This will be assessed on a case by case basis. It is important that you are flexible around the needs of the children in placement. Some carers find it difficult to balance this with the demands of a full time job. However, some carers are able to combine flexible or part time working patterns with being a foster carer. Foster Carer Payments Frequently Asked Questions Will I get paid for looking after a child? Yes, as a Foster carer, you will receive fees and allowances in recognition of the skilled work that you will be doing. The amount you will receive is split into two components, the Foster Carer fee and the maintenance allowance. This will be paid to you fortnightly. Why do different agencies pay different fees? The government sets a minimum weekly allowance that Foster Carers should be paid, however agencies and local authorities can choose to pay their foster carers more. This payment often relates to the level of support needed by a child or young person and the level of training that has been undertaken by the Carer(s) in order to effectively provide this. We strongly advise that you also look at the other support offered to support a placement, not solely the payment. Can I work and Foster? Will I have to pay extra tax if I receive money for fostering? Possibly, as a Foster carer, any maintenance allowance you receive is not taxable at all, and you will have tax exemptions and additional tax relief as mentioned earlier in this brochure. You would only pay tax if these are exceeded. Will I get paid when I do not have a placement? No, as a foster carer you will be self-employed and will only be paid when you have a child or young person in your care. Will my benefits be affected if I foster? This will depend on your personal circumstances and the type of benefits that you receive. As a foster carer you will be required to register as self-employed, therefore it is important that you speak to your local benefits office as soon as possible to clarify your personal situation. Any assessment of benefits will only be based on the Foster Carer Fee, all maintenance allowances will not be taken into account. www.f5fostercare.co.uk - 0121 2710555

1. This will be assessed on a case by case basis. It is important that you are flexible around the
needs of the children in placement. Some carers find it difficult to balance this with the
demands of a full time job. However, some carers are able to combine flexible or part time
working patterns with being a foster carer.
Foster Carer Payments
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I get paid for looking after a child?
Yes, as a Foster carer, you will receive fees and allowances in recognition of the skilled work
that you will be doing. The amount you will receive is split into two components, the Foster
Carer fee and the maintenance allowance. This will be paid to you fortnightly.
Why do different agencies pay different fees?
The government sets a minimum weekly allowance that Foster Carers should be paid, however
agencies and local authorities can choose to pay their foster carers more. This payment often
relates to the level of support needed by a child or young person and the level of training that
has been undertaken by the Carer(s) in order to effectively provide this. We strongly advise that
you also look at the other support offered to support a placement, not solely the payment.
Can I work and Foster?
Will I have to pay extra tax if I receive money for fostering?
Possibly, as a Foster carer, any maintenance allowance you receive is not taxable at all, and
you will have tax exemptions and additional tax relief as mentioned earlier in this brochure.
You would only pay tax if these are exceeded.
Will I get paid when I do not have a placement?
No, as a foster carer you will be self-employed and will only be paid when you have a child or
young person in your care.
Will my benefits be affected if I foster?
This will depend on your personal circumstances and the type of benefits that you receive. As a
foster carer you will be required to register as self-employed, therefore it is important that you
speak to your local benefits office as soon as possible to clarify your personal situation. Any
assessment of benefits will only be based on the Foster Carer Fee, all maintenance allowances
will not be taken into account.
www.f5fostercare.co.uk - 0121 2710555