Introduction
Kinship Carers can receive financial assistance to cover everyday childcare expenses, as well as funding for approved therapeutic interventions and treatments.
Financial support for Kinship Carers typically comes in the form of an allowance provided by the Council. This allowance is regular payments aimed at meeting the child’s needs. It is important to note that Kinship Carer allowances are not automatically granted but depend on an assessment of needs and the applicant’s financial circumstances as evaluated by the Council.
These allowances are reviewed each year, and recipients are required to complete annual review forms to confirm that the child is still in their care. It is essential to tell the Council promptly if there are any changes in circumstances, as any overpayments will have to be reimbursed.
Even if Kinship Carers are not eligible for a regular allowance, they may have the option to approach the Council for financial support to cover specific, necessary childcare expenses and payments. Decisions about such funding requests are made based on the amount required, the carer’s needs, and their financial situation.
Government funding and support
As well as Council support, all Kinship Carers can apply for general government benefits, including:
Universal Credit: What Universal Credit is
And, the child under the care of a Kinship Carer may be eligible for funding to access therapeutic support through the Adoption Support Fund, which also extends its provisions to children under a Kinship Care Order who were previously looked after children.
If a support plan or an assessment of need identifies the necessity for additional treatment or support, the support team can apply for funding through the Adoption Support Fund.
Housing
In the context of applying for Council housing, the authorities take into account the needs of both Kinship Carers and the children in their care.
However, we have to make it clear that Kinship Carers do not receive preferential treatment when it comes to securing Council housing. The housing authorities can provide a support letter to explain the specific housing needs, but they don’t have direct control over housing applications.
Council Tax discount
The Council has created a 50% discount for qualifying Kinship Carers.
This discount will apply to special guardians where they:
- care for a Somerset child who was in care within the last 2 years prior to the order being made
- are a Somerset approved Kinship Carer.
- live in Somerset and be the Kinship Carer for a Somerset child and either:
- have transferred from being a foster carer, and receiving a transitional financial payment, or;
- be eligible for a means tested Kinship Care allowance
- maintain their approval as a foster carer with the Council;
- have provided consistent care the a child for the previous 12 months
- will be continuing to provide care for a child for the forthcoming 12 months
- claim this discount only on the one dwelling which is their main residence; and
- agree to receiving this Council Tax discount.
You do not need to apply for this discount. The Kinship team will identify where you qualify for the discount and contact you.
Additional support and home modifications
In certain situations, Kinship Carers may need additional support or modifications to privately owned or rented properties to better accommodate the demands of caring. These adjustments are intended to align with the needs of Kinship Carers and are a vital part of the assessment process.
Financial help for these modifications varies, based on individual circumstances.
Responding to significant life changes
If there are significant changes in income, housing, health, or relationships, it is advisable for Kinship Carers to reach out to the housing team. The team is available to provide practical advice and emotional support to help individuals get through these transitions effectively.
Maintaining a flexible support plan
Kinship Carers are encouraged to keep their support plan flexible and adaptable to changing needs and circumstances.
If there is a belief that both the Kinship Carer and the child in their care would benefit from extra funding or treatment, they can request a reassessment of their needs. This assessment may make them eligible for funding and support that was not available to them before.