How to Renew a Foster Care Grant

Foster Care Grants require periodic renewal to ensure foster care arrangements remain valid and caregivers continue to meet eligibility criteria. Understanding when and how to renew your grant is essential for maintaining continuous payments. This comprehensive 2026 guide walks you through everything you need to know about renewing your Foster Care Grant in South Africa.

Understanding Grant Renewal

Why Renewal is Required

Reasons for Renewal:

• Verify foster care status remains valid
• Confirm child is still in your care
• Update information if circumstances changed
• Ensure continued eligibility
• Maintain continuous grant payments

Importance:

• Prevents payment interruptions
• Ensures grant continues
• Updates SASSA records
• Maintains eligibility status

When Renewal is Required

Typical Renewal Periods:

• Annually: Most common renewal period
• Every 2 Years: Some cases may have longer periods
• When Foster Care Order Expires: Must renew when court order expires
• When Requested: SASSA may request renewal at any time

Renewal Triggers:

• Annual review period arrives
• Foster care court order expires
• SASSA requests renewal
• Circumstances have changed
• Grant period ending

Before You Renew

Step 1: Check Your Renewal Date

How to Check:

• Check your grant approval letter
• Contact SASSA call centre
• Visit SASSA website
• Check with SASSA office
• Review any renewal notices

Important Dates:

• Note your renewal deadline
• Don't wait until last minute
• Renew well before deadline
• Allow time for processing

Step 2: Verify Foster Care Status

Ensure Status is Valid:

• Foster care court order is current
• Child is still in your legal care
• Foster care arrangement is active
• Social worker confirms status
• No changes to foster care status

If Status Has Changed:

• Update SASSA immediately
• Provide new documentation
• Explain any changes
• Ensure continued eligibility

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

Essential Documents:

• Current foster care court order
• Updated foster care placement certificate
• Child's birth certificate (if changed)
• Your South African ID
• Proof of income (updated)
• Proof of address (if changed)
• Banking details (if changed)
• Letter from social worker (if required)

Document Preparation:

• Make certified copies of originals
• Ensure all documents are current
• Organize documents in order
• Bring originals and copies

Step 4: Review Your Eligibility

Verify You Still Qualify:

• Income still below threshold (R6,000 single, R12,000 coupled)
• Foster care status still valid
• Child still under 18
• All requirements still met
• No disqualifying changes

Step-by-Step Renewal Process

Method 1: Renew at SASSA Office

Step 1: Find Nearest SASSA Office

1. Visit www.sassa.gov.za
2. Use office locator to find nearest office
3. Note office hours and contact information
4. Plan your visit (avoid month-end if possible)

Step 2: Prepare Documents

1. Gather all required documents
2. Make certified copies
3. Organize documents
4. Bring originals and copies

Step 3: Visit SASSA Office

1. Arrive during office hours
2. Take a number or join queue
3. Wait for your turn
4. Be patient (offices can be busy)

Step 4: Request Renewal

1. Inform staff you want to renew Foster Care Grant
2. Provide your ID and grant reference number
3. Complete renewal form with staff assistance
4. Provide all required information
5. Submit all documents

Step 5: Receive Confirmation

1. Get renewal receipt
2. Note your reference number
3. Ask about processing timeline
4. Keep all documents safe

Method 2: Renew Online (If Available)

Step 1: Access SASSA Website

1. Visit www.sassa.gov.za
2. Navigate to "Renew Grant" or "Grant Services" section
3. Select "Foster Care Grant Renewal"
4. Log in or verify your identity

Step 2: Complete Renewal Form

1. Enter your personal information
2. Enter foster child's information
3. Update any changed information
4. Upload required documents
5. Review all information

Step 3: Submit Renewal

1. Verify all information is correct
2. Submit renewal application
3. Save reference number
4. Print confirmation

Step 4: Follow Up

1. Check renewal status regularly
2. Respond to any requests
3. Wait for processing
4. Contact SASSA if needed

Method 3: Renew via WhatsApp

Step 1: Start WhatsApp Chat

1. Open WhatsApp on your phone
2. Message SASSA: 082 046 8553
3. Send "Renew" or "Renewal"

Step 2: Follow Menu Prompts

1. Select "Foster Care Grant"
2. Choose "Renew" option
3. Enter your ID number
4. Provide required information

Step 3: Complete Renewal

1. Answer questions about changes
2. Confirm foster care status
3. Provide updated information if needed
4. Submit renewal

