Foster carers earn different amounts of money depending on how many children they care for, how old the children are, and what 'skills level' they are approved at. At Foster4Leeds, we have a payment structure called "Payment for Skills." Most mainstream carers begin their fostering careers as "Level 2" foster carers and can progress through to Levels 3 and 4 as they gain skills, knowledge and experience. Sometimes people come to fostering with significant relevant skills and experience gained through previous work and may be approved as a "Level 3" or "Level 4" foster carer straight away.
You can find out more about the entry requirements by contacting the Foster4Leeds team by email or on the phone.
Foster carer pay is made up of 2 elements, a child allowance and a carer skills payment. These are as follows:
Child Allowance
Child age |
£ per week |
0-4 |
167.16 |
5-10 |
190.41 |
11-15 |
237.04 |
16+ |
288.36 |
Payment for Skills
PFS Level
|
£ per week
|
Level 1
|
NA
|
Level 2
|
137.93
|
Level 3
|
195.40
|
Level 4
|
252.87
|
Foster carers can also claim mileage or travel expenses (above the first 25 miles per week) for travel related to fostering.
Foster carers also receive additional money for children's birthday celebrations, summer holidays and celebrations (e.g. Christmas or Eid)
Some examples:
A Level 2 carer looking after 2 children aged 8 and 12 would receive roughly to £38,710 per year.
A level 3 carer looking after a 14 year old would receive roughly £23,340 per year .
A level 2 carer looking after a one year and a 2 year old would receive roughly £33,400 per year.
(These calculations include the foster carer skills payment, the childcare allowance(s), holiday, birthday and festival allowances. Foster carers can also claim additional financial support for other items including clothing grants for children's clothing and school uniform, equipment (e.g. furniture, bed/cot, pram) etc.