Fostering Allowance

We offer foster carers 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.  

Our carers receive on average £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 Barnardo's 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 local fostering team. Find your local fostering service. 

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 £18,140 per year (less if you foster for a shorter period), so you don’t have to pay tax on the first £18,140 income (after expenses) you make from fostering.    

On top of the £18,140 exemption, foster carers also get tax relief for every week that a child is in their care. This means you don’t have to pay tax on some of your income over £18,140.  

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: June 2024.

Before you start fostering with us, you’ll take part in training to help you learn about the needs of looked after children and develop the skills you might need. You’ll get to meet like-minded people who are preparing to foster, as well as people already fostering, so you can learn from each other and build a support network.  

Once you start, you’ll have a dedicated and qualified social worker, as well as access to our 24-hour advice and support line. You’ll also benefit from further training. We offer support groups and family social events so you, and your foster children, can spend time with other families in the same boat.  

As a Barnardo’s foster carer, you’ll also benefit from membership with The Fostering Network, a body which represents foster carers in the UK. Your membership gives you access to an informative website, regular newsletters and discounted training.  

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