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Fostering

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

Benefits Advice for Foster Carers

4 replies

CaringAndCurious · 10/09/2024 09:36

We’re foster carers, both working full-time. I’m currently in a contracted position, which ends at the end of this month (I work through recruitment agencies, not as self-employed).

I’ve made the decision to step away from my current role. First, the company doesn’t have the budget to extend my contract, and second, I feel I need to focus more on fostering, especially given the number of meetings I need to attend and the fact that the child placed with us is autistic.

Now, I’m trying to figure out what benefits I might be eligible for, but I'm feeling pretty lost. I’ve never applied for benefits before, let alone as a foster carer.

My partner has a good job and will continue working, while I’ll be taking on the role of the lead carer.

If anyone could point me in the right direction, I’d really appreciate the help!

OP posts:
JulianFawcettMP · 10/09/2024 19:50

I can't think of any way in which you would be entitled to benefits. I really feel like I am missing something. What do you think you might be entitled to?

mymumwouldntapprove · 10/09/2024 19:55

There’s more information needed.

does your foster child get DLA?
how old are they?
could you be classed as their carer?
how much does your husband earn?
what are your housing costs - rent/own?
any other children?

BrownJenkins · 12/09/2024 18:20

Money from foster caring is disregarded when claiming universal credit.
My advice is to look at a benefits calculator.
There are a lot of foster carers on benefits.

AmyandPhilipfan · 14/09/2024 18:08

I've known single carers on benefits but not couples. When I started fostering I gave up my full time job and my husband was on 25k at the most I would say ten years ago. We wouldn't have been entitled to anything. Now he's on about £32k and with our two foster children's allowance as well as the weekly fee for looking after them we probably have about another £30k coming in.

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