Our foster carer’s allowances are paid to you to cover the costs of caring for the foster children you look after. The amount of money paid depends on your skills and experience as a foster carer and the age and number of children you are looking after.
The allowances are to pay for food, utility bills, clothes, pocket money, toys and games, bus/tram fares, sports and leisure activities, days out, toiletries/cosmetics etc. The allowances are as follows:
Child’s age
Weekly allowance
0 to 4 years
£159
5 to 10 years
£175
11 to 15 years
£199
16+ years
£233
From 6 April 2023
In addition to the basic allowance, you will also get a weekly ‘skills fee’ supplementary payment. This increases as you build your knowledge and experience.
The following table shows the additional allowance you will receive per child. All newly approved foster carers start at Level 1. Levels 3 and 4 are based on the needs of the child
Level
Amount per week
Level 1 - Probationary
£100
Level 2 - Core
£125
Level 3 - Enhanced
£175
Level 4 - Complex
£360
From 6 April 2023
You will get an additional weekly payment of £50 for each child aged 11 or older you look after.
If you have a parent and child in your care you will get additional allowances.
You will get a one-off clothing allowance when you start caring for a new foster child.
Child’s age
Amount
0 to 4
£211
5 to 10
£276
11 to 15
£319
16 to 17
£361
From 6 April 2023
Allowances are also paid for a variety of other reasons, including school trips, school uniform (where a child has to change schools), prams, cots, beds and any special equipment required. You can also claim for smoke alarms for your home.
You can claim for mileage incurred for school runs, contact meetings, medical appointments and other necessary journeys associated with looking after your foster child. You can claim £0.45 per mile.
When your foster child turns 18, we can offer a ‘Staying Put’ allowance to provide support while they transition to independence.