pay points in rural areas, though this system is gradually being phased out in favour of more secure digital methods.
Importance of the Foster Child Grant
The Foster Child Grant goes beyond just financial assistance. It plays a vital role in promoting social stability by ensuring that vulnerable children grow up in safe, supportive environments. Many foster parents already face emotional and social challenges, and the grant provides them with resources to meet children’s basic needs without falling into deeper financial hardship.
By covering costs related to education, food, and healthcare, the grant helps children stay in school and grow up in healthier, more stable households. This contributes to long-term social development and gives foster children a better chance at building a secure future.
Conclusion
The Foster Child Grant remains a crucial support system for caregivers and children in South Africa. In September 2025, eligible beneficiaries will receive R1,250 per child, with payments scheduled to begin on 3 September. For caregivers, this grant is more than just money; it is a tool that enables them to provide stability, education, and care to children who need it most.
While the grant cannot solve every financial challenge, it plays a vital role in easing the burden of raising foster children and ensuring they have access to basic necessities. For those who qualify but have not yet applied, the process is straightforward and free, making it an opportunity worth pursuing.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. For the latest updates and official requirements, always refer to SASSA’s official website or visit your nearest SASSA office.