Pay

How much do foster carers get paid?

A clear breakdown of fostering fees with Fostering Hearts. No “competitive rates”, no “contact us for details”.

Child aged 0 to 10

£479.50

a week

Young person aged 11+

£507.50

a week

Parent and child

£987

a week

Payments begin once you are approved and a child is living with you. We also pay a monthly council tax contribution, which goes up the longer you foster with us.

OfstedRated Good · leadership Outstanding (Nov 2024)

What does the fostering fee cover?

The weekly fee is there so you can provide a stable, well-supported home without financial strain. And it recognises that foster carers are trained, supported professionals, not volunteers.

Food and household shopping
Clothing and footwear
Heating, water and electricity
Travel, school runs and appointments
School equipment and educational resources
Hobbies, clubs and activities
Birthdays and seasonal celebrations
Day-to-day living expenses

Every child is different. Some need extra encouragement to join in, catch up at school or build confidence. The fee makes that possible without pressure on your own finances.

What that adds up to

One young person (11+), a full year

£26,390

Two young people (11+), a full year

£52,780

Both assume a young person lives with you all year. You are paid while a child is living with you.

Is fostering taxable? Generally, no. Under HMRC’s Qualifying Care Relief, the large majority of foster carers pay little or no tax on their fostering income. Your own position depends on your circumstances, so we can point you to HMRC’s guidance if you want to be certain.

Common questions about foster carer pay

Do you get paid during the assessment?

No. You are paid once you are an approved foster carer and a child is living with you. The application stage is about preparing and approving you.

Do foster carers get paid between children?

In most cases, payments begin when a child comes to live with you, and you are generally not paid in between. We are always transparent about how this works so you can plan confidently.

Do you get paid more for teenagers?

Yes. Carers receive £507.50 a week for young people aged 11 and over, and the fee recognises the extra responsibility that can come with caring for older children.

Can fostering replace a full-time salary?

For some carers it can, particularly when caring for more than one child. But fostering is a professional caring role, not simply an income. Stability, availability and emotional resilience matter as much as the numbers.

Why do fees vary between agencies?

We don’t know! All we know is that we are one of the higher-paying agencies around, and that’s something we’re proud of.

It's not just about money

Anyone who fosters will tell you the same thing: you do it because you want to make a difference. The fee is what makes it sustainable for your household. The reward is a child settling into school, laughing more freely, or simply feeling safe enough to relax.

Money makes fostering possible. Care makes fostering powerful.

Want it explained for your situation?

Fifteen minutes on the phone. We’ll walk through what fostering would pay in your circumstances.