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.

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.



The company takes the requirements of GDPR seriously in ensuring the privacy and lawful processing of personal data provided to us by you. Please view our privacy notice which explains how the company will manage and use your personal data. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website.


Fostering and your finances. Find out more...

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

Why choose ACS?