How Much Foster Carers in Swansea Are Paid

Foster carer pay is usually made up of two parts and so it is very important to understand both the Fostering Allowance and the Foster Carer Fee.

The Allowance Versus the Fee

As well as receiving a fostering allowance for the day to day needs of children in your care (food, clothing, travel, leisure activities) foster carers also receive a foster carer fee. This is the actual income that they receive for the work that they do with children in their care. Not all agencies refer to this as a fee and the amount can vary significantly between agencies.

How Age and Needs Affect the Rate

The fostering fee/allowance rates increase as the child gets older as the costs of caring for older children and young people tend to rise. So for example a child under 5 years may attract a fostering allowance/fee of £450-£550 per week. Teenagers with additional needs can attract up to £650+ per week. Children with disabilities, complex needs and those who have experienced trauma can also attract higher rates.

Council Rates Versus Independent Agencies

Foster care payments in Swansea can vary depending on whether you are looking to become a foster carer with a Local Authority, such as Swansea City Council, or with an independent fostering agency. Swansea City Council set its own fostering rates and these tend to be on the lower side when compared to the rates offered by independent fostering agencies. Many of the independent agencies in Swansea pay higher fostering fees because they are competing for the services of experienced foster carers. They may also place greater demands on would be carers in terms of additional training, support and the number of placements they are able to take.

Specialist and Emergency Placements

Short-break, emergency and therapeutic placements will attract a number of top-up payments. These are in recognition of the very specialised skills that are required and the very short-notice way in which placements can be requested. Many foster carers earn the majority of their income from these types of placements once they have gained enough experience.

Is Foster Care Income Taxable

Foster Carers are entitled to Qualifying Care Relief. UK fostering and tax relief for further information on fostering allowances and tax relief, including thresholds. Foster Care Swansea is covered in more detail at saferfostering.org.uk/foster-care-wales/swansea.

It is a good idea to get an agency or local authority detailing out the amount of money you would receive before applying as it makes things so much clearer.