Unknown

[Catfriend]

I'm thinking of fostering but unsure of how I stand financially. I am a lone parent with an 11 year old I work part time at the minute but would give up work to give my full attention to become a foster carer. I have has the first visit from the social worker and signed the report so just waiting for the next step which I am unsure of!'!!

Hi Catfriend, I am in your position with 2 children in their teens. I love fostering and it works for me although it does get a bit worrying when I am without a placement. I take 2 children which makes it much easier financially and also have tax credits and reduced council tax etc. You need to find out what they are offering money wise. Are you going with the LA or an agency?

Hi bonnieslilsister. Thanks for replying, I am going with my local LA. I haven't had much feed back from them altho I've only just had the first visit. I know it's a big step but would hate to be in a finacial mess. Im also abit worried incase I have l long periods with no fc. How long did your whole process take if you don't mind me asking??

About six months from start to finish. I wouldn't give your notice in until you have a date for panel. You shouldn't really go to panel if it is likely you will be refused so you will have a good idea as you progress through the assessment how you are doing.

Hi Catfriend, I am a single carer and I get Income Support as well as my fostering allowance. On the very rare occasions when I've been without a child my IS has been changed to job Seekers Allowance which is manageable on for short periods.

When I started claiming IS the benefits agency told me I am also entitled to housing benefit and council tax benefit. Prescriptions and dentist are also free.

My LA is one of the lowest paying authorities in the country so it IS possible to foster as a single person.

Good luck!

It seems like a very scary road!!!! I'm just scared to take that big step!!!! I am looking forward to the skills to fostering course if I ever get on one that is!!!!!

Hi scarlet5tyger thanks for the feed back. How come you can get IS??? then it changes to job seekers allowance when you have no Fc. I hope you don't mind all these questions I just want to make sure I'm doing the right thing for me and my daughter. The big worry is having no FC for a long period of time!!!!!

I don't know if you read the other thread Catfriend I mentioned that probably the only way to guarentee a fostering income is to do long term fostering which is a bit like adoption for an older child.

I am presuming if you have your own child you would be better claiming working and child tax credits instead of IS but I am not sure. You can't get both, I know. Also, you can't claim tax credits for the foster child because you have the allowance for them. You don't pay tax though on your fostering allowance so that makes a difference.

NO sorry I didn't read your other thread bonnieslilsister but thank you for your feed back. I am only working p/t at the minute for not much money. I work in childcare but it's not very good pay. I just want towie a difference to someone else's life by helping. I love working with children. I'm very excited about the whole process but I don't like waiting ha ha.