Fostering allowance and pay
Find out about the financial support available to foster carers including information on fostering allowance/pay, tax and pensions:
- Do foster carers get paid?
- What about tax?
- What about insurance and damages?
- What about pensions?
- I have many more questions which need to be answered before I can decide
Do foster carers get paid?
Yes, carers receive a fostering allowance for each child’s keep. This increases as a child gets older and usually covers food, clothing, household expenses, pocket money, bus/travel fares, holidays and birthday/Christmas gifts. Barnardo's also pays a professional fee in recognition of the role as a carer.
What about tax?
Foster carers are classified as self employed by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Foster carers maybe eligible for Foster Care Relief based on income. Visit the fostering section of the HMRC website for more information.
What about insurance and damages?
All foster carers must have adequate house, buildings and contents insurance and comprehensive insurance for their cars. You must inform your insurers of your intention to foster.
Fostered children, just like lots of youngsters, can be careless with possessions and may sometimes deliberately cause damage. Carers are asked to claim via their insurers for any damage incurred but, if a claim is reasonably turned down, Barnardo’s will try to obtain compensation for you.
What about pensions?
There is no Employer’s Pension Scheme available to our foster carers but it is recommended that you consider arranging a private pension plan.
I have many more questions which need to be answered before I can decide
We understand that your decision to foster is very important. Therefore our staff at our fostering services are happy to discuss with you any further questions you may have.
