What financial support do foster carers receive?

Financial support for foster carers is normally arranged around the needs of the child and the type of placement. It may include regular payments for the child’s everyday care, a separate fee for the carer’s time and skills, and agreed help with particular expenses. The exact structure differs between fostering services, so the assessment and approval process is also an opportunity to understand the figures, payment dates and conditions that would apply to you.

What the regular allowance is intended to cover

A fostering allowance is generally intended to contribute towards the practical costs of looking after a child. These can include food, clothing, toiletries, household bills, travel, school-related items, activities, pocket money and personal possessions. The amount may be influenced by factors such as the child’s age, the number of children placed, their individual needs and the type of placement.

The allowance is not simply an unrestricted payment. Foster carers are expected to use it appropriately for the child’s care and to keep track of spending where their fostering service requires this. Your fostering adviser should explain what the allowance is designed to cover and which costs need prior agreement.

Fees and other payments

Some fostering services pay an additional fee to recognise the carer’s time, responsibility, skills and commitment. This may be described as a professional fee, reward payment or carer payment. Not every service uses the same arrangement, and the amount or eligibility may depend on the carer’s approval level, training, experience or the needs of a particular placement.

Extra financial help may also be available for specific circumstances. For example, a service may agree additional funding for specialist equipment, extensive travel, activities, education-related costs, clothing or other needs that go beyond ordinary day-to-day spending. These arrangements are usually considered individually and may need approval before the expense is incurred.

Questions to ask before you apply

• What payments are made for each type of placement?
• Is there a separate fee in addition to the fostering allowance?
• How are payments affected by a child’s age, needs or number of placements?
• Which expenses are included, and which can be claimed separately?
• Do larger purchases or travel costs need to be agreed in advance?
• How and when are payments made?
• What happens if a child’s needs change during a placement?
• Are there any circumstances in which an allowance or additional payment changes?

Planning your household budget

Fostering should be financially manageable without relying on uncertain or unapproved expenses. Before approval, review your regular household commitments and consider the practical costs of providing a child with suitable food, clothing, transport, activities and personal space. It is sensible to keep a separate record of fostering-related spending so that you can see how funds are being used and provide information if requested.

You should also ask how the service supports essential purchases at the beginning of a placement. A child may arrive with limited belongings or have needs that were not known in advance. The relevant team should explain the process for requesting help, rather than expecting you to make assumptions about what can be reimbursed.

Financial support is only one part of the package

Payments are separate from the practical support provided by a fostering service. Training, supervision, advice and help from the fostering team can all be important when managing the responsibilities of a placement. Before making a decision, ask for a clear written explanation of the financial arrangements and discuss your personal circumstances with a fostering adviser. Payment rates and policies can change, so current information from the service should be used when comparing your options.