Fostering Allowances and Pay
Fostering Allowances and Pay
As a foster parent, you receive a generous fostering allowance to cover the child’s needs and recognise your time, energy and dedication. The amount depends on factors such as the child’s age and the type of placement you provide.
Support from AFA
AFA ensures you are never out of pocket. We provide clear guidance on payments, benefits and financial support so you can focus on what matters most, caring for the child in your home.
Every Foster Parent deserves to feel valued and supported for the vital role they play in a child’s life.
Enquire now
Make an enquiry to find out more abot how you can become a Foster parent.
FAQs
Check our FAQ for answers to our most frequently asked questions.
Book a call back
Need advice? Schedule a call with a friendly and knowledgable fostering advisor.
Comprehensive Support for Every Step of Your Fostering Journey
When you join AFA Fostering, you are never alone:
✔️ 24/7 support line
✔️ Dedicated social worker
✔️ Specialist training
✔️ Foster Parent community
✔️ Practical step by step guidance
✔️ Therapeutic resources
✔️ Generous financial allowances
✔️ Social events for the whole family
What makes a good Foster Parent?
At AFA Fostering, we believe that great foster parents come from many different backgrounds.
The qualities we look for are:
✔️Resilience and determination
✔️ Warmth and honesty
✔️ Strong teamwork
✔️ Willingness to learn
✔️ Flexibility
✔️ Good organisation
✔️ Consistency
Finding out more is easy...
Our fostering advisors offer plenty of guidance and advice. They will talk you through what’s involved in fostering and the fostering assessment process. They will answer any questions you may have on the foster parent background checks, fostering allowances, and anything else you can think of. To get in touch, complete the short form below, give us a call, or pre-book a call back at a time that suits you.
STILL NOT SURE?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do foster parents get paid?
Yes. Foster parents receive a fostering allowance to cover the cost of caring for a child and to recognise their time and dedication.
Do I have to pay tax on fostering income?
Foster parents usually qualify for special tax relief called Qualifying Care Relief. This means most do not pay tax on their fostering allowance.
How much do Foster Parents get paid?
AFA Fostering offers a competitive fostering allowance, designed to cover the cost of caring for a child and recognise the important role Foster Parents play. The exact amount depends on the type of placement and the child’s needs. In addition to this allowance, you will receive ongoing training and 24/7 support.
Do I have to give up my job to foster?
No, but it’s often helpful if the main foster parent in a fostering household is available at all times. We cannot ask that you give up work to foster but it may limit the children you can look after.
Many children are not in school when they first come into care. There are a number of meetings you will be expected to attend with social workers, health services etc., as well as regular training sessions which are usually held during office hours. It may be difficult to manage these if you work full time as well.
We pay our foster parents a comprehensive allowance when they have a child placed with them. This covers the cost of looking after a child and reflects your choice to foster rather than carry out another job. This allowance should not normally affect other benefits you may receive. For the most part, foster parents pay little or no tax on their allowance.
Will fostering impact my mortgage or rental application?
Fostering income is increasingly recognised by lenders and housing providers. Many mortgage lenders will consider adopting fostering allowance as part of your overall household income, though each lender’s policy differs.
Are there any other benefits?
Alongside financial allowances, AFA offers comprehensive support, training and 24/7 advice to ensure you feel valued and confident in your role.
Does the fostering allowance count as income for benefits?
No. In most cases your fostering allowance is not counted as income when calculating means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction.
Not ready to make an enquiry but looking for further information?
Fill in your details to receive our information pack, directly to your email address.
"flexible and accessible support and advice"
"AFA are keen to support and advocate the rights and views of both children and foster parents. The agency runs well and has flexible and accessible support and advice."
- Foster Parent
"Ofsted - Outstanding"
"The service’s support is such that carers go ‘above and beyond’ in their role, and staff are described as kind, supportive, knowledgeable and going out of their way to help."
- Ofsted Report
"People Who Really Care"
"I never underestimate how fortunate we are as a family to be supported by such amazing people who really care."
- Foster Parent
