Financial information
Peace of mind regarding allowances and fees for Foster for Plymouth Foster Carers.
We know that very few of you decide to enter into fostering for the financial reward. But for many foster carers, fostering is their main source of income. The fees that are paid to Plymouth’s foster carers are designed to cover the costs of the foster children in their home and for there to be a reasonable reward element which contributes to the foster family’s daily needs and obligations. Festival/birthday/holiday allowances are paid separately on top of the child allowance.
This tax free amount is paid weekly directly into your bank account.
There are two elements which make up the total amount that you will receive:
1.
The allowance that relates solely to the child and is dependent on the child’s age.
2.
The reward payment which recognises the value and commitment that foster families bring to our service.
This element is also paid per child but increases dependent on the child’s age and individual needs.
Foster carers are classed as self-employed and receive favourable treatment from HMCTS when it comes to paying tax on income from fostering.
Our foster carers also gain membership to Foster Talk, which provides specialist advice and support on tax, pensions and other financial matters.
Fees and allowance structure for Plymouth’s Foster Carers:
Weekly Allowance for Child: £150
Weekly Reward Payment to Carer per Child: £100
TOTAL PAYMENT: £250
Weekly Allowance for Child: £171
Weekly Reward Payment to Carer per Child: £100
TOTAL PAYMENT: £271
Weekly Allowance for Child: £214
Weekly Reward Payment to Carer per Child: £150
TOTAL PAYMENT: £364
Weekly Allowance for Child: £258
Weekly Reward Payment to Carer per Child: £150
TOTAL PAYMENT: £409
FOSTERING ALLOWANCE EXAMPLES
The examples below provide an idea of the allowances that we pay here in Plymouth.
Example 1
Young person received into care aged 11 years who has experienced neglectful care from his parents. This young person has care needs that require additional bed changes and prompts to shower. Due to the additional enhanced associated care, foster parent would receive weekly allowance of £428 per week. Birthday allowance of £203. Christmas allowance of £203. Additional mileage paid over 80 miles per week.
We also support foster parents including children and young people
in holidays and will receive up to two weeks additional allowance. Clothing allowance and support with uniform for school is also available. An annual fostering allowance of £22,256 plus additional birthday and festival allowances of £406 per child /young person aged 11-15 years. *needs dependent*
Example 2
A child aged 3 years received into our care due to failure to thrive in the care of birth parents. The courts have ordered family time (contact) to happen five times a week which the foster parent will be required to support with the travelling to and from the venue. Due to the additional enhanced care and commitment to family time with birth parents, foster parents would receive an allowance of £368 per week. Birthday allowance of £143. Christmas allowance of £143. Additional mileage paid over 80 miles per week. We also support foster parents including children and young people in holidays and will receive up to two weeks additional allowance. Clothing allowance and support with uniform for school is also available. An annual fostering allowance of £19,136 plus additional birthday and festival allowances of £143 per child /young person aged 0-4 years. *needs dependent*
Foster parents can have up to three children and young people in their care subject to their assessment and home conditions being positive and subsequent approval agreed at Fostering Panel.
THERE ARE ENHANCED PAYMENTS AVAILABLE TO CARERS who look after children with significant/additional needs