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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.