How much do foster carers get paid?
It may surprise you that not all fostering agencies pay the same rates. In fact, there can be significant differences between organisations. Unfortunately, some prospective foster carers find it difficult to get clear answers about how payments are structured and what they will actually receive.
At South Coast Fostering, we believe in being transparent about money from the outset. While most people do not choose to foster because of the financial element, it is entirely reasonable to understand how fostering will work practically and financially for your household. Fostering requires time, flexibility and commitment, and the payment structure needs to make that sustainable.
Your weekly payment as a foster carer is made up of two parts. The first is the fostering allowance, which is intended to cover the day-to-day costs of caring for a child, such as food, clothing, activities and household expenses. The second is the professional fee, which recognises your role, responsibility and the skills you bring to fostering.
With South Coast Fostering, you will receive:
£479.50 per week for a child aged 0–10
£507.50 per week for a child aged 11 and over
These payments are made per child and reflect both the cost of care and the professional nature of the role.
If you would like to understand more about how fostering payments work — including tax arrangements and what is included — we are always happy to explain this clearly during an informal conversation.
How much will you receive from us?
As a South Coast Fostering carer, you will receive a weekly payment when you have a child placed with you. We aim to keep things straightforward and transparent, so rather than separating payments into multiple elements, we pay a single, clear weekly fee.
This combined amount covers both the allowance for the day-to-day costs of caring for the child — such as food, clothing, travel and activities — and the professional fee that recognises your role and responsibility as a foster carer.
We believe simplicity matters. You should know exactly what you will receive and feel confident about how fostering will work financially for your household.
How much will you get?
- £479.50 a week in fostering allowance and fees to foster a child 0-10
- £507.50 a week in fostering allowance and fees to foster 11-18
- £550 - 850 a week in fostering allowance and fees to foster a child with additional needs
Where are we recruiting?
We are currently recruiting new baby foster carers across Southern England. There is particular need in Kent, East and West Sussex, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Surrey, London, Berkshire and Wiltshire.
Babies often come into care unexpectedly and need calm, attentive homes from the very beginning. By fostering locally, you help ensure that infants can remain close to health services, contact arrangements and the professional support they require.
If you live in any of these areas and feel able to provide the time, patience and nurturing environment a baby needs, we would welcome an informal conversation to explore whether baby fostering could be right for you.
Will you get these amount if you are transferring from a LA or other IFA?
Yes, if you are already an approved foster carer and are considering transferring to South Coast Fostering, you will receive the same weekly payments outlined above.
Your experience and approval status are recognised, and your fostering payment will align with our current rates of £479.50 per week for children aged 0–10 and £507.50 per week for children aged 11 and over.
If you would like to explore transferring, we can talk you through the process clearly and confidentially, ensuring there is no disruption to any child placed with you.
foster carer money
Do you want to know more?
We’re only able to cover a fraction of how we support our carers with their learning and development. If you’ve like to know more, and perhaps try some of our trainings, take one of the next steps.
We want to make it as easy as possible for you to contact us and ask us any questions, so you can either use the online chat button to start a chat – whatsapp us a question, or call us on 023 8235 2020
Next Steps
Depending on where you are in your fostering journey, we have a few suggested next steps.
Download Our Guide To Fostering
Arrange for a call back
Ask us a question via whatsapp
We keep your person information safe, and only use it to contact you in the way you’ve asked us to.
Hi, I’m Sally, Manager at South Coast Fostering. My role is to make sure our carers feel properly supported and that the children placed with us are encouraged to aim high and believe in their potential. I have worked in fostering for many years as a social worker, and before that I was a foster carer myself. I have been in your position — thinking about fostering, weighing up the commitment and wondering whether it was the right decision. I understand how significant that first enquiry can feel. I remember clearly how difficult it was to make that initial call. Taking the first step felt daunting. Looking back, it was one of the most important decisions I have made, and it genuinely changed my life. If you are at that early stage — just exploring the idea — I understand. An informal conversation is simply that: a chance to ask questions and find out more. It might feel like a small step, but it could be the beginning of something truly meaningful.
book a call about fostering:
We’d be happy to give you a 15-20 minute call to tell you about fostering. Don’t worry, there’s no pressure from us – it’s honestly a chance for you to ask us any questions you have about fostering, and your suitability. Just complete this short form
Why do you foster with South Coast Fostering?
We asked our foster carer, Roberto, why he chooses to foster with South Coast Fostering.
“I would honestly say it’s because SCF feels like a family. I know that Sally and the team are always there to support me, but just as importantly, they respect me as part of the professional team around the child.
I’ve spoken to carers from other agencies, and what stands out to me is how supported I feel here. There’s a real sense that we’re all working together.
It’s often the small things that make the biggest difference. If I have a question about finance or anything practical, I know exactly who to call. I know someone will answer, and I know they’ll take the time to deal with it properly.”
For us, fostering is about relationships — not just between carers and children, but between carers and the agency that stands behind them.