Do respite foster carers receive an allowance?
Yes, respite foster carers usually receive an allowance for each placement. The amount can vary according to the fostering service, the child’s needs and the length of the respite stay, so the specific payment should be confirmed during the application process.
Partnering with an
Ofsted Outstanding Provider
Respite fostering payments are usually intended to cover the costs of caring for a child during the agreed placement, rather than functioning as a standard salary. The precise arrangement is set by the fostering service and should be explained before you accept a placement.
The allowance may take account of factors such as:
- the length of the respite stay and whether it includes overnight care;
- the child’s age, routines and individual needs;
- the level of supervision, transport or practical support required; and
- any additional costs that have been agreed in advance.
Everyday costs might include food, household use, activities and travel connected with the child’s care. You should not assume that unusual or one-off expenses are included automatically. Ask the fostering service how it deals with items such as specialist equipment, appointments, contact arrangements, activities or additional travel, and obtain agreement before committing to a significant cost.
It is also important to distinguish between the allowance and other financial arrangements. Some fostering services may explain payments as covering the child’s maintenance, while others may separate different elements of the payment or provide additional support for particular circumstances. The wording used can vary, so focus on the written payment information rather than comparing a headline figure with another service’s figure.
Before approval or before accepting your first respite placement, ask for clear information about:
- how the allowance is calculated;
- when payment is made and whether part-days or changes to the agreed dates are treated differently;
- what happens if a placement is extended, shortened or cancelled;
- which expenses can be claimed separately and what evidence is needed; and
- whether the payment arrangement has tax or benefit implications for your household.
Fostering services should also explain the practical support available alongside the financial arrangement. This can include preparation and training, guidance from supervising staff, and advice about meeting the child’s needs during the placement. An allowance does not replace the need for a proper assessment of whether a respite placement is suitable for your household, space, skills and circumstances.
If you are comparing fostering services in the West Midlands, request the current allowance information from each service and ask what is included. Become A Foster Family can provide guidance on the application process, training, financial support and ongoing assistance, with local teams supporting applicants across Birmingham, Worcestershire, Staffordshire and the wider region.
A respite fostering allowance is generally linked to providing care under an agreed placement, rather than being a regular wage paid simply because you are approved. This means the amount you receive may depend on the respite care you actually undertake, and you should not treat it as guaranteed monthly income when planning your household finances.
Before applying, consider whether your budget could manage the child’s everyday costs if a payment is delayed or an expense needs to be agreed separately. Ask the fostering service for its written allowance policy and make sure you understand when you become eligible for payment, what happens if arrangements change, and who to contact if the agreed amount does not reflect the care provided.
Ask About Respite Fostering Allowances
If you want to understand how respite fostering allowances would apply to your circumstances, speak to Become A Foster Family about the next steps and the information you will need for an application.