Step 4: Receive Confirmation

1. Get confirmation message
2. Save reference number
3. Wait for processing

Required Documents for Renewal

Essential Documents

1. Current Foster Care Court Order

• Must be current and valid
• Original and certified copy
• Shows foster care status is active
• Not expired

2. Updated Foster Care Placement Certificate

• Current placement certificate
• Shows child is still in your care
• Confirms foster care arrangement
• From social services

3. Child's Birth Certificate

• If child's information changed
• Or if requested by SASSA
• Original and certified copy
• Current and valid

4. Your South African ID

• Original and certified copy
• Must be valid and not expired
• Matches grant records

5. Updated Proof of Income

• Bank statements (last 3 months)
• Payslips (if employed)
• Proof of other income
• Affidavit if no income

6. Proof of Address (if changed)

• Utility bill
• Lease agreement
• Municipal account
• Updated address proof

7. Banking Details (if changed)

• New bank account number
• Bank name and branch code
• Proof of account
• Update if banking changed

Additional Documents (If Applicable)

• Letter from Social Worker: Confirming foster care status
• Marriage Certificate: If marital status affects eligibility
• Updated Medical Reports: If child's health status relevant
• School Reports: If requested

Renewal Form Information

Information to Update

Personal Information:

• Contact details (phone, email, address)
• Marital status (if changed)
• Employment status (if changed)
• Income information (updated)

Foster Child Information:

• Child's current status
• School information (if applicable)
• Health information (if relevant)
• Any changes to child's circumstances

Foster Care Information:

• Current foster care status
• Court order details
• Placement certificate information
• Social worker contact

Income Declaration

Updated Income Information:

• Current employment income
• Current self-employment income
• Other income sources
• Spouse income (if applicable)
• Total monthly income

Supporting Documents:

• Recent bank statements
• Current payslips
• Proof of other income
• Updated financial information

Processing Timeline

Expected Processing Times

Standard Renewal:

• Renewal Submission: Immediate confirmation
• Initial Review: 5-10 business days
• Verification: 15-25 business days
• Approval: 20-35 business days total
• Payment Continuation: Payments continue during processing

Factors Affecting Processing

May Cause Delays:

• Missing documents
• Incorrect information
• Foster care status verification needed
• High renewal volume
• Additional information required

To Avoid Delays:

• Submit complete renewal
• Provide all required documents
• Ensure information is accurate
• Respond promptly to requests

After Renewal Submission

Checking Renewal Status

Methods to Check:

1. SASSA Website: www.sassa.gov.za
2. WhatsApp: 082 046 8553
3. USSD: 1347737#
4. Call Centre: 0800 60 10 11
5. Visit Office: Return to SASSA office

Information Needed:

• Your ID number
• Renewal reference number
• Grant reference number

If Additional Information is Required

SASSA May Request:

• Updated foster care documents
• Additional proof of status
• Clarification of information
• Updated income proof
• Other supporting documents

What to Do:

• Respond promptly
• Provide requested information
• Use official channels
• Keep records of communication

Renewal Outcomes

Possible Outcomes:

• Approved: Renewal successful, grant continues
• Declined: Renewal unsuccessful (can appeal)
• Pending: Still under review
• Additional Information Required: More documents needed

If Renewal is Approved

What Happens Next

Approval Notification:

• You'll receive SMS notification
• Status will update on website
• Grant continues without interruption
• Next renewal date provided

Payment Continuation:

• Payments continue normally
• No interruption to payments
• Payment amount remains R1,180 per child
• Regular payment schedule continues

Maintaining the Grant

Ongoing Requirements:

• Foster care status must remain valid
• Must continue to meet means test
• Update SASSA if circumstances change
• Participate in next renewal when due
• Keep all documentation current

If Renewal is Declined

Understanding the Decline

Common Decline Reasons:

• Foster care status expired or invalid
• Income above threshold
• Missing or incorrect documents
• Child no longer in care
• Incomplete renewal information

