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If you are considering fostering a child or young person, it's important to consider the financial implications.
In Fife foster carers receive a weekly allowance for themselves and a weekly maintenance payment to cover the expense of looking after the child. This payment varies depending on the age of the child. In addition the Scottish Government offers generous Tax allowances which mean the majority of Foster Carers pay no tax.
Here are some examples combining weekly allowances and maintenance payments:
One Child (8-15 years old) :-
up to £510.11 /week equivalent to £26,525.67 annually
(foster carers with a minimum of 2 years experience and meeting additional requirements)
One Child (8-15 years old):-
up to £654.08 /week equivalent to £34,012.11 annually
| Ages | Rates |
|---|---|
| 0-4 | £168.31 |
| 5-10 | £195.81 |
| 11-15 | £195.81 |
| 16-18 | £268.41 |
| Summer = 2 weeks maintenance | Easter = 1 weeks maintenance |
| October = 1 week maintenance | Birthday = 1 week maintenance |
| Christmas = 2 weeks maintenance |
| Levels | Rates |
|---|---|
| Level 1 Foster Carer | £287.94 |
| Level 2 Foster Carer | £431.91 |
| £50 per week |
Short break foster carers offering respite placements are paid one day’s fee and one day’s maintenance allowance for each full night of placement.
Foster carers who offer short break placements in addition to full time placements are paid one day’s maintenance allowance for each full night of placement.
HMRC provide information about tax liabilities to foster carers through a series of webinars (online presentations) and an e-learning module Tax for Foster Carers on their website. Live or recorded webinars are available on a range of topics for foster carers such as keeping records and what to put on your tax return.
