I’ve heard that if I give up work then I can’t claim benefits for six months, does this count if I give up work to foster? Will I receive enough benefits to support myself and the foster child?
The child that you foster will not be counted as part of your household when calculating any means tested benefits such as Income Support, Housing benefit or Job Seekers Allowance. If you are or intend to claim Job Seekers Allowance, you will of course have to continue to demonstrate that you are available for work.
Foster allowances are intended to cover the cost of supporting a child who may be placed with you. Please go to the ‘What Allowances Do Foster Carers Receive’ section on our ‘About Fostering‘ page, for further information.