Financial Assistance for Fostering

Fostering a child is a deeply rewarding experience, it also comes with financial responsibilities. Many hopeful foster carers can have concerns about the financial aspects of fostering. This includes the costs involved in providing for a child's needs.

There's no need to feel uncomfortable asking about the financial side of fostering. We want to reassure you that we're here to help you make fostering work for you and to help explain how fostering fees and allowances work so that you can make informed choices. Find other articles on payments and benefits.

There are various forms of weekly allowances and skills payments available to support foster families. In this article, we'll run through the different types of payments for fostering, eligibility criteria, and how to access these resources to ensure that foster carers can provide the best possible care for the children in their homes. 

Foster Care Allowances and Skills Payments

One of the primary sources of income for foster carers is weekly allowances and skills payments. The allowance element of the payments aim to cover the costs of caring for a child in foster care, including food and drink, utility costs, clothing, transport costs, entertainment, activity and recreational costs, and pocket money. The amount can vary depending on the child's age, and any additional needs. The skills element of the payment is in recognition of the skills and experience of the fostering household. Learn more about the weekly allowance here.

Specific Allowances

All of our Local Authorities also provide additional fees to support foster carers in various aspects of their role. This includes allowances for essential fostering equipment, such as furniture and prams. A one-off clothing allowance helps to cover the initial costs of outfitting a child, alongside financial support with school uniform costs.

Also, annual or long-service foster carer bonuses recognise and reward the dedication of long-term carers. Special festivities allowances for birthdays, religious celebrations, and holidays can make sure that children can enjoy these occasions just like their peers.

Mileage payments are available for certain journeys, easing the financial burden of travel related to fostering responsibilities.

Government support 

The Government provides a generous tax-free allowance on fostering income, which can offer significant financial benefits to foster carers. For more information on this, you can refer to https://www.gov.uk/becoming-foster-parent/help-with-the-cost-of-fostering.

Additionally, Fosterline, funded by the Department for Education, offers support and advice to current and prospective foster carers. 

Respite Care

All our foster carers from Derby City, Derbyshire, Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire, are entitled to paid respite - this means they can access a break when they need it, whilst being reassured that the children they care for are being looked after by another foster carer who can give them the home environment they need.  The amounts vary depending on the Local Authority, more advice on this can be provided by the Foster for East Midlands team.

Fees and allowances play a crucial role in supporting families and ensuring that children in foster care have their needs met so it's always important to know what you will be able to receive to know if fostering is the right choice for you. Find other articles on payments and benefits web page.

Learn more now by getting in touch with our support team on 03033 132950, or email hello@fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk with any questions you need answered. Alternatively, complete the online enquiry form and we’ll get in touch with you to discuss your options.