Understanding Fostering Allowances at Fostering Hearts
Talking about money in fostering can sometimes feel uncomfortable. No one chooses to foster because of financial reward. However, understanding the financial side of fostering is important. Providing a stable, nurturing home comes with real costs, and carers deserve clarity and transparency about how they will be supported.
This guide explains how fostering allowances work at Fostering Hearts, what they are designed to cover, and what you can realistically expect.
Fostering Hearts Allowances
At Fostering Hearts, we provide competitive fostering fees to recognise the commitment and responsibility involved in caring for a child.
Our weekly fostering fees are:
£479.50 per week for children aged 0–10
£507.50 per week for young people aged 11+
These payments are intended to support both the day-to-day costs of caring for a child and the carer’s professional role in providing consistent, high-quality care.
What Does the Fostering Fee Cover?
The weekly fee is designed to contribute towards the full cost of raising a child, including:
Food and household bills
Clothing and personal items
School expenses and educational materials
Clubs, hobbies and extracurricular activities
Transport and travel costs
Recreational activities and holidays
General day-to-day living expenses
Fostering is not a profit-making role, but the allowance is structured to provide financial stability so carers can focus on meeting a child’s needs without added financial pressure.
An Illustration: Two Children Over a Year
To give a practical example:
If you were caring for two young people aged 11+ for a full year (52 weeks), the figures would look like this:
£507.50 per child per week
£1,015 per week for two children
£52,780 per year
This example illustrates how fostering can provide a stable income while you carry out a meaningful and important role. Actual arrangements will always depend on placements and individual circumstances.
Tax and Financial Considerations
Foster carers in the UK benefit from a generous tax scheme known as Qualifying Care Relief, which means fostering income is usually tax-efficient. Many carers pay little or no tax on their fostering earnings, depending on their individual situation.
If you currently receive benefits, some may be affected while others may not. We always recommend seeking personalised advice to understand your own circumstances fully.
In most cases, carers are expected to meet the standard costs of caring for a child from their fostering fee. Occasionally, additional funding may be agreed for specific or exceptional needs, but this is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Financial Stability, Backed by Strong Support
At Fostering Hearts, financial support sits alongside strong professional support. Our supervising social workers support around six families each, ensuring personalised guidance. Carers also have access to 24/7 support, regular supervision, and ongoing training.
Fostering is about changing lives — not earning money — but financial clarity matters. When carers feel secure and well-supported, they can concentrate on what truly makes the difference: providing a safe, stable and nurturing home where children can grow and thrive.