What to Do:

• Understand the decline reason
• Review your eligibility
• Gather required documents
• Appeal if decline was incorrect
• Or address issue and reapply

Appealing a Decline

Appeal Process:

1. Submit appeal within 90 days
2. Provide supporting documentation
3. Explain why decline was incorrect
4. Wait for appeal decision (30-45 days)

For More Information:

• See our guide on appealing SASSA decisions
• Contact SASSA for assistance
• Visit SASSA office for help

Tips for Successful Renewal

Before Renewal

1. Check Renewal Date: Know when renewal is due
2. Prepare Early: Gather documents well in advance
3. Verify Status: Ensure foster care status is valid
4. Update Information: Have current information ready
5. Review Eligibility: Verify you still meet requirements

During Renewal

1. Be Accurate: Provide correct, complete information
2. Bring Originals: Always bring original documents
3. Be Patient: Renewal process can take time
4. Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask for clarification
5. Keep Records: Save all confirmations and reference numbers

After Renewal

1. Check Status: Monitor renewal status regularly
2. Respond Promptly: Provide additional information quickly
3. Update Information: Notify SASSA of any changes
4. Be Patient: Processing takes time
5. Follow Up: Contact SASSA if no response after expected timeframe

Common Renewal Issues

Issue 1: Foster Care Order Expired

Problem: Court order has expired

Solution:

• Renew court order with court
• Get updated foster care placement
• Provide new court order to SASSA
• Complete renewal with new documents

Issue 2: Missing Documents

Problem: Required documents not provided

Solution:

• Gather all required documents
• Provide certified copies
• Submit complete renewal
• Respond to document requests

Issue 3: Income Above Threshold

Problem: Income now exceeds threshold

Solution:

• Review income calculation
• Verify if income is actually above threshold
• Appeal if calculation was incorrect
• Or accept that you no longer qualify

Issue 4: Late Renewal

Problem: Renewal submitted after deadline

Solution:

• Submit renewal as soon as possible
• Explain reason for delay
• Provide all required documents
• Contact SASSA for guidance

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do I need to renew the Foster Care Grant?

Most Foster Care Grants require annual renewal, though some may have different renewal periods. Check your grant approval letter or contact SASSA for your specific renewal schedule.

What happens if I don't renew on time?

If you don't renew on time, your grant payments may be suspended. Submit renewal as soon as possible and contact SASSA to explain any delay.

Can I renew online?

Online renewal may be available depending on SASSA's current systems. Check the SASSA website for the most current renewal methods.

What if my foster care status has changed?

If your foster care status has changed, update SASSA immediately and provide new documentation. Your grant eligibility may be affected.

Do I need to renew if nothing has changed?

Yes, you still need to renew even if nothing has changed. Renewal verifies that your circumstances remain the same and your grant should continue.

How long does renewal take to process?

Renewals typically take 20-35 business days to process, depending on various factors including document completeness and verification requirements.

Will my payments continue during renewal?

Yes, payments typically continue during the renewal process as long as you submit your renewal on time and your foster care status remains valid.

What if my renewal is declined?

If your renewal is declined, you can appeal the decision within 90 days, or address the decline reason and reapply.

Can I renew for multiple foster children at once?

Yes, you can renew for multiple foster children in the same renewal process if they're all on the same grant application.

How do I know when my renewal is due?

Check your grant approval letter, contact SASSA call centre, visit the SASSA website, or check with your local SASSA office for your renewal date.

Conclusion

Renewing your Foster Care Grant is essential for maintaining continuous payments and ensuring your grant continues. Understanding when to renew, gathering required documents, and following the renewal process correctly helps ensure a successful renewal. By renewing on time and providing complete, accurate information, you maintain your grant and continue receiving support for your foster child.

For more information about grant requirements, payment dates, or maintaining your grant, explore our other comprehensive Foster Care Grant guides.

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Related Articles:

• Foster Care Grant Requirements (2026)
• Foster Care Grant Payment Dates (2026)
• How to Apply for the Child Support Grant (2026)
• SASSA SRD Grant Eligibility Requirements (2026)

Official Resources:

• SASSA Official Website
• SASSA Foster Care Grant Information
• SASSA Call Centre