If you’re considering fostering, your mind may be full of questions. Would I qualify? Am I the right age? Do I get paid to become a foster carer?

Firstly, people with a wide range of backgrounds become foster carers. That includes individuals who are retired, live in rented accommodation and people of every ethnicity, culture and religion. Secondly a wide range of age-groups can apply, including those who are retired. You must however be over the age of 21.

The most important thing is you can provide the love and support the child needs. Many adults who were in foster care say they relied on the support of good carers. If you have the kindness, patience and empathy required, you could change the course of someone’s life. Unfortunately, in the UK alone, there are thousands of vulnerable children that need support.

Secondly, you do receive a weekly allowance for each child in your care. Being a foster carer counts as self-employment by the HMRC, therefore includes generous tax benefits with many carers paying little or no tax.

For more on fostering payments and allowance click here.