allowance for legal guardianship

[Kassee]

I have been fostering a little child for a number of years and hope to become her legal guardian. Will I still recieve an allowance, or will this stop when I become a legal guardian. How can I financially support her with no allowance. I am a single parent myself.

[bednobs]

well you could always get a job, to financially support her

[abcdabcd]

The allowance will stop but you will be then entitled to child benefit and maybe child tax credit etc if working. The government may pay up to 80% of childcare fees. She will be treated as your own daughter.

[Kassee]

I have a job. It is 24 hours, 7 days a week, it is called being a foster parent. Up to three children, sometimes siblings, sometimes all from different families. There are meetings to attend, playschools to get to, courses to do on many of the different aspect of fostering, and the different problems that are encountered. It is not like bringing up your own children. Most of these children need a great deal of input constantly. It is the most rewarding and, yet difficult job I have ever done. So I find 'get a job' comment insulting.

[sambob]

Hi Kassee,

Have you asked your foster agency if you are eligable for means tested financial support. When I adopted my son, this was an option available to people on low income. It's always worth asking.

And as for Bednobs pathetic comment, Foster parents must have the hardest job in the world for many reasons and I lokk up to anyone that can do it.

[Kassee]

Thanks Sambob, I'll look into this.