Fostering Allowance

You'll receive generous financial support, including a taxable income, as well as a weekly fostering allowance to help with the cost of caring for a child. 

Our foster carers work hard and devote their time, expertise and love to help children and young people thrive who may not have had the best start in life. We understand that the more support you have, the more confident you’ll feel in your role as foster carer.  

One of the most common questions we get asked is “how much do foster carers get paid?”. As soon as you start caring for a child or young person, you’ll receive a fostering fee and allowance.  

On average you'll receive £495 per week, but fees and allowances can go up to £630 depending on a number of factors, including:  

• the type of foster care you are providing 

• the number of children you care for 

• the age of the child(ren) you look after 

• the child's, or children's, needs  

The payment you receive from us will be made up of two elements:  

• the maintenance allowance for each child you care for to help with costs for things like food, clothing, pocket money and birthdays 

• the foster carer fee, a taxable income in recognition of your fostering role  

If you want to find out more about fostering allowances, get in touch with your friendly local fostering team. They are happy to answer your financial questions, as well as any other fostering queries you have. ​​​​Find your local fostering service. 

Do foster carers receive a pension?

Foster carers don’t receive a Barnardo’s pension, so we advise you to arrange a private pension plan. It is also important to consider that carers do not receive any fees or allowances for any period that you do not have a child in your care.  

Foster carers now benefit from a fixed tax exemption of up to £19,360 per year (less if you foster for a shorter period), so you don’t have to pay tax on the first £19,360 income (after expenses) you make from fostering.    

On top of the exemption, foster carers also get tax relief for every week that a child is in their care. This means you don’t usually pay tax on your earnings from foster care, even if they go over £19,360.  

You can find more information about tax arrangements for foster carers on the Government’s website. 

Note: All tax relief and exemption information sourced from the GOV.UK website.  

Last updated: September 2024.

• Around-the-clock support   
  You’ll have a dedicated local support worker who will provide you tailored and professional support and advice. Alongside this, we have a 24/7 advice line where our friendly team are there for you no matter what.  

• Belonging to a community   
  We know it's so important to feel supported and be part of a like-minded peer group. Our local teams organise a calendar of regular fun events and meet-ups for foster families to get together, socialise and lean on each other’s advice and ideas.  

• Championing your development  
  Throughout your time with us we’ll provide you with training to build your confidence and gain new skills.  

• Membership with the Fostering Network 
  We provide you with a membership to The Fostering Network, to help you feel supported and connected in your role of transforming children and young people’s lives.

Find out more about the training and support we provide for foster carers.