Foster Carer Pay & Allowance

At Arise Foster Agency, fostering is both a rewarding opportunity to transform lives and a financially supported role. Our foster carers receive competitive fostering allowances together with ongoing professional guidance, training, and support.

Foster Carer Allowances

The amount paid depends on the placement type, age of the child, and individual support needs.

One Child

£625

per week

Foster carers supporting one child with standard needs receive generous fostering allowances together with ongoing support.

Equivalent to approximately £32,500 per year.

Enhanced One Child

£1,380

per week

Enhanced placements apply where a child requires specialist emotional, behavioural, or educational support.

Equivalent to approximately £71,760 per year.

Two Siblings

£1,218

per week

Additional support is available for carers able to keep siblings together in one placement.

Equivalent to approximately £63,336 per year.

Two Unrelated Children

£1,250

per week

Foster carers with two available bedrooms may accommodate two unrelated children and receive higher allowances.

Equivalent to approximately £65,000 per year.

Parent & Child Arrangement

£1,167

per week

Specialist Parent & Child placements include additional training and focused support.

Equivalent to approximately £14,004 for a 12-week arrangement.

Welcome Support Payment

£1,000

one-time payment

Newly approved foster carers receive a welcome support payment to help prepare for their fostering journey.

Terms & Conditions apply.

What Is Included?

Foster care allowances help support the day-to-day care and wellbeing of children and young people.

Important Information

Allowances vary depending on placement type, support needs, and placement duration.

Foster Carer Pay & Allowance FAQs

Learn more about fostering allowances, tax relief, state benefits, and additional support available to foster carers.

The exact amount of fostering allowance offered to carers varies depending on the type of arrangement, the age of the child, and the child’s individual needs. Generally, the older the child or young person, the higher the weekly fostering fee.

The Government (England) sets minimum fostering allowances to help cover the cost of caring for children and young people. Our agency provides fostering allowances significantly above the national minimum rates.

National Minimum Allowances vs Agency Allowances

London

  • Age 0–2: National Minimum Allowance £205 per week
  • Age 3–4: National Minimum Allowance £208 per week
  • Age 5–10: National Minimum Allowance £233 per week
  • Age 11–15: National Minimum Allowance £266 per week
  • Age 16–17: National Minimum Allowance £309 per week
  • Agency pays up to £625 per week across all age groups

South East

  • Age 0–2: National Minimum Allowance £195 per week
  • Age 3–4: National Minimum Allowance £203 per week
  • Age 5–10: National Minimum Allowance £223 per week
  • Age 11–15: National Minimum Allowance £255 per week
  • Age 16–17: National Minimum Allowance £298 per week
  • Agency pays up to £625 per week across all age groups

Rest of England

  • Age 0–2: National Minimum Allowance £176 per week
  • Age 3–4: National Minimum Allowance £182 per week
  • Age 5–10: National Minimum Allowance £201 per week
  • Age 11–15: National Minimum Allowance £227 per week
  • Age 16–17: National Minimum Allowance £267 per week
  • Agency pays up to £625 per week across all age groups

Please note that all fostering allowances shown are indicative and may vary depending on placement type, support needs, and regional requirements.

Foster carers receive a combined weekly allowance that contributes towards the cost of caring for children and young people.

This includes food, clothing, transport, activities, household expenses, and support provided by the foster carer.

Guidance on how the allowance should be utilised is provided at the commencement of each arrangement.

Foster carers are generally considered self-employed for tax purposes and are entitled to significant tax relief benefits.

Additional support payments may also be provided for exceptional costs such as clothing, equipment, holidays, and educational support.

Newly approved foster carers may receive a Welcome Support Payment of £1,000 to assist with initial fostering preparation costs.

Foster carers benefit from Qualifying Care Relief and additional fostering tax exemptions.

National Insurance credits may contribute towards State Pension entitlement, and fostering allowances generally do not affect most state benefits.

Additional tax relief may apply depending on the age of the child placed in your care.

In addition to fostering allowances, foster carers may receive additional support payments including:

  • £1,000 Welcome Support Payment
  • Holiday support assistance
  • Clothing and equipment support
  • Educational and activity support
  • Exceptional expense assistance

Additional payments are assessed individually depending on placement needs.

Foster Pricing

Start Your Fostering Journey Today

Thousands of children and young people require safe and supportive foster homes every year. Become a foster carer and help change lives while receiving ongoing financial and professional support.