Fostering in Wales Pay

Fostering in Wales is more important than ever. With an upsettingly high amount of children and vulnerable young people in need of alternative care to that of their birth families, it is super important to have dedicated foster carers ready to provide stable, nurturing homes. More children than ever need a safe place where they can feel secure, supported, and valued, making the role of foster carers absolutely vital in shaping their futures.

Becoming a foster carer is a life-changing decision, but many people wonder about the financial side of fostering. Fostering in Wales payment structures ensure that carers receive the support they need to provide a stable home. With a professional fostering fee and a fostering allowance in Wales, carers are financially assisted to cover the costs of caring for a child, but many also ask, how much do foster parents get paid? So we will explore that too! Understanding fostering in Wales pay can help you see how fostering is both a rewarding and sustainable role. If you're also interested in learning about foster pay in England, you can find more details on our England fostering page.

 

How Does Fostering Allowance in Wales Work?

Fostering allowance in Wales is designed to ensure that foster carers have the financial support needed to provide a stable and nurturing home for the children in their care. It covers day-to-day expenses such as food, clothing, and travel, as well as additional costs like leisure activities, holidays, and pocket money to give children the best possible experience while in foster care.

The exact amount foster carers receive depends on several factors, including the age and needs of the child, the type of fostering placement, and any additional support required. Carers looking after children with more complex needs may receive a higher fostering allowance in Wales to reflect the extra time, training, and dedication involved. Fostering in Wales payment structures are designed to ensure that carers are financially supported, with payments made fortnightly and additional allowances provided for birthdays, holidays, and clothing.

Some fostering agencies also offer extra financial support. At Family Fostering Partners, for example, we run our ‘Be There to Care’ financial transition scheme, which provides a weekly payment for up to 10 weeks before a foster carer takes on their first placement. This helps carers focus on preparing for their new role without worrying about finances.

 

What Does a Fostering in Wales Payment Cover?

A fostering in Wales payment is designed to cover all the costs associated with caring for a child in addition to a professional fee, ensuring that foster carers can provide a stable and nurturing environment without financial strain. We choose to see fostering as a career. The fostering allowance in Wales helps with everyday essentials, as well as additional expenses that contribute to a child's well-being and development.

 

Day to Day Living Costs

This includes food, clothing, toiletries, and household expenses to ensure foster children have everything they need.

Transport and Travel

Whether it’s school runs, medical appointments, or social activities, the fostering allowance helps cover fuel or public transport costs.

Leisure and Activities

Foster children should have access to hobbies, sports, and other recreational activities that enrich their lives. The fostering payment supports this, allowing carers to cover club fees, outings, and entertainment.

Holidays and Special Occasions

Additional fostering allowance in Wales are provided for birthdays, Christmas, and other celebrations to ensure children in care can experience the same special moments as their peers.

Education and School Supplies

From uniforms and school trips to books and stationery, the fostering in Wales payment helps cover essential educational costs.

Pocket Money and Personal Expenses

This is very much influenced by foster carers themselves but we like to explore options for older children in foster care receiving pocket money to help them develop financial independence and decision-making skills.

Specialist Care and Additional Support

Some foster children may require extra support, such as specialist equipment, therapies, or adaptations to the home. The fostering allowance reflects this, ensuring carers have the resources needed to provide the best possible care.

 

How Much Do Foster Parents Get Paid?

The financial aspect of fostering, while not the primary motivation for most, is an important consideration. As we’ve already identified, fostering is recognised as a professional career, with this in mind, fostering allowance in Wales is a recognition of this professionalism. 

All carers fostering in Wales deserve a fostering allowance and a fostering fee that fairly reflects the complexity of a child's needs and the invaluable support they provide in offering a stable, nurturing home.

Fostering allowances in Wales are calculated based on several factors to ensure carers receive the right level of financial support for the children they look after. The fostering in Wales payment system is designed to cover essential costs while also recognising the professional dedication and skills of foster carers.

 

Key Factors That Influence Fostering Allowance in Wales:

• The Age of a Child: Older children generally receive a higher fostering in Wales pay due to increased living costs, such as food, clothing, and social activities.
• The Number of Children in Placement: Carers fostering more than one child will receive an allowance for each child to ensure their needs are fully met.
• The Type of Fostering Placement: Some placements, such as therapeutic fostering or parent and child placements, require additional support and training, which is reflected in the pay.
• Carer Experience and Skills: Foster carers who undertake further training or who specialise in more complex placements may receive additional payments in recognition of their expertise.
• Additional Support Needs: Some children require extra resources, such as specialist equipment, therapy, or specific educational support, which is factored into the fostering allowance.

 

Fostering in Wales Payment & Tax

Fostering allowance in Wales actually encompasses more than simply paying bills. Foster parents  benefit from generous  tax exemptions and relief systems provided by HMRC, these exemptions are designed to encourage more individuals and families to become foster parents. This can significantly impact the overall financial picture for foster parents, making it a more viable and attractive proposition for many due to the increased take home income.

