Written questions

Universal Credit: Foster Care

Commons · Question 71753 · Tabled 29 Aug 2025 · Department for Work and Pensions · Official record

Answered 5 Sep 2025

Question

Asked by Nick Timothy

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will make a comparative assessment of the level of Universal Credit payments made to foster carers with the prior system of (a) Working Tax Credit and (b) Child Tax Credit.

Answer

Answered by Sir Stephen Timms, 5 Sep 2025

No such assessment has been made. Whilst the UC child element won’t be paid if the child or qualifying young person is looked after by a foster carer, the allowance and fees received by foster carers in return for fostering are not treated as earnings and...