What allowance applies to an emergency foster care placement?

An emergency placement does not have one universal allowance set by law. The amount you receive will depend on the fostering provider’s payment scheme, the child’s circumstances and the type of approval you hold. Emergency status by itself does not automatically mean that a different national rate applies.

Fostering payments are usually designed to help meet the costs of caring for a child, including food, clothing, household expenses, travel and activities. Depending on the provider, the total payment may also include a separate professional fee for the foster carer. These elements should be explained clearly before you agree to the placement, rather than being left for you to work out after the child arrives.

What can affect the amount? The provider may consider:

• the child’s age and day-to-day needs;
• any health, developmental, behavioural or emotional support requirements;
• the type of placement and its expected level of supervision;
• whether specialist equipment, clothing or other items are needed;
• travel requirements, including journeys to school, appointments, family time or meetings; and
• whether the placement involves costs that are outside the usual fostering allowance.

An emergency arrival can mean that some immediate expenses need to be dealt with before a full plan is in place. Ask your supervising social worker how essential purchases will be handled. The provider may have a process for agreeing additional costs, issuing funds or reimbursing reasonable expenses. Do not assume that an unusual expense will be covered automatically: find out whether you need approval in advance and which receipts or records must be kept.

Ask for these details before accepting the placement:

• the allowance and any separate fee that apply;
• when payments are made and how they are transferred;
• which everyday costs the allowance is expected to cover;
• how travel and exceptional expenses are treated;
• whether the payment changes if the child’s needs or placement type changes;
• what happens financially if the placement ends earlier than expected; and
• who to contact if an urgent cost arises after the child moves in.

These points should be recorded in the placement agreement or related financial information. Read the documents carefully and raise any difference between the verbal explanation and the written terms before signing. If the child’s needs develop, the payment arrangements may need to be reviewed through the provider’s usual assessment process.

The allowance is intended to support the child’s care and should not be treated in the same way as a standard salary. Fostering payments can also have tax and benefits implications, depending on your circumstances and the rules that apply to your fostering arrangement. A provider can explain the information it supplies to carers, but independent advice from a qualified tax or benefits adviser may be appropriate if you need to understand your own position.

For a proposed emergency placement, the practical question is not simply “what is the rate?” It is whether the payment and the agreed expenses are sufficient for the specific care plan. Before making a decision, ask for a clear breakdown of the regular allowance, any fee, additional arrangements and payment schedule. This gives you a realistic basis for deciding whether you can meet the child’s needs safely and appropriately.