Foster care allowances update

The Department of Health can today confirm an increase to foster care allowances in NI for the 2022/23 financial year.

The allowances will rise by an average of 3%, ensuring they stay in line with payments in England. The increases will be backdated to the start of the financial year. Mileage rates have also been increased to 41p per mile.

The fostering allowance is paid every 28 days to cover the costs associated with day to day care.  Separate from this allowance, other specific support is available for items such as school uniforms and university expenses. Foster carers can contact their supervising social worker for advice about these benefits and others that they may be entitled to.

Foster carers play a vital role in our community, making a real difference to the lives of vulnerable children. There are over 3500 children and young people in care in Northern Ireland and over 83% of them are in foster care, many with extended family.

Foster care allowances | Department of Health (health-ni.gov.uk)

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