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Fostering with ÖйúPÕ¾ offers more than just emotional rewards. It provides generous, tax-friendly weekly payments that reflect both the cost of caring for a child and the value of your role as a foster carer. Each week, you’ll receive two separate payments: one is the child allowance, which covers essentials like food, clothing and hobbies; the other is a carer fee, which is your income for the vital work you do.

Depending on the type of fostering and the age of the child, these payments can total up to £570 per child, per week, and up to £1,102.57 per week for parent and child fostering. On top of this, you may be eligible for additional payments, including mileage reimbursement (45p per mile), extra support during recruitment activities, and enhanced rates for short breaks or supported lodgings. With flexible support, tailored training, and a public service that puts children and carers first, fostering with ÖйúPÕ¾ is a rewarding way to make a difference close to home.

You might be taxed on the money you earn from fostering. However, most foster carers and may also be exempt from tax on some of their non-fostering income.

Page Contents

• What you will be paid if you foster long-term, short-term or unaccompanied asylum seeking children
• Council Tax and financial support for foster carers in ÖйúPÕ¾
• What you will be paid as a parent and child foster carer
• What you will be paid as a supported lodgings carer
• What you will be paid as a short breaks carer
• What you will be paid as a Mockingbird Home Hub Carer
• Ready to foster with ÖйúPÕ¾?

What you will be paid if you foster long-term, short-term or unaccompanied asylum seeking children

All foster carers are paid a weekly allowance. With pre-approval training, most of our foster carers will start at payment level 2. Extra training and/or evidence of learning is needed for higher levels.

Level 1

At this level, all of the weekly allowance should be spent on the foster child's living costs as well as any activities or hobbies the child may have.

Level 2

At this level, you will be paid the weekly allowance for the child plus a weekly fee payment for your skills.

Level 3

At this level, you will be paid the weekly allowance for the child plus a weekly fee payment for your skills.

Council Tax and financial support for foster carers in ÖйúPÕ¾

Council Tax is a local charge used to fund services like waste collection, policing, and public transport. While foster carers are subject to the same rules as other residents, ÖйúPÕ¾ recognises the vital role carers play and encourages them to explore available financial support.

is a special tax scheme designed to support foster carers by reducing the amount of tax they need to pay on their fostering income. It recognises the unique nature of fostering and helps ensure carers are not taxed in the same way as traditional self-employed workers.

Foster carers on a low income may qualify for means-tested support. Importantly, your fostering allowance is not counted as income, so it won’t affect your eligibility.

You may qualify if you:

• Receive Universal Credit, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, or Employment and Support Allowance
• Receive Pension Credit or Guaranteed Credit
• Are on a low income

If you’re the only adult in your household, you may be eligible for a 25% discount on your Council Tax, even if you’re fostering. If another adult lives with you and is on a low income, you may qualify for a rebate. If your fostering income is below the tax threshold, you won’t need to pay National Insurance. However, you may choose to make voluntary contributions to protect your entitlement to state benefits.

We understand the financial pressures carers face. That’s why ÖйúPÕ¾ is committed to providing clear guidance and support to help you focus on what matters most, changing a child’s life for the better.

What you will be paid as a parent and child foster carer

Parent and child foster carers are paid two separate weekly allowances, one for the parent and one for their child. This is because you will be looking after two people in your home.

• Allowance for baby or child's living costs and activities - £203.78
• Allowance for parent's living costs - £357.99
• Fee paid to foster carer - £540.80

Total - £1102.57

What you will be paid as a supported lodgings carer

We will pay you an allowance of £274.56 a week, which is for your time spent supporting the young person living with you. Young people living in supported lodgings are charged £70 a week rent. This is paid from their housing benefit or wages, or from a combination of the two. If the young person is sharing the household food, they are expected to contribute £20 per week.

• Weekly Allowance - £274.56
• Rent from young person - £70
• Contribution to food costs (optional) - £20

Total - £364.56

What you will be paid as a short breaks carer

You will receive between £86.96 and £112.20 to care for a child overnight depending on their age. We also offer a day care rate of between £60.24 and £85.48 and an hourly rate of between £12.05 and £17.09 per hour for shorter sessions.
You will be reimbursed your travel expenses at 45p per mile.

What you will be paid as a Mockingbird Home Hub Carer

Hub home carers benefit from a comprehensive support package designed to help them thrive in their role. Financially, hub home carers receive £540 per week, with additional allowances available for extra responsibilities or expenses. The role also offers a healthy work-life balance, with one day off each week, one weekend off each month, and four weeks of paid holiday each year.

Ready to foster with ÖйúPÕ¾?

If you want to make a difference close to home, and be truly supported while doing it, fostering with ÖйúPÕ¾ could be the right next step.

You’ll be part of a public service that puts children and carers first, not profit.

Contact us