- Foster Carer Enquiries: 0800 023 4561
- General Enquiries: 0800 085 2225
Fostering Payments
Are you looking to find out more about fostering payments with FCA?
All foster carers are entitled to a fostering payment whenever they take in a placement. At FCA, our fostering payments are set at a competitive rate and serve as recognition and reward for the invaluable work undertaken by our foster carers all over the UK.
Fostering payments as an income
The difference between fostering payments and any other form of income is that foster carers are paid based on a fostering fee that has been tailored to the needs of each placement type. This income covers the cost of living for both you as the carer and the child or young person you look after. It’s because of this that foster carers’ payments are generally referred to as fostering fees and allowances rather than fostering payments.
What will fostering payments cover?
In addition to the standard foster carer tax breaks you will receive on your fostering income, the money you’re paid should more than adequately cover the cost of the following daily expenses:
1. Fostering Payments - Food
We understand that, with another mouth to feed in your home, you’ll need to know that you have enough money to cover a bigger weekly food shop. Your fostering payments will include enough money to ensure that there will be enough to cover this extra expense throughout the length of the placement.
2. Fostering Payments - Clothing
We all know how quickly children and young people can grow, so foster carers will also need to make sure that they can buy new clothes as and when they’re needed. The average fostering payment should cover the expense of this from week to week.
3. Fostering Payments - Basic travel
For lots of foster carers, travelling can become a significant expense for a number of different reasons. Taking children and young people out for the day, visiting family and friends and even making trips to your local FCA office can all add up quickly to a weekly expense. The fostering payment you receive will cover the cost of basic travel to and from a number of destinations.
4. Fostering Payments - Household bills
With another person living in your home with access to the utilities, the cost of your bills is sure to rise. FCA’s fostering fees and allowances will include money for this expense so that you can undertake your fostering career safe in the knowledge that you won’t be paying for your bills alone.
5. Fostering Payments - Everyday living
What is the average fostering payment?
The amount that you’ll be paid for fostering can vary greatly. The fostering fee will vary depending on the type of fostering you undertake.
For more information about our fostering payments and fostering fees and allowances, contact FCA directly on 0800 023 4561 or enquire online today.
Learn more about fostering
Fostering with FCA can be a hugely rewarding career. Of course, there will be challenges along the way, but there's no better feeling than seeing the positive outcomes we create for children and young people in our care.
We know how important attachment is - between the carer, the child and the agency - and as one team we can help to improve the lives of children and young people together.
If you'd like to learn more about fostering, here are a few links to some other areas of interest on this website:
What is fostering?
Who can become a foster carer?
What are the diffenet types of fostering placement?
Read our fostering news
Find your local office
Enquire Online
