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Benefits and payments

Deciding to foster is a big step, so we’re clear from the start about the financial support available, helping you make your choice with confidence.

How foster carer payments work

As a BCP Council foster carer, you’ll receive a fortnightly payment made up of:

  • a fostering fee, based on your skill level
  • an age-related allowance for each child in your care

Depending on a child’s age and individual needs, foster carers can receive up to £789 per week, per child.

We’ll explain payments clearly before you’re approved, so you always know what to expect.

The fostering fee
The fostering fee reflects your experience, availability and the training you’ve completed as a foster carer. All new carers complete mandatory training as part of the approval process and begin their fostering journey at skill level 2. Payments can increase as you progress, develop your skills, or care for young people with more complex needs.
Ask us about the fostering fee
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Age‑related allowance
When you foster with BCP Council, you’ll receive an allowance to help cover the everyday costs of caring for a child. This is designed to support things like food, clothing, school‑related costs and activities. The amount you receive depends on the child’s age and individual needs, and we’ll always explain this clearly with you before a child comes to live with you.
Ask us about the age‑related allowance
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An example of how payments work

Chris has completed all mandatory training and is approved at skill level 2, receiving a fostering fee of £100 per week. He is caring for a 15‑year‑old child, and the age‑related allowance for a child aged 11 to 15 is £212.69 per week.

This means Chris receives a total weekly payment of £312.69, made up of his fostering fee and age‑related allowance.

Additional allowances
Alongside your fortnightly payments, extra financial support is available for special occasions and other needs, including:
  • birthdays and religious festivals
  • holiday contributions
  • mileage and travel expenses
  • clothing allowances 
Tax and National Insurance

As a foster carer, you’re classed as self‑employed for tax and National Insurance purposes. This means you may be eligible for tax relief and exemptions specifically designed for foster carers.

Because of these rules, many foster carers take home more of their income than they would in other jobs with a similar level of pay.

You can find clear, up‑to‑date guidance on tax and National Insurance for foster carers on  GOV.UK. 

Do foster carers get a state pension?
Yes. As a foster carer, you can build up your state pension through National Insurance (NI) credits. NI credits count towards your state pension and help protect your pension record while you’re fostering. You can claim an NI credit for each week you’re approved as a foster carer. You only need to apply once a year, after the tax year has ended.
Apply now
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Refer a Friend Scheme
Love what you do and know someone who’d make a brilliant foster carer? Refer them to us and you could receive up to £500 once they’re approved and welcome their first child into their home.
Refer a friend
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