What costs might kinship carers still need to meet?

Kinship carers may still have to meet costs that are not included in a kinship allowance or other payment. The amount and type of help available depends on the child’s legal arrangement, the responsible local authority and the child’s assessed needs, so carers should confirm what is covered before relying on financial assistance.

Costs before support is agreed can be particularly difficult to manage. A child may move in before an assessment, allowance decision or grant application has been completed. During this period, carers may need to pay for essential arrangements themselves and should ask the social worker or kinship team whether funding can be backdated, reimbursed or paid directly. Do not assume that an approved payment will automatically cover expenditure made before the decision date.

Some less obvious ongoing costs can include:

• Communication and administration: phone calls, internet use, printing, postage, document copies and travel-related administration connected with school, health or social care arrangements.
• Health-related items: non-prescription medicines, continence supplies, glasses repairs or other items recommended by a professional but not supplied through the NHS or another public service. Check whether the child qualifies for an exemption or whether the local authority can assist before paying for private alternatives.
• Dietary and personal requirements: specialist foods, culturally appropriate personal-care products, hair care or clothing that meets a child’s religious or cultural needs. These may cost more than ordinary household purchases and should be included in the assessment of the child’s needs.
• Childcare and supervision gaps: costs arising when a carer’s working pattern, training, appointments or other responsibilities change. Support may be available in some circumstances, but it is not automatic and informal arrangements may still leave the carer with costs.
• Contact arrangements: refreshments, suitable meeting arrangements or other practical expenses associated with maintaining agreed family contact. Ask who is responsible for these costs and how they should be claimed.
• Contingencies: replacements for damaged belongings, urgent purchases after a change in placement or additional costs when a child’s needs alter unexpectedly.

Legal status also affects financial responsibility. An informal kinship arrangement, a child arrangements order, special guardianship and approved kinship foster care do not provide the same entitlement to allowances or practical support. A payment made under one arrangement may not continue if the arrangement changes. Before accepting a change in legal status, ask for written information about the effect on allowances, benefits, tax treatment and any existing support.

It is sensible to separate your budget into three parts: regular costs, occasional costs and expenses that arise because of the child’s particular needs. Keep receipts and a simple record of dates, amounts and what each payment was for. This can help when asking for an assessment or explaining why an existing allowance no longer meets the child’s needs. It also makes it easier to distinguish household spending from costs directly linked to the placement.

Ask the responsible local authority or support worker:

• which expenses the current payment is intended to cover;
• whether help is means-tested, needs-based or subject to a formal assessment;
• what evidence is needed for reimbursement or a grant;
• whether support can be reviewed if the child’s needs or your circumstances change; and
• who to contact before committing to an unusual or substantial expense.

If financial assistance does not cover a necessary cost, request the decision and its reasons in writing. You can then check whether there is a review, complaints or appeal route, and whether another service may provide help. Taking advice before paying for a non-essential item, private assessment or contractual service can prevent costs that cannot later be recovered.