Information on foster carer allowances

Fostering Solutions recognises the challenges of the fostering task and the vital role that our foster carers play within the communities they live in. We therefore firmly believe in treating out foster carers as child care professionals and therefore paying our carers a foster carer allowance as a reward for their skills.

Employment status

Fostering Solutions values the work of all our foster carers and in order to allow foster carers to take advantage of some tax benefits given to them by the Inland Revenue; all foster carers are deemed by the Inland Revenue to be self-employed. As it is not possible to cover every foster carer’s specific and personal circumstances, we recommend that foster carers seek advice from their local Inland Revenue office once they are approved as a foster carer.

Foster Carer Allowance

Foster carers receive a payment for each young person they look after and as a national fostering agency, we are mindful to take into account government recommended National Minimum Fostering Allowances. The payment foster carers receive is divided into two parts; the maintenance element (covering the cost of looking after a child/young person) and the reward element (in recognition of the foster carer’s skills). Fostering allowances are paid to foster carers when there is a young person in placement.

The maintenance element covers items, such as:

• Food
• Clothing
• Toiletries
• Pocket money/savings
• Christmas, Birthday or other festival presents
• Leisure activities, including holidays
• Transport within a 20 mile radius

Payment of the Foster Carer Allowance

Fostering Solutions recognises the importance of prompt and regular payments of the fostering allowance to all its foster carers. The agency therefore endeavours to pay the fostering allowance to foster carers by BACS on designated days each month. Payments of foster carer allowances and fees are made promptly at the agreed times and foster carers are provided with a detailed statement of payments at the end of each tax year.

For more information about foster carer allowances, contact Fostering Solutions directly on 08453 700 500 or request a free Guide to Fostering today by using the form on the right.