Money may not be your first concern when considering fostering, but we know it matters.
We know how much love, time and energy go into fostering, and we believe you should feel secure and supported, both emotionally and financially. That’s why we take a fair, flexible approach to financial support, designed to reflect your experience and meet day-to-day needs.
"Our foster carers can earn between £300 and £705 per week & other benefits and allowances."
- Sarah, Fostering Recruitment Social Worker
Fostering fees & allowances
The financial benefits of fostering with us
We strongly believe that when you put your heart and soul into caring for a child, you shouldn’t worry about the financial side of things. Our weekly fees and as-needed allowances are carefully tailored to your experience and skills, and we do our best to cover every new need that crops up. That’s why our financial support includes a weekly base fee for stability and plenty of flexible allowances for any extra needs.
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What’s included in your weekly fee?
Your weekly fee is made up of two parts: a foster carer payment that reflects your experience and commitment, and a per-child allowance based on their age and needs. Our foster carers can earn between £300 and £705 per week.
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Allowances for any extra needs
Fostering allowances are there to meet the everyday needs of the child in your care, from clothing and school uniforms to travel and other essentials. When something extra is needed, you can also request additional support. Each request is considered with care on a case-by-case basis. It’s all about making sure you and the child in your care have what you need to feel comfortable, included and ready for everyday life.
Most foster carers get significant tax relief on their earnings
Foster carers receive generous tax relief, so you may not need to pay tax on some or all of your fostering income. The amount of tax relief you’ll get will depend on:
How many children you care for
How long they stay with you
Whether there are other carers in your household
Benefits and Allowances in Detail
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This is what some of our allowances look like. They’re here to make everyday life a little easier and to help you connect and create joyful moments with the child in your care. From small day-to-day needs to the bigger milestones worth celebrating, we’ve built in thoughtful support along the way:
Help to celebrate those important milestones
Providing a safe home is just as important as making memories. We'll support you in doing that with up to £1,032 a year so that you can celebrate cultural holidays or visit exciting places with the children in your care.
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Discounts for fun times without financial worries
You’ll be able to apply for the Blue Light Card and Max Card, giving you and your family access to fun activities, exciting attractions and everyday savings.
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14 days of paid "you time" every year
As a foster carer with us, you will be able to take 14 days of paid annual leave. While you rest and recharge, we will arrange second-home care, making sure that the child is with another fostering family they know and trust. We want the child in your care to feel almost like they are on holiday with a trusted family friend, making sure that they feel just as supported and cared for as they are at home with you.
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Other allowances
We understand that new needs may crop up as the child in your care grows. You’ll be able to ask for more support, and we’ll do our best to help where we can!
Robert & Christine, Foster Carers
"You're doing some good and because we’re doing it in Rotherham - we're doing it for Rotherham children - that to me is everything. I couldn’t do it any other way."
How much could I earn as a Fostering Rotherham carer?
Becky & Georgia
Becky is a Skill Level 1 foster carer and looks after Georgia aged 4. Becky receives:
Foster Carer Fee - £124
Basic allowance - £176
Total - £ 300 per week/ £1,320 per month
Nina, Sarah, Faye & Lucy
Nina and Sarah are Skill Level 2 foster carers with two children in care; Faye aged 5 and Lucy aged 8. Nina and Sarah receive:
Foster carer fee - £310
Basic allowance - £388
Total - £698 per week / £3,071.20 per month
Sally & Theo
Sally is a Skill Level 3 foster carer with one child in care, Theo aged 11. Sally receives:
Foster carer fee - £217
Basic allowance - £220
Total - £437 per week / £1,922.80
Mira, Jai, Nita & Anil
Mira and Jai are Skill Level 4 foster carers with two children in care, Nita aged 11 and Anil, aged 16. Mira and Jai receive:
Foster carer fee - £894
Basic allowance - £478
Total - £1,372 per week / £6,036.80
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