Are kinship carers paid before the child moves in?

Whether a kinship carer receives money before a child moves in depends on the type of arrangement, the child’s legal status and the local authority’s policy. A regular fostering allowance is normally linked to the child being placed with an approved kinship foster carer. It is not generally an automatic payment made during the assessment period simply because someone is related to the child.

There are several different stages at which financial support may be considered:

• Before approval: the local authority may be assessing you as a connected-person foster carer. At this point, you may be offered help with practical preparation, such as essential equipment, travel connected with the assessment or other agreed setup costs. This is separate from the ongoing allowance.
• Emergency or immediate placements: a child may need to stay with a relative or someone they already know before the full fostering assessment is complete. The authority should explain what temporary approval or emergency arrangement is being used and whether financial support applies from the date the child is placed.
• After approval but before the move: being approved does not necessarily mean that a fostering allowance starts immediately. The payment date may be tied to the placement date or another date set out in the local authority’s payment arrangements.
• Other legal arrangements: support for a child living under a special guardianship order, child arrangements order or another kinship arrangement is not automatically the same as a fostering allowance. Different assessments, agreements and payment rules may apply.

Preparation costs can sometimes be agreed before the child arrives. These might include basic furniture, bedding, clothing, safety equipment, travel or changes needed to make the home suitable. Such help is discretionary and may need to be authorised in advance. Do not assume that buying items yourself will result in reimbursement: ask the child’s social worker or the local authority what can be covered, the spending limits that apply and what evidence is required.

The timing can also depend on how the placement is recorded. A child may move in under an emergency arrangement, while a fuller assessment and approval process continues. In that situation, the financial agreement should state whether payments are made from the placement date, from the date of temporary approval or from another agreed point. If the child is already living with you, ask whether any support can be considered for the period before the formal arrangement was confirmed; backdated payments are not automatic.

Before the child moves in, ask for clear answers to these practical questions:

• What legal or fostering arrangement will apply?
• Will I be temporarily approved or fully approved as a kinship foster carer?
• From which date will any regular allowance be calculated?
• Is there a separate budget for essential setup costs?
• Do purchases need prior approval, receipts or a written agreement?
• Who should I contact if the placement date changes or urgent costs arise?

Keep copies of letters, agreements and receipts, and record the name of the professional who confirms any financial arrangement. The child’s social worker, the fostering service or the local authority’s kinship team should explain the support available in your case. Ask them to confirm the payment position in writing before relying on a particular amount or start date.