Support with finances

Need support to manage your money?

Please visit https://families.stoke.gov.uk-money

Information about financial entitlement for kinship carers

Financial support for informal family and friends’ carers

If a child is living with informal carers—such as family members or close friends—their birth parents are still legally responsible for covering the child’s basic needs. However, this can be difficult for carers who may not have the financial means to support a child, especially if they’ve had to reduce or give up work to provide care.

Getting help with finances

Informal carers are strongly encouraged to seek advice about benefits and tax credits to make sure they’re receiving all the support they’re entitled to. Even with this help, some carers may still face financial challenges.

Support from the Local Authority

Local authorities can offer financial support to children in need under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989. This support might be:

• A one-off payment to help with specific costs, such as furnishing a child’s bedroom.
• Ongoing financial assistance to help with regular expenses.

A social worker will speak with the child’s parents and carers to assess whether financial support is needed. If it is, support will be provided in line with our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Foster care support

If a child or young person needs to be cared for by the local authority and enters foster care, the foster carer will receive a fostering allowance at the appropriate rate.