Perks and benefits

Being a foster carer is skilled and dedication. We want you to know that you can afford to care for a child.

We offer a competitive fostering allowance and ensure you get sufficient fees and expenses to support yourself and the children living with you. This means you can focus on caring without worrying about money.

Action for Children foster carers receive a competitive, weekly fee and an allowance ranging from £370-£700, depending on the type of fostering you do and where you live.

To find out more about your local fostering services please get in touch.

Did you know that foster carers can be eligible for tax breaks from the government? We’ll help and guide you through all you need to know.

Action for Children Fostering also provides a range of free activities and get togethers during the school holidays. Fun days out and support groups are a great way to get to know other foster families while trying something different and making happy memories.

Carers sometimes need time off, so we can offer some short break provision if this is suitable.

All of our foster carers are registered with The Fostering Network. This gives you access to additional support, offers, and advice.

You’ll be able to use our Health Assured wellbeing package and gain access to discounts on lots of great brands.

As soon as you become approved as an Action for Children foster carer, you will be automatically enrolled as a member of The Fostering Network.

The Fostering Network supports foster carers to transform children’s lives. They work with us and other fostering services to develop and share best practice.

Membership with The Fostering Network also means you can get help with any legal expenses, financial advice, holidays, and family days out.

These include places like Alton Towers and Chessington World of Adventures and attractions such as Madame Tussauds and Aquariums.

The Fostering Network also provides advice on many aspects of fostering through its helpline.

There is currently a huge shortage of foster carers in England so we are offering an incentive package to our existing foster carers and staff with our Refer a Friend scheme.

Do you know someone who could foster a child? Recommend a friend and you’ll get a bonus from us:

• £50 when we visit their home.
• £100 when they send back their application form.
• £150 when they’re approved by the panel.
• £200 when they start their first placement.

Ask your friend to get in touch with us. Make sure they give us your name and tell us how they heard about fostering with Action for Children.

Blue Light cards

Blue Light is a scheme that recognises the hard work and commitment of people carrying out some of the most important jobs in the community. It’s open to frontline workers – emergency response, NHS, coastguard, as well as familiar organisations like St John Ambulance and the Red Cross. Now, foster carers are also eligible to apply for a Blue Light card.

The Blue Light card provides a wide range of online and in-store discounts. Working with small and large companies across the UK, they saved their members over £100 million in total last year.

Speak to your allocated Action for Children social worker to find out how to apply.

Max card

Similar to the Blue Light Card, the Max Card is another scheme that offers discounts to foster families and families with children who have additional needs. This card is really beneficial to foster carers who want to visit amusement parks and family attractions.

Max card discounts can be used to gain free or discounted admission to venues across the UK. This makes fun family days out more affordable for foster families, helping to enrich your foster child’s life further without worrying about the cost.

Discounts for carers

This online website offers a wide range of discounts and free items for foster carers; including deals on shopping, travel, motoring, finance, utilities, and insurance. These discounts are provided by nationwide and independent businesses who wish to support foster carers and the amazing work that you do.

Action for Children foster carers are given access to the full range of our staff rewards and discounts. These include…

Reward gateway

Reward gateway offers thousands of discounts on every day items to help with the cost of your weekly shop, treats, gifts, or even holidays! You can also access their app (Smart Spending) from your mobile to enjoy benefits such as instant vouchers, cashback, and discounts on the go.

Blue Light tickets

Blue Light tickets is a platform that hosts tickets for music, family attractions, sporting, and comedy events. You can browse future events and if you find something that interests you, enter a ballot to receive free tickets. To register you must already have a Blue Light card.