Fostering is a critical component of the child welfare system in Ireland, providing safe and nurturing environments for children who cannot live with their birth families. The fostering allowance is designed to help foster carers meet the everyday needs of the children in their care. As of 2025, significant changes have been implemented regarding the fostering allowance, reflecting the government’s commitment to supporting foster families.
Current Fostering Allowance Rates
As of January 2025, the Foster Care Allowance payable by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, is structured as follows:
Age of Child | Weekly Rate |
---|---|
Under 12 years | €400 |
12 years and over | €425 |
These rates represent a substantial increase aimed at addressing the rising cost of living and ensuring that foster carers can adequately provide for the children they care for.
Purpose of the Fostering Allowance
The fostering allowance is intended to cover a range of expenses associated with raising a child, including:
- Food and Clothing: Providing daily meals and appropriate attire.
- Education Costs: Covering school uniforms, books, and other educational materials.
- Household Bills: Contributing to utilities and other household expenses.
- Travel Expenses: Supporting transportation costs for school and appointments.
- Special Occasions: Allowing for celebrations such as birthdays and holidays.
It is important to note that the fostering allowance is not considered a salary or payment to foster carers; rather, it is a means to ensure that foster children receive equitable care and opportunities within their foster families.
Additional Support Measures
In addition to the standard fostering allowance, there are provisions for enhanced payments in certain circumstances:
- Enhanced Allowances: Foster carers can apply for additional payments if a child has complex needs that require more resources than what the standard allowance covers. This process involves completing a CA0008 Request for Additional Support Form, which must be approved by a social worker and the Area Manager.
- Initial Placement Bonus: To assist with the immediate costs associated with welcoming a child into a new home, an initial placement bonus has been introduced. This one-time payment helps alleviate some of the financial burdens during the transition period.
- Aftercare Support: For young people transitioning out of care between the ages of 18 and 21 who are still in education or training, a Standardised Aftercare Allowance may apply. This support can extend up to two additional years if they are engaged in recognized educational pathways.
Foster care allowances provided by Tusla are not subject to income tax and do not affect eligibility for social welfare payments.
This means that foster carers can utilize these funds without worrying about tax liabilities or reductions in other benefits.
The fostering allowance in Ireland has been significantly enhanced as part of ongoing efforts to support foster families.
With weekly rates set at €400 for children under 12 and €425 for those aged 12 and over, these changes reflect an understanding of the financial demands faced by foster carers. The introduction of additional support measures further underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that every child in foster care receives the care and resources they need to thrive.
Foster carers play an invaluable role in society, providing stability and love to vulnerable children. By ensuring that they have adequate financial support, Ireland aims to maintain high standards of care within its fostering system, ultimately benefiting both foster families and the children they serve.
