When are kinship care payments reviewed?

The timing and outcome of a kinship care payment review depend on the type of arrangement, the organisation making the payment and the terms recorded in the financial agreement. A review is normally an assessment of whether the current payment still reflects the approved support package, rather than an automatic entitlement to an increase.

Which arrangements may be reviewed?

Local authorities may review payments made to approved kinship foster carers, including connected-person foster carers. Different arrangements can have different rules. For example, support linked to a special guardianship order, child arrangements order or another legal arrangement may be assessed under a separate policy from a fostering allowance. The document confirming the payment should identify the applicable scheme, review arrangements and the person responsible for carrying out the assessment.

Where a kinship carer is approved as a foster carer, the payment may form part of the fostering allowance and any additional agreed support. Where the child is living with a relative under a different legal order, the authority may use a financial assessment, means test or support plan instead. This means that information about one type of kinship payment cannot automatically be applied to another.

What happens during a review?

• The authority or agency checks the current payment agreement and the basis on which the amount was set.
• The carer may be asked whether the child’s day-to-day needs, care arrangements or relevant household circumstances have changed.
• Additional costs may be considered where they are connected to the child’s care and fall within the relevant policy.
• The decision-maker checks whether any conditions attached to the payment have been met.
• The carer should receive the decision, the date it takes effect and information about how to challenge it where the policy provides for this.

A review should not be confused with a reassessment of the carer’s suitability to foster. Financial checks and fostering reviews can take place alongside one another, but they are separate processes. A payment review does not by itself mean that a placement is at risk or that approval is being reconsidered.

Can payments change after a review?

There are several possible outcomes. The existing amount may continue, an additional payment may be agreed, or the payment may be adjusted under the relevant scheme. A decision may also clarify which costs are covered by the regular allowance and which require separate prior approval. Some policies include protection for existing payments or specific rules about reducing support, while others allow changes when the circumstances or legal basis of the placement changes.

Any change should be explained in writing. Check whether it applies from the review date, a future date or another date specified by the authority. If the decision appears to reduce or stop support, ask for the policy basis, the calculation and the appeal or complaints route before assuming that the change is final.

What if the review is late?

A delayed review does not necessarily cancel the existing agreement. Continue keeping records of payments received and costs incurred, and ask the named social worker, supervising social worker or finance contact to confirm the position in writing. If the authority has not provided a review date, request clarification of:

• the policy being used;
• the date the payment was last assessed;
• whether the current amount remains in force while the review is pending;
• what information or evidence is required; and
• how to request a reconsideration or make a formal complaint.

Keep copies of the payment agreement, assessment letters, placement documents, receipts and relevant messages. A clear record can help distinguish an agreed change from a missed payment, an administrative error or a dispute about eligibility.

When should a kinship carer seek advice?

Get advice before agreeing to a revised arrangement if the proposed change is unclear, backdated, or appears inconsistent with the written policy. It is also sensible to ask for support if the child’s needs have increased but the current payment no longer covers the costs recognised by the scheme. The local authority’s kinship care team, fostering service or complaints process should be able to explain the applicable rules. An independent adviser, solicitor or specialist kinship-carer organisation may help where the decision remains disputed.

For a reliable answer in an individual case, compare the written payment agreement with the authority’s current policy and ask the responsible team to confirm the next review point and any proposed change in writing.