Allowances

When you foster a child or young person with us, you’ll get 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.

Some of our foster children and young people need full-time foster parents. And because we see foster care as a fulfilling and challenging career, we’ll offer a foster carer allowance if you pursue the role as a full-time profession.

When will I receive my fostering allowance?

In New South Wales, we pay your foster care allowance every two weeks, starting as soon as you welcome a new foster child into your home.

How much will I receive?

Our fostering allowances are in line with the Community Services New South Wales payment levels.

Where can I find more information?

To find out more about your foster care payments, please enquire online or call 1800 WE CARE.