Care and support

Payments & the payment scheme

Will I be paid?

Hertfordshire County Council pays foster carers a weekly allowance covering maintenance, clothing and pocket money for the children they look after.

In addition, we pay foster carers a level 1 or level 2 fee, plus an age related fee. Generally carers with 2 years experience receive a level 2 fee.

The fee is the only taxable element of the payment and State Benefits are not usually affected.

Payments to foster carers (allowance and fees):

Level 1, for a child aged 0 – 4 years: £218.92 per week
Level 2, for a child aged 0 - 4 years: £252.52 per week

Level 1, for a child aged 5 - 10 years: £237.66 per week
Level 2, for a child aged 5 – 10 years: £271.26 per week

Level 1, for a child aged 11 – 15 years: £310.19 per week
Level 2, for a child aged 11 – 15 years: £343.79 per week

Level 1, for a young person aged 16+: £351.17 per week
Level 2, for a young person aged 16+: £384.77 per week

We pay extra allowances to cover the child's birthday and Christmas/Festival and holiday expenses, and two weeks paid annual leave. We also pay an initial clothing allowance plus work and school clothing allowances.


We also provide funding for any necessary equipment carers will need to care for children. For example, baby equipment or beds and wardrobes.

Should you require any additional information regarding payment, we will be happy to discuss this with you.