Are foster carers paid between placements?

There is no standard automatic payment to foster carers during a gap between placements. The amount and type of support available depends on the fostering service’s payment structure and the terms of your agreement. In many arrangements, the fostering allowance is linked to the child in placement and ends when that placement ends.

The key distinction is between an allowance and a fee. An allowance is intended to help meet the costs of caring for a child, such as food, clothing, travel and everyday household expenses. If there is no child living with you, there may be no placement-related costs for the allowance to cover. A fee, where one forms part of the payment arrangement, recognises the carer’s time, skills and commitment. Some fostering services may continue a fee or offer a retainer between placements, but this is not a universal arrangement.

Whether any payment continues can also depend on why there is a gap. A planned move, an unplanned ending, a short break before the next placement, or a period when you are temporarily unavailable may be treated differently under the service’s policy. A service may also set conditions for receiving an ongoing payment, such as remaining approved, completing required training, keeping your household available for placements or accepting suitable referrals. These conditions should be explained before you agree to foster.

When a child leaves, ask how the final payment will be calculated and when it will be made. You should also clarify how the service deals with authorised expenses incurred at the end of a placement, including travel, activities or items bought specifically for the child. Payment records should show what each payment relates to, although the format will vary between fostering services.

Before applying, ask the fostering service the following questions:

• Is payment made only when a child is living in the household, or is there a separate fee for approved carers between placements?
• Does the payment structure change for emergency, respite, short-term or long-term fostering?
• What happens financially if a placement ends earlier than expected?
• Are there requirements to remain eligible for any fee or retainer during a gap?
• When will the final allowance and any approved expenses be paid?
• Will payments continue while you complete training, attend reviews or prepare for another placement?

It is sensible to plan on the basis that placement-related allowances may not provide a continuous income. A gap can occur for many reasons, including a child moving to a different type of care, a planned transition or the time needed to identify a suitable match. Your fostering service should explain its own policy clearly so that you can assess the financial position alongside household costs, tax and any benefits you receive.

If you are considering fostering, request the written payment information before making a decision. The agreement should make clear which elements are allowances, which are fees, when payments start and end, and whether anything is payable between placements. If the explanation is unclear, ask your supervising social worker or fostering service to confirm the position in writing.