Will fostering impact my benefits?
Can you foster whilst receiving benefits?
Yes, it is indeed possible to foster while receiving benefits, and this should not hinder your chances of being approved as a foster carer. Financial stability is a significant factor to consider when determining if fostering is the right path for you. However, it is essential to recognise that fostering is a full-time commitment. Upon becoming a foster carer, you will be classified as self-employed, and the expenses associated with caring for your foster child will be provided to you in the form of a fostering allowance. This blog will examine the various types of financial assistance available to support both you and your foster child, as well as provide insights into fostering as a profession.
Will fostering impact my benefits?
As a foster parent, you will still be eligible to receive benefits; however, your status as a foster parent may influence the specific benefits for which you qualify. The UK Government has created a benefits calculator to assist you in determining your exact entitlements. Recently, Universal Credit has been introduced to replace several benefits, including Income Support, Housing Benefit, and Child Tax Credits. If you are currently receiving these benefits, your entitlement will remain unchanged upon becoming a foster parent, unless there are alterations in your circumstances unrelated to fostering. Conversely, if you were previously receiving Universal Credit in lieu of Job Seekers Allowance (JSA), you will no longer be eligible for this benefit once you take on the role of a foster parent.
Can I receive benefits for my foster child?
Child Benefit
As a foster carer, you will not be able to claim Child Benefit for your foster child, as you will receive a foster care allowance instead. This allowance is designed to cover the expenses associated with caring for your foster child and to compensate you for your time and expertise. As an independent fostering agency, we are able to provide more competitive rates for your foster care allowance.
Universal Credit
If you are receiving Universal Credit, you will not be eligible for additional benefits specifically for the child you are fostering. However, if you are utilizing Universal Credit to assist with your housing expenses, you may qualify for benefits for one additional bedroom. Regardless of the number of children you wish to foster, you are entitled to only one extra bedroom. In the case of privately rented housing, you can also claim for one additional bedroom, but it is important to note that the total number of bedrooms eligible for Universal Credit is capped at four, even if your needs exceed this limit.
Disability Living Allowance
Should your foster child have a disability, you may still be able to apply for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) through your local authority. This allowance will be paid to you as the adult carer or “appointee.” In order to be eligible for DLA, your foster child must be under the age of 16 and must demonstrate a need for more care than a child without a disability or experience difficulties with mobility.
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