Fostering Allowances

We know that it can be hard talking about money when it comes to looking after children. That’s why we’ve provided all the information you need to know, but may feel uncomfortable asking.

Fostering and finance

When you become a member of the ACS team, it’s important that you are rewarded with a generous fostering allowance that recognises your hard work and commitment as a skilled professional, whilst also enabling you to provide the very best care for a child.

At ACS the amount we pay varies depending on factors such as the age of the child and the type of placement.

However, most of our foster parents receive up to £489 per week for a child aged 11 or over and regardless of age, have 14 nights of paid respite. The fostering allowance is designed to cover the cost of food, bills and everyday expenses, including pocket money, membership of children’s clubs and holidays.

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Other benefits available to you when you foster with ACS

At ACS we want to acknowledge the work you do as foster parents. You go above and beyond for children and young people every day and we believe we should do the same for you. That is why we award a summer and winter bonus payment each year to foster parents who have been approved for more than six months with us.

Our foster parents also gain access to a range of discounts at many leading retailers, the ones listed below are just some of the great brands that offer our foster parents a discount. Discounts are also available in many restaurants and venues offering great family days out. Easy to use, discounts are applied instantly – so even if you’re out shopping, you’ll be able to make the most of your discounts immediately.

Find out more about fostering and your finances

Fostering allowance calculator

Our calculator will help you find out how much you could recieve if you become a full time foster parent with ACS.

Tax & National Insurance

Find out how foster parents pay very low levels of tax, if any at all due to generous allowance provided by HMRC.

Fostering & claiming benefits

Fostering doesn’t affect means tested benefits as your fostering allowance isn’t classed as income in the same way as other work.

Find out more about fostering

Faith-based Fostering

Am I Too Old to Foster?

Fostering a child with disabilities

Being a single foster parent

Work and fostering

Do need a spare bedroom?

Want to know more?

Find out the answers here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Think you’d make a great foster parent?

Whether you’re ready to start your journey or just want to chat to an expert, we’re here to talk.

Enquiry

You are required to have a spare bedroom that’s always available to a foster child. The spare room cannot be shared, and must be big enough to fit a single bed, a wardrobe and a chest of drawers.

Do you have a spare room?*

To be approved as a foster carer in the UK, you must be a British citizen or have the legal right to remain in the UK without restrictions that would prevent fostering.

Which of the following applies to you?*

How can we help you with your enquiry?*

The following questions are intended to help us understand your experience with children. Please note that prior experience is not required to become a foster carer, as full training will be provided.

Have you had children of your own?*

Do you have professional experience of working with children?*

Have you had any prior experience of fostering, such as being a foster parent or growing up in a fostering family?*

Have you ever adopted a child?*

Are you happy to receive regular fostering news from us?*

Yes

No

First Name*

Last Name*

Phone Number*

Email Address*

Postcode*