Do foster carers receive monthly payments for respite placements?

Respite fostering payments are usually calculated by reference to the agreed period of care, rather than treated as a fixed salary for the month. A placement covering only part of a payment period may therefore result in a proportionate payment, subject to the fostering provider’s rules and the terms agreed for that child.

The payment may include an allowance intended to contribute towards the child’s everyday costs, such as food, clothing, travel and activities. It can also reflect the responsibilities involved in providing foster care. The exact breakdown is important because an allowance for the child’s needs is different from any fee or payment made in recognition of the carer’s role.

Before accepting respite care, ask the fostering team to explain:

• how the placement will be valued if it starts or ends part-way through a payment period;
• which elements are allowances and which, if applicable, are fees;
• whether agreed travel, activities or other exceptional expenses are paid separately;
• when the placement will be included in the payment schedule; and
• what happens if the dates change, the placement ends early or additional nights are requested.

These points should be recorded in the placement information or another written agreement. A respite arrangement can involve a different payment calculation from a longer placement because the number of nights, the child’s routines and the practical responsibilities may vary. A child with additional needs may also require specific equipment, travel arrangements or extra support, so it is reasonable to check how those costs will be handled before the placement begins.

It is also useful to keep records of the dates and nights provided, approved expenses and any changes agreed with the supervising social worker. If the amount shown on a payment statement does not match the agreed placement details, raise the query with the fostering provider and refer to the written agreement. This helps distinguish a calculation issue from an expense that needs to be claimed separately.

Respite carers should also ask how the payments are treated for tax and record-keeping purposes. Foster carers may be able to use fostering-specific tax arrangements, but the position depends on their circumstances and the rules in force at the time. The provider can explain the information it supplies, while an appropriately qualified tax adviser can give advice about an individual household.

For anyone considering respite fostering, payment should be discussed as part of the approval and matching process, alongside training, safer-care expectations, delegated responsibilities and ongoing support. Understanding the calculation before agreeing to a placement makes it easier to assess whether the arrangement is suitable and ensures that the focus remains on providing consistent care for the child.