The South African·South Africa·Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 03:20 PM

Inside the R1 290 social grant with no income limits

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Mary Alson

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has become stricter about its means testing.

Beneficiaries must show they need the money.

Those receiving the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant have to adhere to the strictest income cap.

Child support beneficiaries must pass a means test.

But there are no income or asset limits for those getting a foster care grant.

After approval, a beneficiary can get R1 290 a month for every foster child in their care.

To get the grant, a court must place the foster child into a beneficiary’s care.

The foster parent must either be a South African citizen, permanent resident or refugee.

They can get the grant for up to six children under the age of 18.

The grant can be extended until the child is 21 if the child continues their education and the foster parent submits the necessary documentation.

To qualify for the grant, a recipient can visit their nearest SASSA branch with supporting documents.

This includes the child’s birth certificate and the court order confirming foster care placement.

Biological parents and guardians cannot become a foster parent for the child in their care.

Those wanting to become a foster parent can apply through the Department of Social Development (DSD) or an accredited child protection agency.

A social worker will visit the potential foster parent’s home for a screening.

The foster parent must also undergo training.

Currently, the Department needs foster parents to care for children with special needs.

Foster parents of children with special needs could get the R2 400 care dependency grant.

According to National Treasury, fewer beneficiaries will receive the foster care grant in 2028.

Much like the child support grant and SRD grant, National Treasury wants to reduce the number of beneficiaries.

Between 2025 and 2028, the government forecasts that 74 000 beneficiaries will no longer receive the grant.

In 2025, 184 000 South Africans received the grant.

By 2028, National Treasury only wants 110 000 people to receive the grant.

They’re also setting aside less money for the grant.

In 2025, Treasury budgeted R3.59 billion for the grant.

In 2028, they are budgeting $3.11 billion, a R480 million reduction.

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