Fees and allowances

The numbers.
Clearly explained.

Fostering is a commitment for your whole household. You need to understand the payments, the costs they cover and what happens between placements.

A note before the numbers

Payments include the cost of caring for a child.
They apply while a child or arrangement is with you.
Ask for a written breakdown before planning your finances.

In this guide

Our published weekly payments What do these payments cover?What could a full year look like?What about tax?Questions about payments

Our published weekly payments

Child aged 0–10

£479.50

per child, per week

Young person aged 11+

£507.50

per child, per week

Parent and child

£987

per arrangement, per week

Published standard rates, checked 7 September 2026. Paid while a child or parent-and-child arrangement is with you. These payments include the costs of care; they are not take-home salary.

The agency also publishes a monthly council-tax contribution. Ask the team to confirm the amount and any conditions for your household before relying on it.

Rates checked against the agency’s current payment page on 7 September 2026. Confirm your individual arrangements with the team.

What do these payments cover?

The weekly payment supports the cost of caring for a child as well as recognising your fostering role. It is not all disposable income.

Food, clothing and household costs.
Transport, school runs and appointments.
School equipment, activities and hobbies.
Birthdays, celebrations and day-to-day care.

Ask for a written breakdown of the allowance, fostering fee, additional expenses and any enhanced arrangements.

What could a full year look like?

One young person aged 11+

£507.50 × 52 weeks = £26,390

This illustrates gross payments if a young person lived with you for all 52 weeks. It includes care costs and is not a guaranteed annual income or net salary.

What about tax?

Foster carers may benefit from Qualifying Care Relief. How it applies depends on your circumstances, care arrangements and records. Do not assume that every payment will be tax-free.

Use HMRC’s fostering tax guidance and get advice on your own position when planning your finances.

Questions about payments

Do I get paid while applying?

No. The application and assessment prepare you for approval. Standard fostering payments begin when a child is living with you.

Am I paid between placements?

Standard payments are linked to a child living with you. Do not assume you will be paid between placements; ask us about any specific arrangements and conditions.

Why is the parent-and-child rate different?

It relates to a parent-and-child arrangement, not a payment for each person. The role and level of support are different from caring for a child alone.

Can I still work?

Possibly, depending on your flexibility and a child’s needs. Talk through working hours, appointments, school holidays and financial contingency before deciding.

Why do fostering fees vary?

Providers may structure fees, allowances, expenses and specialist support differently. Compare the whole package and what it is expected to cover, not just the headline figure.

A small first step

Curious?
That’s enough to start.

Ask us the question that’s been on your mind.
You don’t have to be ready to apply.

The numbers.Clearly explained.