Benefits and fostering

If you’re claiming means tested benefits, you may still be able to claim them as a foster parent.

Fostering and benefits

When you foster, your fostering allowance isn’t classed as income for the purpose of calculating means tested benefits. Therefore if you are able to claim them before fostering, it’s likely that you can continue to claim whilst your fostering.

Means tested benefits include income support, working tax credits, child tax credit, housing benefit, council tax reduction and universal credit.

It’s important to note, that just as your fostering income isn’t considered as income for means tested benefit, any foster child you care for can’t be considered as a member of the household for the purpose of benefit, because you have your fostering allowance.

Child Benefit

You will be able to claim child benefit for your own children if this applied to you before fostering.

But you won’t receive child benefit for any foster child you care for, as you are paid a fostering allowance instead.

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Carers Allowance

If you are caring for a young person under the age of 16 who receives DLA, you will be entitled to this benefit and the carers allowance if they are entitled.

Income Support, Working Tax Credits, Housing and Council Tax Benefit

Being a foster parent doesn’t stop you making a claim for these benefits, as they are means tested.

Your eligibility will depend on your own circumstances and hours of work.

Universal Credit

Universal credit is currently replacing other forms of means tested benefits.

So depending on the benefit you are currently claiming, you may still be able to claim.

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.

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