Long-term & interim foster carers - payments & support

Generous allowances and practical help to value the care you provide.

Aberlour Fostering recognises the important role our interim and long-term carers play in the lives of the children and young people whom they love, nurture, care for, and offer ongoing support to. One of the key areas of recognition and support is in our financial support to you.

We have outlined the figures below to help you plan in your role as foster carers. As each family’s situation is different, we also offer bespoke support, which can be discussed with your Supervising Social Worker.

As from the 1st April 2025 new Foster Carers receive:

All carers are classed as self-employed, we do not pay retainers for when a child or young person is not living with you.

To assist our carers and to show how much we value the service you provide, we offer a startup fee up to £500. This is to put towards anything that is needed for a child coming to stay in your home. 

All our foster carers must make their home insurance company aware that they are foster carers. We ask carers to have business insurance in place for their car. This ensures you’re fully protected when transporting children. Aberlour Fostering will pay some mileage payments. Journeys which can be claimed are held within the Foster carer's handbook.

Although Aberlour Fostering cannot advise on tax information, we are on hand to guide you towards the Fostering Network (Scottish office phone number: 0141 204 1400), who offer supportive workshops and helpline information for specifically guide you in this area.

• The Fostering Network – Foster Carer Finances

Fostering allowances are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.

• For current tax-free allowances that simplify the process of foster carers, please visit the HMRC website.

We’re proud to offer one of the highest start-up allowances, because we know that even small gestures of support can make a big difference to fostering families.