Financial support for carers
Foster Carers are paid an allowance to cover the cost of caring.
When you foster a child or young person, you’ll receive regular Foster Care payments in the form of a non-taxable allowance. These Foster Care payments are to cover your foster child’s living costs including food, clothes, basic travel, household bills, pocket money, Christmas and birthday presents, and days out.
How much you get in Foster Care payments usually depends on the type of placement you have, your foster child’s age and how much extra care they need.
How much will I receive?
This varies a lot so there’s no simple answer. In general, if the child you are looking after has high physical, emotional and/or psychological needs, the allowance you receive will be higher. In some states, Key Assets Australia does not set the rate of the allowance; this is done by the state government.
The best advice is to contact us and we can give you more information.
When will I receive my fostering allowance?
The allowance is usually paid into your bank account every fortnight.
Where can I find more information?
To find out more about your Foster Care payments, please enquire online or call 1800 WE CARE.