How much do kinship foster carers get paid?

Kinship foster carers are generally paid through a fostering allowance arranged by the local authority or fostering service responsible for the child. The amount is set using that service’s current payment framework and is intended to help meet the child’s day-to-day costs while they are living with a relative or another connected person. It is not normally a wage for the carer.

The figure a kinship carer receives is usually assessed by looking at factors such as:

• the child’s age and everyday needs;
• whether the child has additional health, developmental or emotional needs;
• the type of fostering arrangement and level of supervision required;
• whether the placement is emergency, short-term, long-term or a planned move;
• the number of children placed together; and
• the payment scheme used by the responsible local authority or agency.

Some fostering services use different rates for different age bands or placement categories. Others may make additional payments where a child needs specialist equipment, transport, therapeutic support or increased supervision. A kinship carer should therefore ask for the written allowance schedule rather than relying on a general figure provided by someone in another council area.

What does the payment usually cover?

The allowance is normally intended to contribute towards the costs of caring for the child. This can include food, clothing, household bills, personal items, travel connected with the placement, activities and other ordinary expenses. The exact rules differ between services, and some costs may need prior agreement or separate receipts. Keep records of significant expenditure and check the fostering service’s policy before committing to an expensive item.

A fostering allowance should be distinguished from other financial support. Depending on the child’s circumstances and the legal arrangement, there may also be help with school costs, travel, equipment, contact arrangements or one-off needs. These payments are not automatically included in the regular allowance, and they may have separate application or approval requirements.

Does every kinship carer receive the same payment?

No. A relative who is approved as a connected-person foster carer is paid under the fostering arrangements made for that child. Another relative caring under a special guardianship order, child arrangements order or an informal family arrangement may be supported under a different scheme. Those arrangements can have different eligibility rules and do not automatically provide a fostering allowance.

The child’s legal status is therefore important. Before agreeing to a placement, ask the social worker to explain:

• which fostering or kinship arrangement is being proposed;
• who will make the payments;
• the regular allowance rate and the date payments begin;
• whether any additional fee or payment applies to the placement;
• which expenses can be claimed separately;
• how travel, contact and essential equipment will be funded; and
• how and when the allowance will be reviewed.

Are kinship fostering payments means-tested?

The fostering allowance itself is generally linked to the fostering placement and the child’s needs, rather than being calculated like an ordinary household benefit. However, other forms of financial help may have their own eligibility tests. A carer’s income, savings, benefits and household circumstances can be relevant to those separate schemes, so it is important to ask which payment is being discussed.

Can the amount change?

Yes. Payments may be reviewed if the child’s needs change, if the placement becomes more demanding, if siblings are placed together or if the local authority updates its payment policy. A change in the child’s legal or fostering status can also affect the support available. Ask for any revised terms in writing and check whether the change applies from a particular date.

Kinship foster carers should also ask how the allowance interacts with benefits, tax and other household support. The answer can depend on the legal basis of the placement and the type of payment, so general assumptions can be misleading. A social worker, fostering finance team, benefits adviser or tax adviser can explain the position for the individual household.

The most reliable way to find out how much a particular kinship foster carer will receive is to request the current payment rates and placement terms from the responsible local authority or fostering agency. Ask for a full breakdown of regular allowances, possible additional payments and reimbursable expenses before the arrangement is finalised. This gives the carer a clearer picture of the financial support available and which costs they may need to budget for themselves.