---
title: Allowances
description: "**1. Why money matters to children** Children who have experienced trauma may worry about “being a burden” or feel shame about clothing, birthdays or hobbies. Consistent, transparent use of the **accountable allowance** helps them feel valued and equal to their…"
url: "https://handbook.co.uk/docs/allowances/"
updated: "2026-04-08"
category: Foster Carer Handbook
tags:
  - "Allowances & Money"
---

# Allowances

**1. Why money matters to children**

Children who have experienced trauma may worry about “being a burden” or feel shame about clothing, birthdays or hobbies. Consistent, transparent use of the **accountable allowance** helps them feel valued and equal to their peers. Talk openly (age-appropriately) about how their pocket money, savings and clothing budgets work so they know their needs will be met.

**2. Weekly fostering payments**

| **Age band** | **Total weekly payment** | **Split (carer / child)** | **Policy reference** |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 0 – 10 yrs | **£**479.50 | £404.50 carer’s fee + £75 accountable allowance | Fees & Allowance Policy |
| 11 – 17 yrs | **£**507.50 | £417.50 carer’s fee + £90 accountable allowance | “ ” |

- Paid **one week in arrears** direct to your bank. Most banks credit on Tuesday; some on Wednesday.
- Covers Monday → Sunday. Part-weeks are pro-rata **unless** the child moves between two Positive Aspirations Group foster homes on the same day—in that case each carer receives half of that day’s allowance.

**3. Accountable allowance – child-centred spending**

Spend the child’s portion in the categories agreed in their **Initial Placement Agreement (IPA)** and review savings/pocket-money at each supervision. The indicative weekly spend bands in the Fees & Allowance Policy are your guide, not a straightjacket. Keep simple receipts or notes; your supervising social worker (SSW) will sample these to evidence that the allowance benefits the child.

**4. One-off or additional costs**

- **Emergency clothing / school-uniform grant** – your SSW (not you) negotiates any extra funding with the commissioning team. Wait for written confirmation before spending.
- **Parent-and-child placements** – higher rates apply (£952 weekly if both parent & baby are looked after). See separate policy for full breakdown.

**5. Respite arrangements**

- When another Positive Aspirations Group carer provides respite, **all** fee and allowance for that period are paid to the respite carer; the main carer is not paid because a respite element is already built into the weekly fee. Plan ahead and set aside funds.
- If respite is delivered by your approved **Enhanced Support** network, the main carer pays the Enhanced Support directly; the agency is not involved financially (see Respite Policy for vetting & risk-assessment steps).

**6. Insurance & safeguarding the allowance**

Ensure your contents insurance is up to date; it is the first line of cover if a child’s belongings are lost or damaged. The agency’s contingency insurance only applies if your own insurer refuses a claim.

**7. Trauma-informed money conversations**

1. **Predictability** – let the child know pocket-money day and stick to it.
2. **Voice & choice** – involve them in deciding how to spend birthday or activity budgets.
3. **Dignity** – avoid public discussions about their allowance; use private, strengths-based language.
4. **Growth** – as they mature, teach budgeting and savings skills in line with the Preparation for Independence Policy.

**8. Who to contact**

- **Payment queries** – finance@positiveaspirations.org
- **Allowance guidance** – your SSW or Fees & Allowance Policy quick-guide.
- **Tax / HMRC** – see training links in the Fees & Allowance Policy appendix.

**Key reminder:** All financial negotiation with the local authority must go through Positive Aspirations Group—never the foster carer—to keep boundaries clear and avoid confusion.