How to Maximise Your Fostering Payments in the UK: A Guide for Foster Carers
Although often not the driving factor for pursuing a career in fostering, many prospective foster parents naturally have questions about what financial support and fostering payments in the UK they can expect to receive. At Family Fostering Partners, we want to ensure that you have all the information you need to make fostering a viable and fulfilling option. In this guide, we’ll explore how to maximise your fostering payments, what financial benefits are available, and how you can make the most of the support provided.
Financial Support and Fostering Payments Available to UK Foster Carers
Foster parents with Family Fostering Partners receive a generous fostering allowance to cover the costs of caring for a child and to recognise their dedication and hard work. The amount they receive depends on several factors, including:
- The type of fostering – Different types of fostering, such as long-term, short-term, or parent and child fostering, have varying allowances.
- The child’s needs – Children with complex needs may require additional support, resulting in higher payments.
- Location – The region where you live can affect the allowance rate due to the differing needs of local authorities across the UK.
At Family Fostering Partners, we offer a generous fostering payment in the UK, additionally foster parents benefit from generous UK Government tax exemptions.
What Are Allowable Expenses for Foster Caring in the UK?
Fostering payments in the UK are designed to cover all expenses related to caring for a child, ensuring that their needs are fully met.
- Food and Clothes– Everyday essentials such as groceries, clothes and toiletries.
- Leisure and activities – Costs associated with hobbies, sports, holidays and days out to promote a child’s well-being.
- School-related costs – Items such as school trips, books, and stationery.
- Festivals – Costs associated with festivals such as Christmas and Birthdays.
By carefully managing and planning for these expenses, foster parents can ensure that their fostering allowance is used effectively to support the children in their care.CJ, a foster parent with Family Fostering Partners, gave up his full-time career in Senior Management to pursue a career in fostering. If you are considering leaving a job to foster, you may be eligible for our bespoke financial transition scheme ‘Be There to Care’. Be There To Care is only available to those fostering with Family Fostering Partners.
What Discounts Can Foster Carers Get in the UK?
At Family Fostering Partners, we ensure our foster parents are aware of the benefits available to them and provide guidance on how to access them. All approved foster parents with Family Fostering Partners have access to Foster Talk, a membership that provides its users with exclusive discounts and savings, as well as free webinars about fostering payments in the UK.
Can Foster Carers Have a Blue Light Card?
Yes! Foster parents are eligible for a Blue Light Card, which provides discounts on a wide range of goods and services. The Blue Light Card offers savings on:
- Supermarkets and retail stores
- Holiday bookings and travel
- Gyms and fitness centres
- Insurance and financial services
This scheme is a great way for foster parents to reduce household expenses and enjoy additional perks as a reward for their dedication to supporting vulnerable children.
Ready to Begin Your Fostering Journey?
At Family Fostering Partners, we are committed to supporting our foster parents throughout the entirety of their fostering journey. When deciding whether fostering is a financially viable option for you, it’s natural to have questions about fostering payments in the UK. We encourage you to reach out to us using the ‘Chat to Us’ feature, where our experienced team will be able to provide you with specific advice.
If you’re ready to take the first step on your fostering journey, contact us today.
