Do emergency foster carers receive pay between placements?
Emergency foster carers do not usually receive a fostering allowance between placements, because payments are generally linked to caring for a child or young person. Exact arrangements vary between fostering providers, so ask about any agreed financial support or retainer before applying.
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Payment between emergency foster placements depends on the written agreement with your fostering provider. Being approved and available for emergency placements does not, by itself, create an automatic entitlement to a regular fostering allowance when no child is living with you.
Fostering payments are normally connected to the care being provided during a placement. They are intended to contribute towards the child’s day-to-day needs, including food, clothing, travel and other costs associated with caring for them. When a placement ends, those placement-related costs usually change, which is why the payment arrangement may also change.
Some providers may have a separate arrangement for approved carers who are expected to remain available for emergency work. This could be described as a retainer, availability payment or another form of agreed support. It is not the same as the fostering allowance paid for caring for a child, and it may depend on conditions such as:
- whether you have agreed to take emergency placements;
- the type and age range of children you are approved to care for;
- whether your household can meet the provider’s availability expectations;
- any restrictions on holidays, work or other commitments; and
- the terms set out in your fostering agreement.
These arrangements are not universal. A provider may offer no payment between placements, while another may set out a separate payment or support package. The amount, eligibility requirements and circumstances in which it is paid must be confirmed directly with the provider rather than assumed from the standard fostering allowance.
When comparing emergency fostering arrangements, ask for a clear explanation of:
- what payments apply while a child is placed with you;
- whether any payment is available after a placement ends and before another begins;
- whether a retainer requires you to accept every suitable referral;
- what happens if you are temporarily unable to take a placement;
- which expenses are paid separately from the fostering allowance; and
- how the arrangement is recorded in your fostering agreement.
It is also important to plan for periods without placement income. Even if a provider offers an availability payment, it may have different rules from the allowance paid during a placement. Keep copies of the agreement, payment statements and any written information about eligibility, so you can check that payments match the terms you accepted.
Before applying, discuss the full financial picture with the fostering provider. This should include the difference between placement allowances, any agreed payment between placements and expenses that may be reimbursed separately. A clear written explanation will help you decide whether emergency fostering is suitable for your household budget.
Between emergency placements, your role may still involve preparation and professional support even when no fostering allowance is being paid. Depending on your provider’s arrangements, this could include completing training, reviewing household plans, discussing your availability with the fostering team or preparing equipment for a future placement. These activities should not be treated as proof that a payment is due: financial entitlement depends on the terms agreed with the provider.
Ask whether any required training, meetings or preparation between placements is covered by a separate payment or expense arrangement. Keeping this distinction clear will help you understand which support is part of your fostering role and which payments are linked specifically to caring for a child.
Ask about pay between emergency foster placements
If you are considering emergency fostering, contact Become A Foster Family to discuss the financial arrangements that may apply between placements. Ask for the relevant terms in writing so you can make an informed decision about whether fostering fits your household budget.