What payment records should foster carers receive each week?

A weekly foster carer payment record should provide a clear breakdown of how the amount due has been calculated. It should normally show the relevant payment period, the placement or child to which the payment relates, the different payment elements included, and the final amount due or paid.

The exact layout may differ between fostering services, but a useful record should make it possible to compare the payment with your fostering agreement, payment schedule and any information given by your supervising team. It may include:

• the dates covered by the payment;
• the child or placement reference, where this is used;
• the core fostering allowance or other agreed placement payment;
• any foster carer fee or payment linked to your approved arrangement, if applicable;
• approved expenses or additional payments shown separately from the regular allowance;
• adjustments for a placement starting, ending or changing during the payment period;
• any deductions or corrections applied; and
• the total amount due and, where relevant, the date or method of payment.

Expenses should be identifiable rather than combined indistinguishably with the regular fostering payment. The supporting record may refer to an expense claim, receipt or approval given by the fostering service. Keep these documents together so you can explain how a payment was made up and retain evidence for your own records.

Check each record against the placement dates and the agreed terms. Look particularly for partial weeks, changes in the child’s placement arrangements, approved activities, reimbursed costs and corrections to an earlier statement. A difference does not necessarily mean the record is wrong, but it should be explained clearly before you rely on the total.

If a record is missing information, shows an unfamiliar adjustment or does not match the agreed payment information, contact your supervising social worker or local fostering team. Ask for a written breakdown where necessary, and keep copies of your query and any revised statement. Your fostering service should be able to explain its payment categories, how adjustments are calculated and which records you should retain.

Payment records are also useful when reviewing household finances and preparing information for an accountant or tax adviser. They do not replace the fostering agreement or the service’s current payment policy, so use those documents to confirm the meaning of any allowance, fee, expense or deduction shown on the statement.