We need a little more information
Your circumstances do not fit a standard online estimate. That does not necessarily mean you cannot foster. Speak with us and we will explain the relevant payment approach.
Ask the allowance teamFostering payments
Estimate Your Fostering Allowance
Use this calculator to see an illustrative weekly and yearly amount based on the information you provide. It is a starting point, not a payment offer.
Based in ManchesterHere when you’re ready.
Illustrative onlyThe result is a guide, not an offer of payment, a placement or approval.
Weekly and yearlySee an indicative weekly figure and the annual equivalent side by side.
Five short questionsPostcode, experience, number of children, age range and placement type.
Allowance calculator
Work out an illustrative weekly and yearly amount
Answer five short questions to see an illustrative estimate. Actual payments depend on approval, a suitable placement, the child's assessed needs, placement type, your skills and experience, and the rate agreed at the time.
- Where you live
- Your fostering experience
- How many children you are considering caring for
- The age range you have in mind
- The type of placement you are interested in
Weekly fostering allowance
Estimate the allowance for one child
Choose the child’s age and the number of weeks of care.
Estimated allowance for 52 weeks
Per child £20,837.44
Weekly allowance per child£400.72
Weeks in this estimate52
£400.72 × 52 weeks for one child.
Rates may vary by region and are subject to change.
This estimate is for one child. It assumes the child stays in the selected age band and is in your care throughout the selected period. Actual payments follow the agreed placement; an estimate does not guarantee a placement or income. Additional payments, expenses and tax calculations are not included.
See all weekly allowances by age
- 0–4 years
- £400.72
- 5–10 years
- £430.88
- 11–14 years
- £468.38
- 15+ years
- £505.88
Each rate is the weekly allowance for one child in that age band.
What the calculator asks
The five questions, then your estimate
- 1
Where do you live?
Enter your postcode. We use it to check whether we currently recruit and support carers in your area. Please enter a valid UK postcode.
- 2
What is your fostering experience?
Choose whether you are new to fostering, have less than 12 months' experience, have 12 months or more experience, or are currently an approved foster carer. Experience may affect a payment level only where the current policy says so. It does not replace assessment or training.
- 3
How many children are you considering caring for?
Choose 1, 2, 3 or 4. The number of children you can be approved for depends on space, household circumstances and assessment. Bedroom-sharing decisions are made case by case.
- 4
Select an age range
Choose 0-4, 5-10, 11-15, 16-17, a mix of ages, or not sure. Age is used in the calculation only where Organic Fostering's approved rate card uses age bands.
- 5
Placement type
Choose short-term, long-term, emergency, respite or short break, sibling group, or not sure. Specialist or enhanced rates require individual assessment and cannot be guaranteed by the calculator.
- 6
Calculate an estimate
When you have answered every question, select 'Calculate an estimate' to see your illustrative figures.
Result
Your illustrative estimate
The calculator shows an estimated weekly payment and an estimated annual equivalent.
The annual figure is the weekly illustration multiplied by 52. It does not mean you will have a placement or receive payments for a full year. It does not include every possible additional expense or enhanced arrangement.
From the result you can ask us for a personalised breakdown, or change your answers and calculate again.
Calculation disclosure
How this result is produced
Calculated using the current Organic Fostering rate card. The result is for guidance only. It is not an offer, contract, tax calculation or guarantee of approval, placement or income.
Other outcomes
If the calculator cannot show an estimate
Not every household fits a standard online calculation. If you see one of these messages, our team can talk it through with you.
We may not currently recruit in your postcode
Our team can confirm whether support is available where you live or suggest an appropriate next step.
Ask the allowance teamThe basics
How fostering payments work
Payments commonly include money to meet the child's day-to-day needs and a fee that recognises the carer's role.
The current payment schedule explains what is included, which costs are separate and how changes are agreed.
Tax reminder
This calculator does not work out your tax
Qualifying Care Relief may reduce or remove tax on fostering income, but an allowance calculator cannot assess your tax position. Use current HMRC guidance or take independent advice.
Take the first step
Your fostering questions can start with one conversation
Tell us what you are thinking and ask what matters to you. A member of our Manchester team will explain the next step without pressure or obligation.