Allowance
When you are a foster carer you have a 'Foster Care Allowance'.
This allowance is broken down into two parts. The cost for looking after a foster child or young person and the professional element. The professional element is taxable. Our foster carers are self-employed, and there are generous tax allowances to encourage foster carers.
Foster Carers are advised, normally by email, of the fostering allowance payments shortly following the start of a placement.
What is included in the Allowance?
The child's weekly allowance includes the following;
- Living costs
- Pocket Money for the child
- Telephone money for the child (from 11 years old)
- Clothing money, amount guidelines as detailed in the allowance breakdown
- Local travelling costs - 30 miles per journey, each way. This includes transport to and from school, attendance to training events, support groups and transport to and from GP or other medical appointments
- Birthday and festival allowances included within the living cost.
- Trips and activities for children and young people. Including school trips included within the livings costs element of the allowance.
- Hobbies and interests of children and young people are included in the living costs element of the allowance. In addition, foster carers are expected to discuss more expensive hobbies with their allocated supervising social worker.
- Any other living costs involved in carrying out the fostering task
In addition to this, Anchor has a separate allowance for certain circumstances when they arise. We advise our carers to check about other items they might be able to claim for.
The fee breakdown will be explained to you during the assessment. If you'd like more information, give us a call and we can answer your questions.
