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Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on fostering.

Fostering

Are foster carers able to claim income support?

13 replies

ohoneybeeo · 02/03/2014 19:35

I've googled this but unable to get a clear answer.
My situation would be that I'd (hopefully) be a foster carer. Apart from fostering, I would have no income.
I'd be a single foster carer, and although wouldn't have a mortgage to pay, I still will have my monthly bills.
Does anyone know?

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Gillian1980 · 02/03/2014 20:26

I think you can while you are actually fostering but not between placements. As you are unable to work due to caring for a child. But you can't work in any other employment for more than 16 hours per week.

I think while you're without a placement you're not entitled as they consider you available for work.

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ohoneybeeo · 02/03/2014 20:45

Thankyou. That's a bit of a pain, as it wouldn't really be possible to get short term jobs with very little notice in between placements.
Good to find out you can get it during placements though. Thanks :)

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EirikurNoromaour · 02/03/2014 20:46

Fostering allowance isn't taxable income, so yes. But you would have to sign onto jsa between placements

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ohoneybeeo · 02/03/2014 20:52

Thanks Elrikur, it's all sounding a little complicated lol.
I haven't even started the process yet (hopefully April), but obviously I need to look at options as I will need to pay bills.

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EirikurNoromaour · 02/03/2014 20:56

Hopefully you wouldn't have much time between placements, especially if you foster for a local authority. You also might find they would negotiate a small retainer for empty weeks, that might bridge the gap.

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ohoneybeeo · 02/03/2014 21:04

Thanks! I will definitely ask these questions on the initial visit :)

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scarlet5tyger · 03/03/2014 10:40

Yes you can claim income support if a single carer - I do.

At the moment you have to change to Job seekers allowance if you have a break between placements, but that is to change with universal credit.

You can only claim income support for children under 5 though. As younger children are being brought into care less frequently you might want to weigh up the chances of having a more regular fostering income with older children against the more likely gaps between placements with younger children.

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scarlet5tyger · 03/03/2014 10:42

I forgot to say - I think you have to be fostering for your Local Authority (as opposed to an agency) to be entitled to benefits.

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ghostinthecanvas · 03/03/2014 10:46

Perhaps you should consider permanent fostering? That way you won't have gaps. Research local authority payments and independent. Decide which is better for you.

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ohoneybeeo · 03/03/2014 15:38

I was going to ask for ages 0-10.
So if I'm fostering an 8year old then I won't be eligable for income support?
Thanks for the help everyone x

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scarlet5tyger · 03/03/2014 19:56

No, you wouldn't be eligible for an 8 year old.

Some carers I know claim working tax credit but I'm not sure how that works.

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newfostermummy · 06/03/2014 19:47

I'm a single carer, don't have any children of my own. I am able to claim Working Tax Credit. (Don't claim JSA as I foster babies). Apart from fostering, I get a small income from a pension scheme. I'm with LA.

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ohoneybeeo · 06/03/2014 20:23

Newfostermummy, I also don't have any children of my own.
Are you able to claim working tax credit with over 5s also? And can you claim in between placements? Thankyou