How much do foster carers get paid in Staffordshire?

Fostering payments are designed to cover the cost of caring for a child, while any separate fee recognises the foster carer’s time, skills and responsibilities. The total amount is set by the fostering service and should be explained clearly before you decide whether to proceed.

The main parts of a fostering payment are:

• Fostering allowance: this helps pay for everyday costs such as food, clothing, personal items, school-related expenses, travel and activities. It is intended for the child’s needs rather than as ordinary household income.
• Professional fee: some fostering services pay an additional fee for the work involved in fostering. Whether this applies, and how it is calculated, depends on the service, the carer’s approval and the placement.
• Additional payments: certain arrangements may attract extra funding where a child needs specialist care, where the placement involves particular responsibilities or where agreed expenses arise. These payments should be confirmed in writing.

Payments can differ between placements. The fostering service may consider the type of placement, the level of care required, the child’s individual circumstances and whether additional support or expenditure has been agreed. A payment for a planned placement may therefore not be the same as one for a more complex or short-notice arrangement.

It is also important to understand what the payment includes. Ask whether the stated amount covers all routine expenses or whether items such as travel, equipment, school costs, activities, holidays and personal allowances are reimbursed separately. You should also ask how payments are handled during introductions, respite, planned moves and gaps between placements, as the arrangements may differ.

Fostering payments are not usually treated in exactly the same way as a standard salary. Foster carers may benefit from specialised tax rules for foster care, but the position depends on their circumstances and the current rules. Income tax, National Insurance and the effect on means-tested benefits should be checked with HM Revenue and Customs, an accountant or a benefits adviser rather than assumed.

Before applying, request a current payment guide and ask the fostering service to explain:

• the allowance for each relevant placement category;
• whether a professional fee is available and what conditions apply;
• which expenses are included, reimbursed or paid separately;
• when payments begin and how they are transferred;
• how rates are reviewed and whether they can change;
• what happens financially when a placement ends or a child is temporarily away; and
• how payments affect tax, benefits and household budgeting.

During the assessment, your fostering service should also discuss whether your household can manage the practical costs of fostering. The payment is intended to support the child’s care, so it is sensible to prepare a budget that allows for travel, clothing, activities and other costs that may not arise evenly each month. Current Staffordshire rates and the terms attached to them should be confirmed directly with the fostering team before you make a final decision.