One of the most common questions we hear from people exploring fostering is:
It’s an important and completely understandable question. Fostering is a significant commitment, and it’s right to understand the financial support available alongside the emotional rewards.
At Affinity , we believe in being open and transparent so you can make an informed decision about whether fostering is right for you.
Our foster carers typically receive between £425 and £625 per week per child.
The exact level of fostering allowance depends on:
Children with more complex needs may attract higher levels of support, reflecting the additional skills and commitment required.
Every fostering household is different, but the example below gives a helpful illustration.
Illustrative annual fostering income: £27,300 per year
If you care for more than one child, or support a young person within an enhanced or therapeutic package, this figure may be higher.
Important: Many foster carers also benefit from the UK’s Qualifying Care Relief scheme, meaning fostering income is often largely — and sometimes entirely — tax exempt depending on individual circumstances.
For a personalised estimate, our team is always happy to talk things through informally.
At Affinity Fostering, we do not reduce allowances based on the age of the child.
We know that the care, commitment, and love you provide remain just as important whether a child is 5 or 15. What matters most is meeting the individual needs of the young person and ensuring you feel properly supported to do so.
Our approach reflects our belief that fostering is about the quality of care provided, not simply the age bracket of a young person.
Alongside the weekly fostering allowance, we provide a range of additional payments to help you support the children in your care and create positive experiences.
These include:
Birthday allowances for each child
“Pot of Gold” summer experience funding to support memorable activities
Mileage payments of 40p per mile (for travel beyond 20 miles from your home)
These extras are designed to ensure children can enjoy the same opportunities as their peers and that carers are not left out of pocket.
Financial support is important — but the level of professional support behind you matters just as much.
Affinity Fostering has been rated Outstanding by Ofsted since our inception, reflecting our consistent focus on quality, stability, and positive outcomes for children.
When you foster with Affinity, you benefit from:
Therapeutic wraparound support - Our therapeutic model helps carers understand and respond to children who have experienced trauma.
Bespoke, high-level training - We invest heavily in developing confident, skilled foster carers through targeted and evolving training programmes.
A strong fostering community - Through regular events, support groups, and peer connection opportunities, we ensure you are never fostering in isolation.
Together, these elements help create the stable, nurturing environments children need to thrive — and ensure carers feel valued every step of the way.
Many foster carers benefit from significant tax relief through the UK’s Qualifying Care Relief scheme.
In many cases, fostering income is largely — and sometimes entirely — tax exempt, depending on your individual circumstances.
We always recommend seeking independent financial advice, and our team is happy to talk you through how this typically works for foster carers.
While fostering payments provide important financial support, most carers tell us their motivation runs much deeper.
Fostering is about:
At Affinity Fostering, we work hard to ensure our carers feel both financially supported and professionally valued.
How much do foster carers get paid per week?
Foster carers at Affinity typically receive between £425 and £625 per week per child, depending on experience and the needs of the young person placed.
Is fostering income taxable?
Many foster carers benefit from Qualifying Care Relief, a UK tax scheme that means fostering income is often largely or fully tax exempt. Individual circumstances vary, so independent financial advice is recommended.
Do foster carers get paid when they don’t have a placement?
Payments are linked to having a child in placement. However, Affinity works proactively to minimise gaps between placements wherever possible, and are usually around 90% full!
Do fostering payments change depending on the child’s age?
At Affinity Fostering, allowances are not reduced purely based on the child’s age. We focus on the individual needs of the young person and the support required.
What extra payments do foster carers receive?
In addition to the weekly allowance, Affinity foster carers may receive:
If you’re exploring fostering and want honest, friendly advice about payments, support, and what the role really involves, our team would love to talk with you.
Contact Affinity today for an informal chat and discover whether fostering could be the right next step for you.
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