The age that fostering allowances stop

Foster care technically stops when a child reaches age 18, which is when the fostering allowance stops.

However, many young adults remain with foster carers until 21 under ‘Staying Put’ arrangements. Staying Put allowances are usually lower than fostering allowances and are paid directly by the local authority. Independent fostering providers can only support with Staying Put arrangements following agreement by the local authority.

Young adults who enter further education can be supported by social care until age 25. The young adults usually move into university accommodation; however, if they wish to remain with their foster carers, or perhaps return to foster carers in the university holidays, social care may provide an allowance to the foster carers to facilitate the ongoing support.