How to Apply for the Foster Child Grant

Documents

• Identity document.
• Child’s birth certificate.
• Valid foster-care court order.
• Refugee status documents where applicable.
• School attendance evidence and extended court order where continuation after 18 applies.

Application steps

• Confirm that you meet the eligibility conditions.
• Collect the required identity and supporting documents.
• Complete the recognised application process for the grant.
• Submit medical, court, income or care evidence where the grant requires it.
• Keep the receipt or proof that the application was submitted.
• Respond promptly if more information or a review is requested.

Processing time and backdating

A foster child grant can take up to about three months to process, and an approved grant is generally payable from the date the court placed the child in foster care.

If the application is declined

Keep the written reason for the unsuccessful decision. Where the social-assistance appeal process applies, the appeal must be lodged within the prescribed period after notification of the decision.