What does the foster care allowance cover?
The foster care allowance is meant to cover the everyday costs of caring for a child in out of home care, such as food, clothing and general living expenses. It is set by each state or territory child protection department, so exactly what it covers can vary. Some larger costs are met through separate payments rather than the allowance.
State and territory child protection departments
NSW Government (DCJ), financial support for carers
Everyday costs it is meant to cover
The allowance is designed to help with the ordinary costs of raising a child. This typically includes food, everyday clothing and footwear, a share of household costs such as electricity and water, general transport, and pocket money or basic recreation. It is paid to help you meet the child's daily needs rather than to pay you for your time.
Costs usually handled separately
Larger or one off costs are often not part of the standard allowance. Things like significant medical or dental costs, therapy, some school expenses, family contact travel, and extra support for a child with high needs may be covered through additional payments or by the department directly. How these are handled differs between states and territories.
Check with your department
Because each department sets its own rules, ask your caseworker or agency what your allowance is meant to cover and what you should claim separately. Keep receipts where you can, and raise extra costs early rather than assuming they are already included.
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