We are committed to ensuring our foster carers feel valued, supported, and financially secure in their vital role of caring for children and young people. Our fostering payments are designed to recognise the skills and dedication of foster carers, while also covering the everyday costs of providing a safe, stable, and nurturing home.
The below payments are structured to reflect the age and needs of each child or young person, as well as the experience and skill level of the foster carer. Together, they aim to ensure you are fully supported to focus on helping children and young people thrive.
The fostering fee recognises the skills, experience, and commitment of foster carers. Fees are paid weekly per child or young person and are linked to the foster carer’s assessed skill level. As carers progress and develop their fostering practice, they may move through the tiers to reflect increased responsibilities and expertise.
| Skills level | Fostering fee per week per child / young person |
|---|---|
| Tier 1 | £125.24 |
| Tier 2 | £219.19 |
| Tier 3 | £482.21 |
Foster carer allowances are paid weekly to support the day-to-day costs of caring for a child or young person. This includes essentials such as food, clothing, utilities, and personal items.
Allowance rates vary depending on the age of the child and, where applicable, the fostering tier, ensuring carers are supported to meet the needs of each child.
| Age | Fostering allowance per week per child / young person |
|---|---|
| 0-4 | £178.22 |
| 5-10 | £203.36 |
| 11-15 | £252.77 |
| 16+ | £306.75 |
The birthday and festival allowances are one-off payments provided annually for each child or young person.
These allowances help foster carers celebrate birthdays and important cultural or religious festivals, supporting children to feel valued, included, and able to enjoy special occasions in a meaningful way.
| Age | Birthday and festival allowance per child/young person |
|---|---|
| 0-4 | £178.22 |
| 5-10 | £203.36 |
| 11-15 | £252.77 |
| 16+ | £306.75 |
The holiday allowance is a one-off annual payment designed to help foster carers (with full fostering approval under Regulation 27) cover additional costs associated with holidays or special trips. This supports children and young people to take part in enriching experiences, create positive memories, and enjoy time away with their fostering family.
| Age | Holiday allowance per child/young person |
|---|---|
| 0-4 | £361.44 |
| 5-10 | £411.72 |
| 11-15 | £512.54 |
| 16+ | £512.54 |
Foster carers can claim mileage expenses for fostering-related travel, such as attending school meetings, family arrangements, training, or specific appointments. Travel is reimbursed at 45 pence per mile, helping to ensure carers are not out of pocket for essential journeys.
Below are examples of payment amounts to help you understand the financial support available. Actual payments may vary depending on the child’s age and individual needs.
Leanne and Chris* foster a 17-year-old and are approved at Tier 1.
Their weekly payment supports both their role as foster carers and the additional costs of caring for an older teenager.
They receive £432.00 per week.
(Tier 1 fostering fee £125.24 + allowance £306.75)
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Hannah and Hitesh* foster a six-year-old child and are approved at Tier 2.
Their weekly fostering payment includes a fostering fee and a foster carer allowance to support the child’s day-to-day needs.
They receive £422.55 per week.
(Tier 2 fostering fee £219.19 + allowance £203.36)
*image show models.
Mateo and Luca* are experienced foster carers approved at Tier 3.
They provide care for a two-year-old and five-year-old. The payment reflects their skill level and the age-related allowance.
They receive £1,346 per week.
(Tier 3 fostering fee £964.42 + allowance £381.58)
*image shows models
Alternatively, phone us on 01234 718718 or email fostering@bedford.gov.uk.
Download the fostering information pack (PDF).