Allowances & income

Once you become an approved foster carer and have a child placed in your care, you will receive a fostering allowance to enable you to provide for the child. You will receive payment via BACS every fortnight to your account.

The amount you receive is dependent on the age of the child that you care for and your skills level as a foster carer. We believe that it is important that foster carers are supported to progress through our skills levels to receive an allowance which acknowledges their experience and level of skill. 

All our foster carers receive additional annual allowances for the children in their care i.e., holiday, birthday, and Christmas/festival payments, all of which are age related.

All foster carers across Cambridgeshire are also paid mileage at a rate of 45p per mile (up to 10,000 miles).

Our foster carers who require setting up costs to enable them to care for a child or young person will have access to a maximum of £1000. This is in agreement with their fostering social worker and includes items such as bedroom furniture, baby equipment e.g., travel systems, car seats etc.

If a child moves in to live with you arrives with no (extra) clothing, we can offer you an emergency clothing allowance. This must be approved by your supervising social worker and a team manager. We can offer up to £120 per child aged 0-10 and up to £150 per child aged over 11.

We recognise the skills and dedication of our carers in supporting children in care. As such, fostering households receive an annual loyalty payment on their fostering anniversary.