Can foster carers claim benefits?

You might be surprised to learn that people who claim benefits may not automatically lose those benefits if they start to foster. The exception to this is job seekers allowance as a foster carer who is looking after a child in placement will not usually be available for work. You can find more advice on Becoming a Foster Carer.

Get more information about fostering payments and taxes

The Department for Education funds Fosterline, which offers confidential and impartial advice, information and signposting on a broad range of issues of concern to current and prospective foster carers, including specialist tax and benefits advice and support to the foster carer and members of the fostering household.

They can be contacted on Freephone number 0800 040 7675, from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday or by visiting their website.