The uniform foster care rates are the amounts of money foster parents receive to cover the cost of caring for a foster child. The basic rate is established by the State of Wisconsin and is intended to cover the cost of basic necessities such as food, clothing, housing, personal care, school supplies, transportation and other expenses. The basic rate is dependent upon the foster child's age. It should be noted that the basic rate is considered reimbursement for the child's expenses and is not considered income or wages for caring for the child.
Visit the Wisconsin Department of Children & Families website for up to date monthly foster care rates.
Supplemental and Exceptional Rates
The agency is required to complete a (CANS) Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths assessment for every child placed in out-of-home care. The results of this assessment are used to identify the level of placement that is needed to meet the child's needs in addition to determining any supplemental payment needed to support the child's placement based on their needs. If a child has extraordinary needs, the agency may provide an additional payment called an exceptional rate.
For tax purposes, foster parents are not required to report income they earned for the care they provide to a foster child, assuming that the foster child is not claimed as a dependent tax deduction. Note: respite payments are taxable.
Clothing Allowance
A foster child may be entitled to a clothing allowance if:
- The foster child has few clothing items and this is his/her first placement
- The foster child has few clothing items and it has been at least 4 months since the child was last in out-of-home placement
The amount of the clothing allowance is based on the child's age. Please speak with your assigned foster care coordinator to determine if an allowance is available. Visit the Wisconsin Department of Children & Families website for up to date clothing allowance rates.
