Are there grants for kinship carers?

Grants for kinship carers are usually one-off or short-term payments intended to help with a specific cost, rather than a regular replacement for wages or ongoing financial assistance. They may be available through a local authority, charitable fund, school or another support organisation, but eligibility depends on the type of kinship arrangement, the child’s needs, the carer’s circumstances and the purpose of the application.

What grants may help with

Funding is more likely to be considered where there is a clear, essential cost connected with caring for the child. Depending on the scheme, this could include:

• Basic furniture, beds, bedding or equipment needed to make the child’s home suitable;
• Clothing, school uniform, school equipment or other essential items;
• Travel costs connected with contact arrangements, appointments or education;
• Activities, clubs or equipment that support the child’s wellbeing and development;
• Practical items needed after a child moves into the family home;
• Short-term help following an unexpected change in the child’s circumstances.

Not every fund covers all of these costs. Some are restricted to a particular purpose, such as education, disability-related equipment or emergency household needs. A grant may also be paid directly to a supplier or provided as goods rather than as cash.

Where kinship carers can look for funding

The first point of contact is usually the local authority’s children’s services or kinship care team. The council may have a dedicated fund, a discretionary payment scheme or information about local organisations that support family and friends carers. The relevant authority may be the council responsible for the child’s social care arrangements, so it is worth asking which team should assess the request.

Charities and community organisations may also offer grants for particular circumstances. Their rules can differ significantly: one fund may be limited to families on a low income, while another may focus on disability, education, household essentials or a child affected by trauma. Schools, health professionals, social workers and family support services may know about suitable local funds and can sometimes support an application.

Does legal status affect eligibility?

Yes. A carer’s options may differ depending on whether the arrangement is informal, supported by a child arrangements order, covered by a special guardianship order or made under a fostering arrangement. Some funds accept applications from all kinship carers, while others are only for people with a particular legal status or involvement from children’s services.

This distinction matters because a payment connected with a child’s social care plan is not necessarily a charitable grant. Before applying, ask whether the support is discretionary, whether it is repayable and whether receiving it could affect another payment or assessment. Keep written confirmation of the decision and its terms.

How to make an application

Check the fund’s criteria before completing a form. Applications commonly ask for:

• Details of the child and the kinship arrangement;
• Information about household income, benefits and essential outgoings;
• An explanation of the cost and why it is necessary;
• Quotes, invoices or other evidence of the amount requested;
• Relevant professional information, where the application relates to health, education or social care;
• Bank or payment details if an award is approved.

Explain the practical impact of not receiving the funding and apply for the specific cost rather than making a general request for financial help. If a social worker, school or health professional is involved, ask whether they can provide supporting evidence. Do not pay for an item on the assumption that a grant will be awarded unless the fund confirms that it will consider costs already incurred.

What if a grant is refused?

A refusal does not necessarily mean that no help is available. Ask for the reason, check whether there is a review or appeal process and request information about other funds. It may be possible to apply under a different scheme if the original fund was unsuitable, the wrong evidence was provided or the cost falls within another organisation’s criteria.

Keep records of applications, decisions and receipts. A grant is normally linked to a defined need, so a further application may require evidence of how earlier support was used. If the cost is ongoing, ask about regular financial assistance, benefits, childcare help or other services rather than relying on repeated grant applications.

Rules and available funds change, so current eligibility should be checked directly with the relevant council or organisation. A kinship care adviser, social worker or benefits adviser can help identify which type of support fits the child’s legal arrangement and the cost being claimed.