Social services Fostering pay and allowances

How much you get paid depends on your experience and how many children you look after.    

As a newly qualified foster carer:   

You could be paid an average of £300 a week tax-free for one child, equivalent to £16,000 a year. That would be the equivalent of a £19,500 salary if you had to pay tax.   

If you've fostered before or have significant childcare experience:    

You could be paid an average of £400 a week tax-free for one child – equivalent to £21,000 a year. That would be the equivalent of a £27,600 salary if you had to pay tax.   

If you foster more than one child:   

You could be paid more for fostering more than one child. For example, if you foster two children you could be paid £800 a week tax-free – equivalent to £42,000 a year. That would be the equivalent of a £63,000 salary if you had to pay tax.   

You will get a regular income if you foster with us because we always have children who need a home.

We also provide:

  • Money for school uniforms, birthdays, Christmas or religious festivals, transport and holidays, including petrol for trips over 3 miles
  • Equipment and funding for any special support the child needs.

We offer other benefits such as:

  • Excellent professional training
  • Monthly support groups across the city
  • A Manchester leisure card that gives your family free access to Manchester Better gyms

Read our Fostering allowance policy 

Check if you can foster 

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