The amount of money our foster carers are paid depends on their skills level and experience, combined with the age and number of children they are looking after.

As a Bedford Borough foster carer, you’ll receive a weekly allowance - plus a weekly fee for each child.

2024-25 foster carer fees 

All approved foster carers start at Tier 1 or Tier 2, depending on prior skills and experience.

Tier 3 foster carers are specialists with the additional skills and experience to look after children and young people who display challenging behaviours or have complex needs.

Skills levelFostering fee per week per child / young person
Tier 1£120.95
Tier 2£211.68
Tier 3£465.68

2024-2025 foster carer allowances (excluding savings)

Allowances for the child / young person are also paid for a variety of other reasons such as travel, clothing, birthdays, festivals and holidays.

AgeFostering allowance per week per child / young person
0-4£172.02
5-10£196.31
11-15£243.99
16+£296.06

Get in touch to find out more:

Enquire about fostering

Alternatively, phone us on 01234 718718 or email fostering@bedford.gov.uk.

Download the fostering information pack (PDF).