Financial support for foster carers
We understand that caring for children can be a demanding role. We offer a wide range of support, aimed to help you provide a high standard of care for the children.
Allowances
As well as our brilliant training and excellent support, you will receive a generous allowance when caring for a child or young person. The amount you will receive will depend on the age of the child you are looking after and any special needs they may have.
| Child's age |
Weekly core rate |
Weekly core plus rate |
Weekly high need rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 to 10 | £240 | £315 | £365 |
| 11 to 15 | £310 | £385 | £435 |
| 16+ | £360 | £435 | £485 |
Core: this is the rate paid to all new carers.
Core Plus: this is paid to carers once they have completed mandatory training. It includes a £75 skill payment made to the carer per child.
High need rate: this also includes the £75 skill payment as well as an additional £50 to cover the cost of caring for a child with a higher level of need.
What can I spend this on?
You will understand the needs of the child better than us. We therefore generally don't tell you how to spend the money but it is expected to cover:
- food
- clothes
- heating and lighting
- pocket money (a specified amount depending on the child's age)
- dinner money
- leisure and social activities
- holiday costs
Additional allowances are paid to contribute to a child's birthday, and religious festivals.
Training
You will also receive additional payments for training. Please visit our training and support page
Income Tax and state benefits
Income Tax
As a foster carer you will receive tax allowance on the income you receive from fostering. This means you will not pay tax on earnings up to a maximum of £10,000 per year.
As a consequence you can in some cases legitimately reduce or avoid tax payments.
Benefits
The allowances you receive for fostering is unlikely to affect any state benefits, you currently receive.
For more information on taxes, contact HM Revenue & customs.
Or contact the Fostering Network on 0270 261 1884
How to contact
If you are interested in fostering, please get in touch.
Online: fostering enquiry form
Email: fosterwithbucks@buckscc.gov.uk
Telephone: 0800 160 1900
