Are you ready to give a child a new home in Birmingham? Let’s look at the allowance you’ll receive.
Summary: In Birmingham, foster carers earn a weekly allowance that covers most household costs. It starts at around £233 per week for a single child and scales with the number of children, the type of placement, and any extra responsibilities you take on. The Housing Benefit, Carer’s Grant, and Supernumerary Rates can add up, bringing total weekly payments close to £280-£350. Below we break down the key figures and how to claim.
Ready to start fostering in Birmingham? Speak to SL Foster Care for friendly advice and fast next steps.
What the allowance covers
The base weekly amount is paid by the local authority and is designed to cover:
- Household costs – food, electricity, heating, and general upkeep.
- Children’s personal items – toiletries, clothing, school supplies.
- Therapy or specialist support if the child needs it.
How the amount is calculated
For Birmingham, the allowance works like this:
| Category | Weekly Rate (£) |
|---|---|
| Single child (standard) | ≈233 |
| Second child (standard) | ≈57 |
| Third additional child | ≈27 |
| Extended care (e.g., adding siblings) | ≈57 per extra child |
| Extra responsibilities (bag driving, childcare support) | ≈10-15 per child |
Extra rates such as the Carer’s Grant (government extra payments) or Supernumerary Rate for children aged 10-15 can add another £53–£70 per week.
Other payments you can claim
- Housing Benefit – if you rent a home, you’re likely to receive a weekly payment to cover rent.
- Childcare (for young children < 5) – if you need to work outside the home, the allowance can be higher.
- Equipment or support for children with autism or SEND (special needs).
When and how to apply
The authority pays the allowance automatically once your Placement Notice is signed. You’ll need to make a claim each month if you want:
- Fill out a fostering allowance claim form.
- Attach proof of income if required (helps speed up the process).
- Send the form to the Birmingham FoCUS office by the 15th of each month.
Check with your agency for the exact deadline – 24‑hour turnaround is common.
Neighbouring areas you may also consider
If you live close to the borders, you can foster in nearby places that share the same allowance structure:
- Solihull
- Wolverhampton
- Coventry
- Dudley
- Shrewsbury
Still comparing agencies in Birmingham? SL Foster Care can guide you through allowances, training, and approvals.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much can I expect per child? A single child gets around £233 per week; add £57 for each additional child.
- Do I get a housing benefit? Yes, if you rent. It’s separate from the allowance and covers your rent.
- What if I work full‑time? You can apply for a ‘working with children’ allowance to help cover childcare costs.
- Can I claim for a child with special needs? Absolutely – you may earn extra support payments.
- When will I receive my first payment? After the placement notice is signed, the local authority usually processes payments within 3 weeks.
Fostering in Birmingham comes with a supportive payment package that covers most of your household costs. If you have more questions or want to start the process, SL Foster Care is ready to help you every step of the way.