What is a foster care holiday allowance?

A foster care holiday allowance is usually a separate payment or contribution from a fostering provider to help meet reasonable costs when a foster child or young person joins a holiday or other planned break. It is not a universal statutory payment, so the amount, eligibility rules and method of payment depend on the provider’s policy and the child’s circumstances.

The allowance is intended to support the child’s participation in family life. A suitable break may help a child feel included in the household and give them opportunities to enjoy activities that would otherwise be difficult to afford. However, the payment is not necessarily intended to cover every cost of a holiday, and it should not be assumed that it will pay for a foster carer’s entire trip.

Policies differ, but a holiday allowance may contribute towards costs such as:

• travel and accommodation for the foster child or young person;
• entry fees and activities included in the holiday plans;
• food or other reasonable day-to-day costs during the break; and
• additional arrangements needed to make the trip suitable for the child.

Some providers offer a set amount, while others consider the proposed holiday and agree an appropriate contribution. The decision may take account of the child’s age, needs, placement arrangements, length of the break and whether the planned expenditure is reasonable. A provider may also distinguish between a holiday taken with the foster family and other types of short break or activity.

Before making arrangements, speak to the fostering provider or supervising social worker. Ask:

• whether a holiday allowance is available for the placement;
• who can qualify and whether the payment is made per child, per holiday or under another arrangement;
• what costs can be included;
• whether approval is needed before booking;
• whether receipts or other evidence will be required; and
• when and how the payment will be made.

It is important to obtain agreement in advance rather than relying on an allowance being approved retrospectively. A provider may need to assess the proposed plans, confirm that they fit the child’s care arrangements and check whether extra support or safeguards are needed. Keep any written approval and relevant receipts in case the provider’s policy requires them.

Taking a foster child on holiday also involves more than budgeting. The plans should reflect the child’s care plan, health needs, routines, relationships and ability to manage travel or unfamiliar surroundings. Depending on the trip, you may need to consider medication, insurance, contact with family members, delegated authority, risk assessments and consent for travel. Overseas travel can involve additional requirements, including travel documents and permissions, so it should be discussed with the provider well before booking.

If the child cannot or does not wish to join a particular holiday, the allowance may not automatically be transferred to another use. The provider and the child’s social worker may need to consider suitable alternatives and how the child’s needs will be met while the foster family is away. Never make assumptions about using the allowance for unrelated household spending.

A holiday allowance is separate from the regular fostering allowance unless the provider’s policy expressly combines them. It should also be treated separately from any birthday payment, siblings allowance or other additional fostering payment. Payment arrangements and the tax treatment of fostering income can change according to the type of payment and your circumstances, so check the provider’s written guidance and obtain appropriate tax advice if necessary.

For an accurate answer, read the current allowance policy and discuss your plans with your fostering team. They can explain whether support is available, what needs to be agreed and which costs may be considered for the particular child in your care.