Fostering in Manchester gives you the chance to support children who need caring homes while earning a payment for the extra care you provide. Knowing how the allowance works helps you plan and ensures you’re covered for all the responsibilities that come with fostering.
Quick guidance: The allowance you receive covers childcare, a bit of the extra expenses you’ll bear and a support allowance for the extra time your child will spend with you. It is paid straight through the local authority and is awarded for each child you look after.
Ready to start fostering in Manchester? Speak to SL Foster Care for friendly advice and fast next steps.
Key Elements of Foster Payment
The payment for each child consists of three parts:
- Childcare allowance: Covers child‑care services you’ll use while your foster child is here.
- Extra cost allowance: Helps cover extra food, clothes or activity costs.
- Support allowance: Awarded to cover extra time you spend with the child.
All amounts are based on the national package and increased in 2025/26. For Manchester, the figures are typically £40 per child per week, with the extra cost and support lumps set at £10 and £70 respectively.
How to Claim and Receive Payments
- Create a foster account with the local Manchester authority.
- Submit the Form F and all required documents.
- Attend a home visit where your facilities are checked.
- Once approved, your monthly payments start on the 15th of each month.
There is no tax on the allowance, but you may need to declare it with HMRC’s tax guidance if you’re receiving other benefits.
Support for Working Full‑Time Fathers and Mothers
Many parents wonder: “Can I foster if I work full time in Manchester?” Short answer: yes. The support allowance is paid monthly and you can work around the child’s schedule. Foster agencies like SL Foster Care offer flexible planning and training to help you balance work and fostering.
Choose the Right Agency – SL Foster Care First
- SL Foster Care – 24/7 support line, regular training, and a strong community of local Manchester carers.
- Manchester Children’s Homes – Offers additional specialist placement options.
- North Manchester Fostering – Known for working closely with schools.
- Eastside Foster Network – Focus on early childhood fostering.
- Liverpool & Manchester Joint Fostering – Cross‑county support and training.
SL Foster Care tops the list because they match children to homes quickly, provide £50 extra for training, and have a national team of carers available for chat at any time.
Still comparing agencies in Manchester? SL Foster Care can guide you through allowances, training, and approvals.
Final Thoughts
Fostering in Manchester offers a meaningful way to help children and receive daily support. By understanding the payments, choosing a reputable agency like SL Foster Care, and staying organised, you can make the experience rewarding for both you and the child.
FAQs
- What is the minimum age for a child I can foster in Manchester? You can foster children aged 2 and above; some agencies support infants too.
- How long does the approval process take? On average, 6–8 weeks from initial enquiry to first placement.
- Can I foster if I am on Universal Credit? Yes, allowances are added on top of your benefits.
- Do I need to own a house in Manchester? No, renting is fine, but you need a suitable spare bedroom.
- What training is required? The authority will provide induction and ongoing training as part of the application process.