We are an outstanding independent foster agency working across Sussex, the South East & London providing the highest quality support and care we often get asked about foster care pay.
What do foster carers get paid?
The amount you are paid by us is based on the child’s age, their complexity of needs, the number of individuals being looked after and your fostering experience. We offer competitive rates and we are happy to talk to you about this.
As an example carers allowance earning is typically between £420 to £1,100 per week
Is it Tax Free?
As a Foster Carer you are classed as Self-Employed and entitled to tax-free allowances of £18,140 plus a weekly tax relief allowance based on the age of the cared for child for each child in their care.
Qualifying Care Relief (tax free allowance) is increasing by over 80% in 2023/2024 from £10,000 to £18,140 and is made up of two parts:
This measure increases the rates of QCR, and automatically increases these rates each tax year in line with inflation. This increase sets QCR for the tax year 2023 to 2024 to:
- Annual fixed amount – £18,140 plus
- A weekly tax relief allowance based on the age of the cared for child:
- Under 11 years old – £375 (an increase of 88% on previous year)
- 11 years old or older – £450 (an increase of 80% on previous year)
In addition, each tax year, starting in 2024 to 2025, these rates will increase in line with CPI inflation. The rates will be rounded to the nearest £10 for the fixed amount, and nearest £5 for the weekly amounts.
More information on tax allowance can be found here.
How much respite will I get?
We give you up to 14-nights paid break from fostering (respite) per year depending on the amount of fostering done that year.
What is the payment for?
You get to keep a fee to recognise the work involved in looking after a child. You also get an allowance to be spent on the child or young person in placement.
The fees and allowances are roughly 50:50 breakdown. The fee and allowance paid to you are calculated in agreement with the Local Authorities.
The allowance covers food, communications, activities, birthdays, clothing, pocket money, a proportion of the household bills, personal items, transport & holidays (including all travel to and from holiday destination and any travel whilst there).
The personal expenses element included in the Fostering Allowance is not merely pocket money and clothing allowance. It is expected to cover other items such as deodorants, toothpaste, hair styling products, sanitary towels, shaving gear, dry cleaning, personal telephone calls, youth activity fees, comics, sweets, ice creams, treats, and the many items that are essentials of modern life for young people.
SAVINGS – All placements must have a savings account.
You receive the combined payments on a monthly basis. You will be paid on the number of nights a person has been with you, regardless of whether they have had the occasional night out of placement, e.g. there is an arranged night away.
We will send you a monthly remittance clearly showing payments rates, period paid for and total pay that month.
Please contact us if you have any questions. We look forward to hearing from you