Can foster carers receive more than one grant?

Foster carers can receive several grants over the course of fostering, but each award normally relates to a defined need rather than providing unrestricted additional income. A service may consider a further application where the purpose, timing or circumstances are different, subject to its own scheme rules and available funding.

For example, a carer might receive support for an initial fostering-related cost and later apply for funding connected with a new placement, a child’s changing needs or an unexpected expense. Receiving one award does not necessarily prevent a later application, although some schemes limit how often a carer can apply or set a maximum amount for a particular type of support.

It is important to check whether the proposed expense has already been covered by another source. A fostering service may not approve two grants for the same item, or may reduce an award where another contribution is available. This can include support from the local authority, the fostering provider or another organisation. Explain any related funding when applying so the service can assess the complete position.

Several factors may be considered when more than one grant is requested:

• the reason for each application and whether the purposes are genuinely distinct;
• whether the expense is connected with an existing or planned placement;
• the child’s age, needs and circumstances;
• the urgency and necessity of the cost;
• any previous grants received for the same child, household or type of expense;
• whether the cost should normally be met through the fostering allowance instead; and
• whether the required evidence and approvals have been provided.

Grants and fostering allowances serve different functions. An allowance is regular financial support intended to contribute towards the everyday costs of caring for a child, while a grant is generally linked to a particular purpose or exceptional cost. A grant should not be treated as a replacement for the standard allowance, and receiving a grant does not automatically change the allowance paid for a placement.

Before making another application, review the written terms of the relevant grant scheme and speak with your supervising social worker or fostering service. Ask whether repeat applications are permitted, whether there is a limit between awards, what costs are excluded and whether approval must be obtained before spending. Some schemes may not reimburse a cost that has already been paid without prior authorisation.

Keep quotations, receipts and a short explanation of how the funding will be used. If circumstances change after approval, tell the service before using the money for a different purpose. Accurate records can help the service assess future requests and confirm that each award has been used in line with its conditions.

Where a further grant is refused, ask for the reason and whether another form of support or a review process is available. The decision may relate to the type of expense, the timing of the request, insufficient evidence or the rules of that particular funding pot, rather than meaning that foster carers can never receive another grant.