Fostering Pay & Allowances
An honest look at what foster carers receive in England. We believe in transparency.
Allowance vs Fee — What is the Difference?
Fostering Allowance: A weekly payment to cover the cost of caring for a child — food, clothing, transport, activities, and household expenses. This is not income; it is a contribution toward the child's costs. All approved foster carers receive an allowance.
Fostering Fee (or Reward): A separate payment that recognises your skills, experience, and time. Not all agencies pay fees — local authorities often pay allowances only, while independent fostering agencies (IFAs) typically pay both an allowance and a fee. Fee levels vary significantly between agencies.
2026–27 Minimum Weekly Fostering Allowances
These are the government’s recommended minimum rates. Many agencies pay above these levels.
| Child's Age | London | South East | Rest of England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 2 | £201 | £189 | £175 |
| 2 to 4 | £209 | £196 | £182 |
| 5 to 10 | £231 | £217 | £201 |
| 11 to 15 | £264 | £248 | £230 |
| 16 and over | £303 | £285 | £264 |
Source: Department for Education recommended minimum rates 2026–27. Rates per week.
Important Things to Know
Fostering allowances are tax-free up to a threshold (the qualifying care relief — currently £18,140 per year plus a weekly rate per child). Most foster carers pay no income tax on their fostering income.
Allowances vary significantly between agencies and regions. Independent fostering agencies generally offer higher total packages (allowance plus fee) than local authority placements, though this is not always the case.
Fostering is not a career to get rich. The allowance is designed to cover the real costs of caring for a child. Many foster carers say the rewards are emotional, not financial — seeing a child thrive in your care is the real pay-off.
Some specialist placements (such as parent and child, or children with complex needs) attract enhanced fees. Your agency will discuss this with you during the matching process.
Want to Know Rates in Your Area?
Explore our regional guides for more detailed allowance information by area.
Regional Information