Financial support for foster carers
Foster carers receive an allowance to support the cost of looking after a child.
Age of child |
Weekly allowance for 2020/21 per child |
---|---|
0-4 |
£152.20 |
5-10 |
£173.38 |
11-15 |
£215.84 |
16-18 |
£262.57 |
Additional allowances
In addition to a weekly payment, carers receive the following financial support:
- festivity, birthday and holiday allowances
- essential fostering equipment
- school clothing allowance
- special allowances to encourage leisure activities
- mileage and travel expenses
- long service bonus of £250 after 5 years and £500 after 10 years and ongoing at 5 year intervals
- annual bonus following a successful annual review. Currently £1000 for full time carers and £500 for short-break and respite carers
- Refer a Friend scheme – foster carers can receive £1000 if a recommendation they make provides a newly approved fostering household.
Payment for Skills
Additional financial support is available for foster carers who meet the criteria for our Payment for Skills scheme.
The scheme is based on a foster carers' experience and training record. The Payment for Skills scheme operates on four payment bands, ranging from £80 per week to £230 per week per child.
Foster carers who progress to the top payment band would be caring for children with complex needs.
Please fill out the online form to find out more.
Or you can call us on 01332 640880
Download and read the Derby Foster Carers Charter