Fostering a child or young person is one of the most rewarding things that you can do, but we know that it is also hard work and we are here to offer support.
We offer:
- Competitive pay and allowances (up to £29,000 per year dependent on skills and experience)
- One to one support with your own social worker
- Ongoing training to help you provide the best care possible
- Emergency support line
- Monthly support group
- Regular newsletters
- Free membership of FosterTalk
- Foster carer discounts
Tax free earnings
Foster carers are also entitled to a generous tax allowance.
There’s a fixed tax exemption of up to £18,140 per year.
This means you don’t have to pay tax on the first £18,140 income you make from fostering (after expenses).
On top of the £18,140 exemption, you also get tax relief every week (or part week) that a child is in your care.
This means you don’t have to pay tax on some of your earnings over £18,140.
| Age of child | Tax relief |
|---|---|
| Under 11 | £375 per child, per week / part week |
| Over 11 | £450 per child, per week / part week |
Example
Laura is a foster carer for a 14-year-old for the whole of the year and for an 8-year-old for 10 weeks of the year.
She doesn’t have to pay tax on the first £45,290 she earns:
| Tax exemption | £18,140 |
|---|---|
| + Child 1 (52 x £450) | £23,400 |
| + Child 2 (10 x £375) | £3,750 |