What allowance do respite foster carers receive?

Respite foster carers are generally paid through a fostering service’s approved payment structure, with the amount linked to the placement and the responsibilities involved. The payment may combine a contribution towards the child’s day-to-day costs with a fee recognising the carer’s time, skills and commitment. Some fostering services show these elements separately, while others present one combined allowance.

The allowance is intended to help cover the costs of caring for a child during the respite period. Depending on the service’s policy, this may include everyday items such as:

• Food and household costs
• Clothing, toiletries and personal items
• Travel connected with school, contact or activities
• Leisure activities and agreed pocket money
• Additional equipment needed for the child’s care

Not every expense will automatically be included. Costs such as longer journeys, entrance fees, specialist equipment or pre-agreed activities may be handled separately, so clarify the arrangements before the placement begins.

How the payment is calculated depends on the respite arrangement. A fostering service may calculate it by day or night, per placement, or according to the number of children cared for. A planned weekend stay, regular short breaks and an emergency respite placement may have different terms. The child’s age, needs and the level of care required can also affect the payment structure.

It is important to establish whether the allowance is paid only for the nights the child stays, whether travel or handover days are included, and what happens if a planned placement is shortened or cancelled. These details should be set out in the service’s current payment information or discussed with the fostering team before agreeing to care.

Respite fostering payments are not normally the same as a conventional wage. They are connected to the fostering role and the costs and responsibilities of caring for the child. The agreement should explain who receives the payment, when it is made, whether any deductions apply and how expenses should be authorised and claimed.

Tax treatment is another point to check. Foster carers have access to specific tax rules and foster carer tax relief may apply, depending on their circumstances and the type of fostering arrangement. The calculation can involve the household’s fostering income and the number of children cared for. A fostering service can provide general guidance, but individual tax questions should be checked with HM Revenue and Customs or a suitably qualified tax adviser.

Benefits and household finances may also need consideration. The effect of fostering payments can depend on the benefit involved, the carer’s circumstances and the relevant rules at the time. Anyone receiving means-tested support should obtain individual advice before relying on an allowance as part of their household budget.

Before accepting a respite placement, ask the fostering service:

• What is the current allowance for the type of respite care being considered?
• Is the payment shown as a maintenance amount, a carer fee, or one combined figure?
• Is it calculated per day, per night, per child or per placement?
• Which routine expenses are included?
• Can travel, activities, equipment or other additional costs be reimbursed?
• How are cancelled, extended or shortened stays dealt with?
• When will payment be made, and what records or receipts are required?
• Could the payments affect tax, benefits or other household financial arrangements?

The allowance is only one part of the financial picture. A respite carer should also understand the training requirements, insurance arrangements, recording expectations and support available from the fostering service. Looking at the payment terms alongside these responsibilities gives a more accurate view of what the role involves and helps prevent misunderstandings once a child is placed.