Financial Calculator - Foster for Plymouth

We know that very few of you decide to enter into fostering for the financial reward. But for many foster carers, fostering is their main source of income.

The fees that are paid to Plymouth’s foster carers are designed to cover the costs of the foster children in their home and for there to be a reasonable reward element which contributes to the foster family’s daily needs and obligations. Festival/birthday/holiday allowances are paid separately on top of the child allowance. This tax free amount is paid weekly directly into your bank account.

There are two elements which make up the total pay that you will receive:

The allowance that relates solely to the child and is dependent on the child’s age.
The reward payment which recognises the value and commitment that foster families bring to our service.

Foster carers are classed as self-employed and receive favourable treatment from HMCTS when it comes to paying tax on income from fostering. On top of this, our foster carers receive council tax exemptions or support!

Our foster carers also gain membership to Foster Talk, which provides specialist advice and support on tax, pensions and other financial matters.

Fees and allowance structure for Plymouth’s Foster Carers:

We recognise that every child is different, so we offer enhanced payments or solo rewards for carers looking after children with additional needs.

In addition to the payments, you will receive a series of generous allowances that cover set-up costs, birthdays, holidays, uniform, clothing and more.

Weekly Allowance for Child: £170

Weekly Reward Payment to Carer per Child: £163

TOTAL PAYMENT: £333
Weekly Allowance for Child: £187

Weekly Reward Payment to Carer per Child: £163

TOTAL PAYMENT: £350
Weekly Allowance for Child: £221

Weekly Reward Payment to Carer per Child: £163

TOTAL PAYMENT: £384
Weekly Allowance for Child: £269

Weekly Reward Payment to Carer per Child: £163

TOTAL PAYMENT: £432