Government grants

The South African government provides the following grants for children:

Foster care grant

2009 value- R680/month
For a person who has been appointed by a court as a child's foster parent who will take care of the child in place of the child's parents. One foster parent can have up to 6 foster children. The family need to be assessed by a social worker and then go to court so that the magistrate can approve the placement of the child/ children. The grant lasts until the child is 18, or 21yrs if still in full time school education.

In order to get this grant, the relative needs birth certificates for the children or an affidavit, death certificates for the parents or affidavits stating why the parents cannot take care of the children, a copy of his/her ID, a report from the child's school and a report from a social worker. Many people living in the rural areas do not have these legal documents as children may be born at home and parents die at home without informing the authorities. Home Affairs offices and Social Security Departments may be far away and involve the costs of a taxi fares plus days of queuing to get these documents. These barriers prevent many people from accessing the grants they are entitled to.

Child support grant

2009 value- R240/month
To help provide poor caregivers such as monthers, fathers and grannies with the income to care for children (under the age of 15 yrs) in their care. A single caregiver who earns less than R2400/month is eligible, and a couple who together earn less than R4800/month qualify.

Care dependency grant

2009 value- R1010/month
For an adult who is taking care of a child who is severely disabled and who needs permanent home care. A single caregiver who earns less than R10100/month or a couple who earn less than R20200/month qualify for this.

A family who adopt a child get no special financial support; they are treated as if the child was born to them.

For more infomation, go to www.acess.org.za