In the UK, foster carers are considered self-employed and are subject to taxation on their fostering income. However, the government provides a tax scheme called Qualifying Care Relief to ensure that most foster carers do not pay tax on their fostering allowances.

Qualifying Care Relief comprises two components:

1. Fixed Annual Exemption: Each fostering household is granted a fixed tax exemption per year.
2. Weekly Tax Relief: In addition to the annual exemption, carers receive tax relief for every week (or part week) that a child is in their care. The amount varies based on the child's age.

Learn more about fostering and tax. 

 

Example of Fostering in Wales Pay Calculations: 

Jane looks after a 15-year-old for the full 52 weeks of the year, she also helps to care for a 12-year-old for 10 weeks of the year. Using these figures, Jane would not pay tax on the first £49,580 she earns from fostering:

Tax exemption = £19,690 (Household Tax exemption) + Child 1 (52 x £495) + Child 2 (10 x £415)

Tax Exemption = £19,690 + £25,740 + £4,150

Total = £49,580

 

When Does Fostering in Wales Pay Commence?

Foster carers begin receiving payments once they have a child placed in their care. The fostering in Wales payment structure ensures that carers are financially supported from the moment they take on the responsibility of looking after a child. Payments typically start from the day the placement begins and continue regularly as long as the child remains in their care.

Family Fostering Partners are actually a little different, however. We offer our ‘Be There to Care’ scheme, providing temporary payments to support new foster carers before they take on their first placement, if they are giving up work to do so. This helps ease the transition into fostering, ensuring carers can be fully available and prepared to welcome a child into their home—without the added worry of financial strain. We believe that fostering should be accessible and sustainable from the very start, which is why we’re committed to offering this extra layer of support.

 

Ready to Become a Foster Parent?

Now that you’ve had the question ‘how much do foster parents get paid?’ answered, let's briefly look at how you can start your fostering journey with Family Fostering Partners. 

The process begins with a quick enquiry, where you can register your interest online, by phone, or via chat. We’ll have an initial conversation to answer any questions and help you decide if fostering is right for you. From there, we’ll arrange a home visit, where one of our team members will provide more details and discuss the next steps.

If you choose to move forward, you’ll complete an application and begin the fostering assessment. Over 8-10 weeks, a link worker will visit your home to get to know you and gather information for your Form F report. As part of this stage, you’ll also attend our Skills to Foster training, which gives valuable insights into caring for children in foster placements.

Once the assessment is complete, your application will go to the Fostering Panel, where a recommendation is made. If approved, you officially become a foster carer with Family Fostering Partners, and we’ll work with you to find the right match for your first placement.

Fostering caring has so many more benefits than simply generous allowances. While a fostering allowance in Wales ensures that parents can provide for the children in their care, the true rewards of fostering go far beyond payments. It’s about making a lasting difference in a child’s life, offering them stability, guidance, and a sense of belonging. The bonds you build, the milestones you help them achieve, and the impact you have on their future are what truly make fostering an incredible and fulfilling journey.

 

 

Fostering in Wales Pay FAQs

How much do you get paid for fostering in Wales?

There isn’t a simple answer to this question. One section of the fostering in Wales payment scheme is an allowance. This is calculated on the child’s age as well as the number of children in your care/type of care. This money should be spent on the child. 

 

Do foster carers get clothing allowance?

Yes. Those fostering in Wales receive a clothing allowance every 3 months to assist with the costs associated with purchasing new clothing.

 

What perks do foster carers get?

Foster carers receive a range of benefits beyond their fostering in Wales pay. Many have access to discount schemes like the Blue Light Card and MAX Card, which offer savings on shopping, restaurants, and attractions. Some local authorities also provide free or discounted access to gyms, swimming pools, and leisure activities. Additionally, carers benefit from dedicated support, ongoing training, and peer networks to help them throughout their fostering journey, as well as access to FosterTalk, which provides expert advice, legal support, and a confidential helpline.

 

Do foster carers get money for Christmas?

There will often be additional allowances around the festive period to help foster parents celebrate Christmas or other festivals with the children in their care. This extra payment is designed to ensure that every child can experience the joy of the festive season, whether through gifts, special meals, or holiday activities.

 

What expenses can you claim as a foster carer?

Foster carers with Family Fostering Partners may be able to claim additional expenses beyond their fostering pay in certain circumstances. For example, if they need to travel outside their usual routine for fostering-related reasons, such as attending court hearings, specialist medical appointments, or training sessions, foster parents may be eligible for mileage reimbursement.

 

Do foster carers get paid when they don't have a placement? 

Foster parents typically do not receive payments when they do not have a child in placement. The fostering payment in Wales is provided to cover the costs of caring for a child, so payments generally only begin when a child is placed in your care.

 

Do foster parents pay council tax?

Foster parents usually do pay council tax. However, some local authorities may offer reductions or discounts to support foster families. Crucially, when considering whether a household is exempt from paying council tax (or eligible for a discount) income from fostering is discounted. Consequently, those whose sole income is from fostering may be able to benefit from a reduction in council tax. We will happily help you to explore and request council tax reductions.