If you’re thinking about becoming a foster parent, it’s natural to have questions about how fostering might affect your finances. Whether you’re exploring fostering as a new career or hoping to foster alongside existing commitments, understanding how and when you’ll be paid is key. Fostering payments in the UK are designed to both recognise the vital role foster parents play in a child’s life and to cover the cost of providing that care. In this blog, we break down the most frequently asked questions about fostering payments in the UK, from payment schedules to Family Fostering Partners’ bespoke financial scheme.

How much are fostering payments in the UK?

Fostering payments in the UK vary depending on several factors, including:

• A child’s age
• Their individual needs
• Your location
• The fostering agency or local authority you foster with
• The type of foster care you’ll provide

As a general guide, foster parents that choose to foster with Family Fostering Partners can expect to receive approximately £460 – £950 per child, per week. That equates to roughly £23,920 – £49,900 per year. This amount not only recognises the professional work our foster parents do, rewarding their time, skill and dedication, but also provides an allowance to cover the cost of caring for a child’s daily needs; including activities, holidays and festivals. This allowance is generally tax free.

How often is foster care allowance paid in the UK?

At Family Fostering Partners, we pay our foster parents on a fortnightly basis. This means you’ll receive payment every two weeks for the child or children you are caring for. These fortnightly payments help to provide consistency and reliability for foster parents, making it easier to manage household budgets and plan ahead financially.

As well as a generous financial allowance, we also provide tailor made training and a bespoke support package to help our foster parents to navigate their fostering journey.

Do foster carers get paid when they don’t have a placement?

Foster carers are not usually paid when they do not have a child placed with them. Fostering payments in the UK are linked to the active care of a child. However, in some unique cases, a retainer fee may be offered—this is typically provided when a child is matched with a foster family but the placement cannot begin immediately. The retainer ensures the foster parent is available and ready to care for the child when the time comes.

At Family Fostering Partners, we also offer a bespoke financial incentive named ‘Be There to Care’ for new foster parents who are giving up work to foster. With Be There To Care we provide up to 10 weeks of payments to cover essential living costs whilst we match a foster parent with a child or children. These payments are designed to help ease the transition from employment to fostering and means that foster parents can fully focus on preparing themselves for fostering —without the added stress of financial uncertainty.

As an extension of the financial support we offer in house, our Foster Parents also benefit from free financial advice and webinars via Foster Talk. This membership is fully paid for by Family Fostering Partners. 

Financial advice and fostering: where to turn for help

Deciding whether fostering is financially viable can feel overwhelming, but help is available. At Family Fostering Partners, we encourage all prospective foster parents to use our “Talk to Us” feature; here you can speak directly with one of our fostering experts. If you’re wondering how fostering will impact your current finances or need advice about our ‘Be There to Care’ scheme, our team is here to support you with honest, practical advice—no pressure, just friendly guidance.

Fostering Payments in the UK with Family Fostering Partners

Beyond the financial element, fostering is a deeply rewarding role—and with Family Fostering Partners, you’ll receive the professional support, respect, and recognition you deserve. If you’re ready to take the next step, or simply want to explore your options, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team today. We’re here to walk with you on every step of your fostering journey.