Support with finances

Need support to manage your money?

please visit https://families.stoke.gov.uk/family-matters/money-2

Information about financial entitlement for kinship carers

Parents are still responsible for paying for their children’s needs if they live with informal family and friends carers. But this can be hard for carers who may not have the money to care for a child. Some family and friends carers will need to give up work in order to provide care for a child or young person.

Informal family and friends carers should access benefits advice to ensure that they claim all the benefits and tax credits to which they are entitled.

However, there may still be financial difficulties. Local authorities have the power to make payments to children in need under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989. Payments can be made as a one off payment which, for example, could help with equipping a bedroom for the child or young person or the Local Authority could provide financial help on a regular basis.

The child’s social worker will discuss with parents and those caring for the child the need for financial support and if this is considered necessary to meet the child’s needs and any financial support will be made in line with TFC’s duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

If the child or young person does require to be cared for by the Local Authority and moves into foster care, then the fostering allowances would be paid to the carer at the appropriate rate.