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Foster Carer Finances

There is a lot to think about when it comes to the finances of foster carers. Whether it’s tax and benefits implications or mortgage and home insurance advice, The Fostering Network is here to help. 

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Fees and allowances

Fees and allowances
All foster carers receive a fostering allowance to cover the cost of caring for a child. Some foster carers also receive fee payments (sometimes known as skills payments) to recognise their time, skills and experience. Find out more about fees and allowances.
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Tax and national insurance

Visit our tax and NI page
Being a foster carer affects your tax and National Insurance contributions.  It’s important for foster carers to understand what fostering means for their finances. Visit our tax and NI page.
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Claiming benefits

Read more about foster carers and benefits
Some foster carers may be able to claim additional financial support through the welfare benefits system. Although there are no welfare benefits exclusively for foster carers, there are some special rules which apply to foster carers. Read more about foster carers and benefits.
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Free childcare for foster carers

Free childcare for foster carers
Foster carers across the UK can benefit from up to 30 hours per week of free childcare or early education for the children they are caring for. As childcare is a devolved issue, the exact offer varies depending on where you live. Find out what's available where you are.
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Home insurance

Find out more about home insurance
You don’t need to have specialist home insurance to be a foster carer, but most fostering services will expect you to tell your insurance company that you are fostering. Find out more about home insurance.
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Mortgages

Visit our mortgages page
Our partner, The Mortgage Brain, specialises in mortgages for foster carers. Together, we have answered some frequently asked questions about how fostering can affect your mortgage. Visit our mortgages page.

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