How Much Do Foster Carers Get Paid?

A clear breakdown of fostering fees, allowances and what you can expect with Fostering Hearts.

At Fostering Hearts, foster carers receive:

£479.50 per week for children aged 0–10
£507.50 per week for young people aged 11+

Payments begin once you are approved and a child is placed with you.

We also pay a monthly council tax contribution, which goes up the longer you foster.

What Does the Fostering Fee Cover?

Fostering payments are designed to ensure that carers can provide a stable, secure and well-supported home for a child without financial strain. The weekly fostering fee helps cover the practical, day-to-day costs involved in caring for a young person, as well as recognising the professional responsibility that fostering involves.

The allowance contributes towards:

Food and household shopping
Clothing and footwear
Utility costs such as heating, water and electricity
Travel, including school runs and appointments
School equipment and educational resources
Hobbies, clubs and enrichment activities
Birthday and seasonal celebrations
General day-to-day living expenses

Every child’s needs are different, and fostering is about far more than covering basic costs. Children in care may need additional encouragement to participate in activities, catch up educationally or access opportunities that build confidence. The fostering fee is intended to make this possible without placing pressure on your own finances.

It’s also important to understand that foster carers are trained and supported professionals. The weekly payment recognises the commitment, time and emotional investment involved in providing consistent care, guidance and stability for a child.

Fostering is never about earning money. However, financial clarity and security are essential so that you can focus fully on what matters most — providing a safe, nurturing environment where a young person can grow and thrive.

Our Promise To You

Is Fostering Taxable?

Generally no. There is something called qualifying care relief, which means in 99% of situations all the fostering money is tax free.

Do You Get Paid During the Assessment?

No, you only get paid when you are an approved foster carer, and are actively carers for a child.

Why Fees Vary Between Agencies

We don't know! All we know is we are one of the highest paying agencies in the contry, something we are incredibly proud off.

It’s Not Just About Money

Anyone who becomes a foster carer will tell you the same thing — you do it because you want to make a difference.

Fostering is about offering stability to a child who may have experienced uncertainty. It’s about being the consistent adult who shows up, listens, encourages and supports. It’s about helping a young person rebuild confidence, feel safe and begin to believe in their own future.

The financial support is important. It allows you to provide for a child properly and ensures fostering is sustainable for your household. But the true reward comes from the everyday moments — a child settling into school, gaining confidence, laughing more freely, or simply feeling secure enough to relax.

At Fostering Hearts, we believe carers should be valued and supported properly, both emotionally and financially. But we also know that fostering is ultimately about care, commitment and creating a stable foundation for a child’s life.

Money makes fostering possible.
Care makes fostering powerful.

Frequently Asked Questions About Foster Carer Pay

How much do foster carers get paid per week?

At Fostering Hearts, foster carers receive £479.50 per week for children aged 0–10 and £507.50 per week for young people aged 11+. The exact amount can vary between agencies across the UK, but payments are designed to cover the costs of caring for a child and recognise the professional commitment involved.

How much do foster carers earn per year?

Annual income depends on the age of the child and whether you are caring for one or more children. For example:

One young person aged 11+ for 52 weeks:
£507.50 × 52 = £26,390 per year
Two young people aged 11+ for 52 weeks:
£1,015 per week = £52,780 per year

Actual figures vary depending on placement length and individual circumstances.

Do foster carers get paid when they don’t have a child placed?

In most cases, fostering payments begin once a child is placed with you. You generally do not get paid between placements. We are always transparent about how this works so you can plan confidently.

Is fostering income tax-free?

Foster carers in the UK benefit from HMRC’s Qualifying Care Relief scheme, which provides generous tax allowances. Many foster carers pay little or no tax on their fostering income, depending on their overall earnings and individual circumstances. We recommend seeking independent financial advice for personalised guidance.

Do you get paid more for teenagers?

Yes. At Fostering Hearts, carers receive £507.50 per week for young people aged 11 and over, reflecting the additional responsibilities that can sometimes come with caring for older children.

Can fostering replace a full-time salary?

For some carers, fostering can provide income comparable to full-time employment, particularly when caring for more than one child. However, fostering should be approached as a professional caring role rather than simply an income source. Stability, availability and emotional resilience are just as important as financial planning.

If you would like to understand how fostering payments would apply to your specific situation, the best next step is a simple conversation. We’ll explain everything clearly, so you can make an informed decision with confidence.