How much do foster carers get paid?
You can find out how much you could be paid as a foster carer by using our fostering allowance calculator.
Allowance calculator
Foster carer pay, allowance and benefits
Fostering allowance and benefits for foster carers.
A competitive allowance
We’re here to support you, 24/7, whilst you make a difference to young people who deserve a home. We understand that fostering can be demanding at times and requires a full-time commitment, which is why we pay our foster carers a generous fostering allowance that helps to support the foster child while also acting as a reward for the carer, allowing them to focus on providing the best possible care to their foster child.
What will the allowance cover?
Your fostering allowance is two payments in one. One part covers your foster child(ren) 's living expenses, such as food, clothing, school uniform, school day trips, toiletries, entertainment costs, and savings. It should also cover expenses such as heating and lighting. Your Blue Sky social worker will explain this in more detail, but to reassure you, you will receive a generous fee whilst fostering with Blue Sky.
Do fosters carers pay tax?
All foster carers are classed as 'self-employed' by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) department, so when you become a foster carer, one of your first jobs will be registering yourself as 'self-employed'.
Once you're registered, you are automatically registered for Class 2 National Insurance Contributions.
The HMRC holds regular 'webinars' to explain tax and NI contributions for foster carers, which are popular and useful. They are easy to understand and will explain everything very clearly. You can sign up for as many webinars as you wish, and there is a support service for any questions.
On this page
Why choose Blue Sky Fostering?
You have the drive and commitment to change lives. We’ll provide the practical support to help you achieve that. Foster with us, and receive the following:
Support - We’re here by your side with unrivalled support, available 24/7 throughout the year.
Career - Enjoy a rewarding career whilst changing the futures of local and young people.
Income - You will receive a competitive weekly fostering allowance, tax exemption and tax relief.
Training - Comprehensive, ongoing training to support the challenges and success of fostering.
Community - Attend social events, support groups and fun activities as part of our fostering family.
Holidays - To look after others, you must look after yourself; paid respite helps you recharge.
Cost of Living - In addition to the allowances we will also support your mileage and winter fuel
Membership - Free membership to Foster Talk
Discounts - Exclusive access to a reward platform with thousands of high-street discounts
Common Questions
If you have debt, you are not necessarily disqualified to foster. This would be examined during the fostering assessment and approval process because each person's circumstance differs. Do not be worried that your debt will prevent you from becoming a foster carer. To learn more, get in touch with us for a completely private and informal chat.
Yes! There are several mortgage lenders that will allow you use your entire fostering income, and there are even specific mortgage lenders and products made only for foster carers.
Certainly, being a resident of affordable housing does not stop you from wishing to foster.
Typically, the foster allowance is determined by how many children or young people you are looking after.
