Can I Afford to Become a Foster Carer?

Some people are put off foster caring because they feel that they can’t afford to become a foster carer. Although finances are definitely a consideration when considering whether you’re in a position to foster, it is important to know the facts first.

It is important to be realistic, though. Although this is not the case for all foster carers, the charity the Fostering Network says that many foster carers are likely to be living on a low income.

Help Available and Payment

Financial support is available to all foster carers to help with costs. All foster carers receive a minimum allowance to cover costs – this is at least £106 per week and varies depending on circumstances.

Additionally, depending on the fostering service you are with you may also get paid a fee each time you foster a child or even an ongoing retainer. There are campaigns for more foster carers to be paid a decent wage in order to recruit more badly needed foster carers and for potential foster carers not to be put off because of financial considerations.

A survey by the Fostering Network showed that 60% of foster carers receive a fee payment on top of their minimum allowance.

Fostering and Owning Your Own Home

There is a common misconception that you must own your own home before you can become a foster carer but this isn’t true. What is important is that you can show that you have enough room for a foster child and that your home is safe and secure. Foster carers who rent are just as eligible as homeowners. As a renter, you would need to show that your tenancy is secure and would also need to gain the approval of your landlord.

Foster Caring and Work

One way that some families afford to foster care is by one member of the family still working. In some cases it’s possible to still work full-time and be a foster carer. However, fostering services do stress that foster children need care and support and it is highly preferable when choosing foster carers that a carer will be present at important times such as after school and school holidays. Other foster carers work part-time, casually or on a self-employed basis to fit in with foster caring.

Fostering and Benefits

If you claim benefits, you may be worried about the effect foster caring would have on them and therefore your financial situation. The minimum allowance that all foster carers receive should not affect your benefits. However, it is recommended that you check with your benefits agency and that you inform them if you become a foster carer.

If you receive additional payment for foster caring on top of this minimum allowance, you should discuss what will happen to your benefits with your fostering service and benefits agency.

Fostering as a Single Person

It is not true that only married couples or co-habiting partners can foster. Single people are also welcomed as foster carers. Single foster carers are growing in numbers, although the majority of foster care is carried out by couples.

Many foster families have one person who stays at home and one who continues to work full-time. Statistics show that 90% of single foster carers don’t work outside the home, so you’ll need to consider carefully how you’ll cope financially. However, the above information shows that there is no reason why foster caring should not be an option for many single people.

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