When are respite and emergency foster payments made?

Respite and emergency foster payments are normally released within the fostering agency’s regular payment cycle once the placement record has been checked and approved. The exact timing depends on the agency’s policy, the type and length of placement, and whether all required information has been submitted correctly.

For a respite placement, payment will usually be linked to the agreed dates that the child or young person stays with you. The agency may calculate the amount from the placement start and end dates recorded by the supervising team. If the arrangement is extended, shortened or changes from the original plan, the payment may be adjusted in a later cycle rather than processed as a separate payment.

Emergency placements can be arranged with little notice, but this does not necessarily mean that payment is made immediately. The agency still needs to confirm the placement, record the dates and establish which payment terms apply. Once those details have been verified, the payment is generally included in the next applicable payment run.

Before accepting either type of placement, ask your fostering team to explain:

• which day or period the agency uses to process foster carer payments;
• when the payment is expected to reach your nominated account;
• which placement records, attendance confirmations or forms you must complete;
• how changes to the planned dates are reported and reflected in payment;
• how additional approved expenses are submitted; and
• what happens if a placement is cancelled before the child arrives.

Good record-keeping helps prevent avoidable delays. Keep the placement dates, messages confirming arrangements and any agreed changes together, and notify the agency promptly if the child arrives later, leaves earlier or remains in placement for longer than planned. Your supervising social worker or fostering payments team can explain how corrections are made if the recorded information is incomplete or inaccurate.

It is also important to distinguish payment timing from payment entitlement. A payment date tells you when an approved amount is processed; it does not by itself determine whether a cancelled placement, extended stay or expense qualifies for payment. Those decisions depend on the agency’s written terms and the circumstances of the placement, so obtain clarification before relying on an expected amount for household budgeting.

Become a Foster Family can explain the payment arrangements that apply to its respite and emergency placements, including the information carers need to provide and how changes are handled. Ask for the current terms during the assessment and preparation process, and keep them for reference once you begin fostering.