Your fostering service sets the actual amount, and it cannot be below the national minimum. The allowance is updated every April.
Quick facts
- 0 to 2, rest of England
- £176 a week
- 5 to 10, rest of England
- £201 a week
- 16 to 17, London
- £309 a week
- Tax exemption
- £20,440 per household
- Weekly tax relief
- £435 under 11, £515 at 11+
Minimum weekly allowance, 6 April 2026 to 5 April 2027
The minimum allowance you’ll get depends on where you live and the age of the child you care for.
- 0 to 2: £205 London, £195 South East, £176 rest of England
- 3 to 4: £208 London, £203 South East, £182 rest of England
- 5 to 10: £233 London, £223 South East, £201 rest of England
- 11 to 15: £266 London, £255 South East, £227 rest of England
- 16 to 17: £309 London, £298 South East, £267 rest of England
You might get additional payments, depending on if the child has specific needs, how many children you’re fostering, your skills and experience, and your fostering service.
Tax
You should have registered as self-employed when you started to foster. You’ll need to file tax returns.
On top of the £20,440 exemption, you also get tax relief for every week (or part week) that a child is in your care. This means you do not usually pay tax on your earnings from foster care, even if they go over £20,440.
- Under 11: £435 per child
- 11 or over: £515 per child
You may be entitled to National Insurance credits, which count towards your State Pension.
Benefits
If you’re claiming benefits you need to tell the organisation that pays you that you’re also getting a foster care allowance.
You can get disability benefits for your foster child if they meet the criteria. You may also be able to claim Carer’s Allowance if your foster child gets Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment.
Elsewhere
This guidance applies to England. In Northern Ireland, see foster carers in Northern Ireland. In Ireland, see the Foster Care Allowance.
Common questions
How much is the foster care allowance in England in 2026/27?
At least £176 to £309 a week per child, depending on age and whether you live in London, the South East or the rest of England.
Do foster carers pay tax?
Households do not pay tax on the first £20,440 from fostering, plus weekly relief per child, so most pay none on fostering income.
Can I get Carer's Allowance for a foster child?
You may, if your foster child gets Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment.
Does the allowance stop at 18?
Children stop being in care when they reach 18, and there is no minimum allowance after that.