Allowances and Payments

As a foster carer you will receive an allowance which covers the day-to-day expenses of caring for a child or young person.

You will also receive a skills payment which recognises your level of knowledge and skill.

• Weekly fostering allowance
• Skills payments
• Paying tax

 

 

Weekly fostering allowance

The weekly allowance varies depending on the age of the child being fostered.

Allowances have been set at the rate recommended nationally by The Fostering Network.

Age	Weekly Allowance
0 to 4 years old	£125.09
5 to 10 years old	£142.49
11 to 15 years old	£177.38
16 +	£215.74

 

 

This weekly fostering allowance covers

• General maintenance including food, accommodation and related costs
• Provision and replacement of clothing
• Pocket money
• Attendance at clubs, school and leisure activities
• Travel

 

 

 

 

Skills payments

Our fostering service incorporates four skills levels with each being linked to a skills payment.

The skills payment is paid on a four weekly basis. There is only one skills payment per household.

Skill Level	Annual Payment
Level 1 (all new foster carers)	£7,650
Level 2 (minimum of two years experience)	£11,400
Level 3 (minimum of three years experience)	£15,150
Level 4 (working with young people with complex needs, need a minimum of 2 years continuous fostering experience)	£24,426

As you gain experience, attend training and demonstrate the appropriate skills you will be given the opportunity to progress through these skills levels.

 

 

Paying tax

Recent changes have been announced regarding the taxation of foster carers.

Information on this can be found on HM Revenue & Customs Foster Care Relief web pages.