Fostering Allowances

At United, we believe that it's important that Foster Carers are treated and recognised as professionals, given not only financial payments that cover the costs of caring for children or young people but also a professional fee for their work.

We offer generous and competitive fostering pay and allowances, depending on the type of fostering you do. We know that, although our payments are very competitive, it is impossible to place a monetary value on work that Foster Carers undertake on a day to day basis.

As a foster carer you will receive fostering allowance which normally covers things like food, clothing, transportation, pocket money, toys, outings and household costs etc. United offers competitive allowances upto £650 per child per week, depending on the specific needs of the child.

Additionally, we offer 14 nights respite per young person - utilising our experienced foster carers or your own family and friends, and foster carers receive other benefits while fostering with us.

We also provide higher professional fees for Foster Children and Young people that require more skilled or specialist support.

If you’d like to get more information, or you have any queries about the fostering allowance / fostering pay, we’re happy to give you all the help you need, give us a ring on 07552155121 or request a call back. We’re always happy to help.

Is fostering allowance (foster care allowance) tax free?

In general, foster carers are exempt from paying tax on the fostering allowance / foster care allowance.

For tax purposes, foster carers are regarded as self-employed. You can find out more details about the tax-free payments for foster carers from HM Revenue & Customs.

Does Fostering Allowance (Foster Care Allowance) affect benefit entitlement?

As a foster carer you may be entitled to claim benefits and tax credits. The allowances and fee (if you get one) you receive from fostering are normally completely disregarded as income or only taxable profit from your fostering is taken into consideration for the purposes of calculating your entitlement to benefits.

For further information about claiming benefits while fostering visit the Government’s website, or download the HMRC’s leaflet on tax credits.

Source: The Fostering Network