Bank holiday changes to council services
Foster carer payments
Find out more about the competitive tax-free weekly payment foster carers receive.
About our fostering payment scheme
You’ll receive a weekly payment for every child in your care.
You could receive a minimum tax-exempt amount of £400 per week, up to £645 per week. This will depend on the type of fostering you do, the age of the young person in your care and your experience as a foster carer.
Our payment scheme is simple, fair, and easy to understand. It's very competitive alongside local independent fostering agencies and other local authorities.
We’ve really thought about our foster carers and our children in care. The amount you receive for the child considers costs such as birthdays, uniform, religious festivals and their school prom. The amount you receive for yourself recognises the complex task of fostering.
Learn more about foster carer payments.
Weekly payments for foster carers
As a Brighton & Hove foster carer, you'll receive:
- a weekly fostering allowance to cover the costs of caring for a child
- a professional fostering fee recognising your skills, commitment and experience
- additional allowances and support payments where appropriate
The figures below show the combined fostering allowance and professional fee depending on the age of the child and your fostering level.
| Age of Child | Level 1 Carer | Level 2 Carer |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 2 years | £400 per week | £500 per week |
| 3 to 4 years | £400 per week | £510 per week |
| 5 to 10 years | £445 per week | £550 per week |
| 11 to 15 years | £500 per week | £605 per week |
| 16 to 17 years | £540 per week | £650 per week |
Level 1 payments are for newly approved carers.
Level 2 payments apply following completion of the Training, Support and Development Standards (TSDS) workbook and mandatory training requirements. Carers usually complete this within their first year of fostering.
If you are already a foster carer and are transferring to us, you will automatically be paid as a Level 2 carer.
Specialist fostering payments
| Placement Type | Weekly Payment |
|---|---|
| Fostering Plus – When a child moves from Residential care into foster care | £1,200 |
| Parent and Child Placement | £1,250 |
Contact the fostering team for more information about specialist fostering payments and opportunities.