Can foster carers claim additional allowances?

Additional allowances are payments or reimbursements made on top of the regular fostering allowance to meet costs that are unusual, exceptional or directly linked to a child’s circumstances. They are not automatic, and the rules can differ between fostering services, local authorities and individual placement agreements.

Examples of costs that may be considered include:

• Specialist equipment: items needed because of a child’s disability, health needs, mobility requirements or communication needs.
• Clothing and personal items: extra clothing, footwear, luggage or personal equipment where the child’s circumstances mean that the usual allowance is not enough.
• Education costs: school uniform, essential equipment, educational activities or other agreed expenses connected with the child’s education.
• Travel and transport: mileage or public transport costs for contact arrangements, medical appointments, meetings, education or activities that are part of the placement plan.
• Activities and occasions: agreed costs for clubs, hobbies, trips, birthdays or religious and cultural celebrations where these support the child’s wellbeing and participation.
• Household changes: adaptations, furniture or additional household items needed to make the placement safe and suitable.
• Short-term or planned support: in some circumstances, funding may be available for respite or other agreed support where this forms part of the child’s care plan.

These examples do not mean that every service will fund every item. The decision is normally based on the child’s assessed needs, the reason for the expense, whether it is necessary for the placement, and whether another organisation or funding route should meet the cost.

One-off payments and regular additional payments are treated differently. A one-off payment may cover an item such as specialist equipment or an initial clothing purchase. A regular supplement may be considered where a child has continuing needs that create extra costs throughout the placement. The fostering service should explain whether a payment is temporary, recurring, restricted to a particular purpose or subject to review.

Before spending money, check the procedure with your supervising social worker. You may need to provide:

• an explanation of why the cost is necessary;
• an estimate, quotation or receipt;
• details of any cheaper suitable alternatives;
• confirmation that the expense is included in the child’s placement or care plan; and
• information about any contribution available from the local authority, school, health service or another agency.

Prior approval is particularly important for expensive items, adaptations, travel outside the usual arrangements and costs that will continue over time. Buying something first does not necessarily mean that it will be reimbursed. Keep receipts and written decisions, and ask how claims should be submitted and when they will be reviewed.

Additional funding can also be considered when a placement changes unexpectedly. For example, a child may develop a health need, require a different form of transport, need specialist clothing or have contact arrangements that involve significant travel. In these situations, tell the fostering service as soon as possible so the placement plan and financial arrangements can be reviewed together.

It is useful to distinguish an additional allowance from other financial help. The regular fostering allowance is intended to contribute towards the everyday costs of caring for a child. An additional payment is linked to a specific need or circumstance. Separately, foster carers may need to consider tax treatment, benefits, grants or reimbursements available through other organisations. The rules for those forms of support are separate, so do not assume that receiving one payment automatically gives entitlement to another.

When comparing fostering information, ask each service:

• which additional costs it may consider;
• whether approval is needed before spending;
• what evidence is required;
• who makes the decision;
• whether payments are made as allowances or reimbursements;
• how often arrangements are reviewed; and
• what happens if a child’s needs or placement arrangements change.

For guidance relevant to your circumstances, discuss the child’s needs and the expected costs with your supervising social worker or fostering service. They can explain the applicable policy, identify which expenses may qualify and confirm the correct process before you commit to a cost.