Becoming a foster parent in England

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Help with the cost of fostering

All foster parents receive a foster care allowance to cover the cost of caring for a child.

The minimum is usually between £170 and £299 a week. The total amount you get depends on:

  • where you live
  • which fostering service you use
  • the child바카라 사이트™s age
  • if the child has specific needs
  • your skills and experience

The fostering service you apply to will tell you how much you can get.

There바카라 사이트™s more information about financial help in the guide for foster parents.

Tax arrangements when you foster

When you start fostering, you바카라 사이트™ll need to register as self-employed and file tax returns.

You바카라 사이트™ll also be entitled to qualifying care relief which means you바카라 사이트™ll:

  • earn £19,690 from fostering before you have to pay tax
  • get tax relief for every week you foster a child

There바카라 사이트™s more information about paying tax in the guide for foster parents.

Claiming benefits

Being a foster parent can affect the benefits you get. If you바카라 사이트™re claiming benefits you바카라 사이트™ll need to tell the organisation that pays you that you바카라 사이트™re also getting foster care allowance.

Use a benefits calculator to check what benefits you바카라 사이트™re eligible for.

For more help on how your benefits may change:

  • contact the organisation that pays you