Money is rarely the reason someone decides to foster, but it is a sensible question to ask early. Fostering is a professional role with real costs, and the allowance is designed to make sure neither you nor the child goes without.
Two parts, one payment
The first part is the allowance for the child: food, utilities, clothing, travel, pocket money, activities and the everyday costs of family life. The second part is the professional fee, which recognises the skill, responsibility and time that fostering involves.
What affects the amount?
- The child’s age and assessed needs
- The type of placement
- The number of children placed with you
- Your experience and training
- Any enhanced support package agreed for the placement
Organic Fostering publishes a maximum figure per child, per year, and our allowance calculator shows how that scales across children. It is an illustration only: your exact figure is agreed for each placement.
What to ask before accepting a placement
Ask for a written explanation of the weekly allowance, the professional fee, any additional support and what happens between placements. Foster carers also benefit from Qualifying Care Relief, which means much of the income is tax-free.
For a personal explanation, talk to the team.