How Much Do Foster Parents Get Paid?
One of the most common questions prospective foster carers ask is, “How much do foster parents get paid?” While fostering is about providing care, love, and stability to a child, it’s also important to understand the financial support available. At Community Foster Care, we’re committed to ensuring that foster carers are financially supported so they can focus on providing the best possible care for the children in their homes.
Here’s everything you need to know about foster care payments and allowances.
Are Foster Parents Paid?
Foster parents don’t receive a traditional “salary,” but they are provided with fostering allowances and professional fees to cover the costs of caring for a child. These payments are designed to ensure that fostering doesn’t create a financial strain on carers and that children receive everything they need[EW1] . For some people, fostering offers a meaningful and rewarding alternative to working outside the home, allowing them to make a difference while earning a financial allowance.
The fostering allowance covers:
Day-to-day living expenses (e.g., food, clothing, utilities).
School supplies and extracurricular activities.
Travel expenses related to the child’s care.
Additional costs like birthdays, holidays, and special occasions.
In addition, many fostering agencies, including Community Foster Care, provide a professional fee to foster carers to acknowledge their time, effort, skills and commitment.
How Much Do Foster Parents Get Paid?
The exact amount foster parents are paid can vary depending on several factors, including:
The needs of the child (children with additional needs may come with enhanced allowances).
The fostering agency you work with.
Typical Foster Care Allowances in the UK
On average, foster carers can expect to receive between £450 and £1000 per week, depending on the factors mentioned above.
At Community Foster Care, we ensure that our foster carers are compensated fairly for their time and dedication.
Factors That Affect Foster Care Payments
1. The Type of Fostering
Different types of fostering placements come with varying levels of financial support:
Short-Term Fostering: Generally pays a weekly allowance while the child is in your care.
Long-Term Fostering: Provides ongoing payments for the duration of the placement.
Emergency Fostering: Often comes with higher allowances due to the short notice and immediate need for care.
Planned Break Fostering: Payment is based on the short period you care for a child, typically over weekends or holidays.
2. The Needs of the Child
Caring for children with complex needs or disabilities may come with additional payments to reflect the extra support and resources required.
3. The Agency You Work With
While local authorities provide basic fostering allowances, fostering agencies like Community Foster Care often offer enhanced payments and extra support to their foster carers.
Do Foster Parents Pay Tax on Their Allowances?
Foster carers in the UK benefit from a foster care tax relief scheme, which means the majority of fostering payments are tax-free. Here’s how it works:
You can see the latest help and support for tax allowances from the gov website here https://www.gov.uk/support-for-foster-parents/tax-arrangements.
This means that in most cases, foster carers pay little to no tax on their allowances.
What Else Do Foster Carers Receive?
In addition to financial allowances, foster carers receive:
24/7 Support: Access to a dedicated team for advice and assistance whenever you need it.
Training and Development: Ongoing training to help you grow in your role and feel confident in meeting the needs of the children you care for.
Respite Care: Opportunities to take breaks when needed to recharge and maintain your well-being.
Peer Support Groups: Connect with other foster carers to share experiences and build a supportive network.
Why Are Foster Carers Paid?
While fostering is not a job in the traditional sense, the payments are designed to:
Ensure children in care have their needs fully met.
Prevent financial stress for foster families.
Recognise the time, effort, and emotional commitment involved in fostering.
At Community Foster Care, we understand that fostering is a full-time commitment for many carers, and we’re here to ensure you’re supported both financially and emotionally.
Start Your Fostering Journey Today
If you’re ready to change a child’s life, fostering could be the perfect opportunity for you. At Community Foster Care, we ensure our foster carers receive competitive allowances, professional support, and all the resources they need to succeed.
Contact us today to find out more about fostering payments and how to begin your journey as a foster carer.
