How Much Does a Foster Carer Get Paid in the UK?

Money should never be the main reason someone fosters — but it shouldn’t be the reason they don’t.

If you’ve ever asked yourself; 'how much does a foster carer get paid in the UK?' you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we get from people considering fostering.

In our latest On The Sofa with Sal episode, Sofie (our Marketing Manager) sat down with Sal (our Business Manager) for a practical and reassuring chat about exactly how fostering allowances work, what Apex carers earn, and how we support you financially.

Here’s a warm, honest look at what you can expect, and how we make it work for carers.

What Does a Foster Carer Get Paid in the UK?

At Apex, our carers are paid weekly allowances that reflect the level of care they’re providing.

• Standard fostering allowance: from £450 per child, per week

• Higher need placements: up to £1,300 per child, per week
  

These figures are tax-free up to around £50,000 per year due to the Qualifying Care Relief scheme. This means many carers pay no tax at all on their fostering income.

So if you’re wondering whether fostering can provide a steady income: it can. And with Apex, we’re transparent from the start.

Is It Taxable Income?

No, not in the usual sense. Foster carers are self-employed, but fostering allowances are covered by a generous tax-free threshold.

As Sal explains in the video, this tax-free threshold is currently around £50,000 per year, depending on your specific circumstances. We’ll walk you through it, and make sure you feel confident every step of the way.

Do You Have to Track All Your Spending?

Absolutely not. We provide a simple budgeting guide, but we trust our carers. There’s no micromanagement, just support.

The only thing we monitor is pocket money, typically using a Go Henry card for children over five, so we can evidence that funds are going directly to the child.

As Sal says in the video:

“We’re not putting you under a microscope. You budget just like you would for your own family.”

How Do Payments Work?

Once a young person is placed, carers receive weekly payments, starting 7 days after the young person arrived. You’ll know exactly what to expect, and when.

This helps you plan and budget in a way that works for your home, just like any household income.

Do Foster Carers Get Holiday Pay?

Yes. Apex carers receive 14 days of paid holiday per year, and respite support can be built into care packages.

Sometimes that means a child going to a trusted respite carer while you take a break. Sometimes it means additional support hours in your home. Either way, we make sure you’re able to rest and recharge.

Can You Progress Financially as a Carer?

Yes. And we support you to do so at your pace.

Carers who feel ready to support young people with more complex needs — whether that’s behaviour, health, or supervision — can access specialist training, with placements that reflect the level of care being provided. It’s not for everyone, and that’s okay. But for those who want to grow, we’re here to help.

What About Mortgages, Pensions, and Long-Term Planning?

We’re glad you asked.We’ve recently introduced financial planning sessions with professional advisors to support carers with:

• Mortgage advice

• Pension planning

• Savings and investments

• Long-term self-employment tips
  

Fostering can and should help you build a secure future.

What If I Still Have Questions?

We’d love to talk. Whether you prefer reading or watching, the video at the top is a great place to start. If you’ve ever thought, “I’d love to foster, but I’m not sure I can afford it,” — this video is the resource for you.

And if questions come up after watching, we’re always just a phone call or email away. No pressure, just an honest conversation.

You’re not in this alone. At Apex, we know it takes heart to foster, but we also know it takes practical support. That’s why we’re clear, consistent, and committed to your wellbeing from day one.

Let's Talk Fostering