The Foster Care Grant (FSG) is one of those grants that are generally overlooked. This is in part because it has too few beneficiaries as compared to other Social Grants. In March 2021, 309,453 FSG beneficiaries were paid, while the Child Support Grant (CSG) had 12,992,589 recipients according to the Social Grant Performance report.
Despite it’s unpopularity, it plays an important role in child care and development. Here is how you can apply for SASSA’s Foster Care Grant in 2022.
1. Go to the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office nearest to you.
Find the nearest local SASSA offices. If you can’t find them, you may use Google Maps to locate the SASSA offices closest to you.
2. Make sure you have all the required documentation.
The following documents will be required when applying for Foster Care Grant.
- Your ID and birth certificate of the child.
- your status permit and refugee ID, If you are a refugee
3. Complete the application form in the presence of the SASSA officer.
The application for Foster Care Grant is not available online and can only be procured at the SASSA branch. The SASSA officer will assist you in filling the application appropriately to avoid disqualification due to errors.
4. You will be provided with a receipt.
Keep the receipt provided as proof that you applied. It will be useful should your application be successful/or denied.
Should you not have your ID or Childs birth certificate. Please follow the steps below:
- Complete an affidavit on a standard SASSA format in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths (not a SASSA official).
- Bring a sworn statement signed by a councillor, traditional leader, social worker, minister of religion, or school principal) who knows you and the child.
- The SASSA official will take your fingerprints. You will then be referred to the Department of Home Affairs to apply for the ID even as your application is processed. If you don’t get an ID, your grant application will not be approved.
- Bring proof of application for an ID and/or birth certificate from the Department of Home Affairs.
- Provide a temporary ID issued by the Department of Home Affairs (if applicable).
- Present a baptismal certificate (if available)
- Submit a road to health clinic card (if available)
- if the child is at school, the child’s school certificate.
If you face any issues, you contact SASSA on the following channels for further assistance.
South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)
SASSA Toll free: 0800 60 10 11