Assessed and approved Foster, Kinship, Permanent and Special needs local adoption carers are eligible to receive a care allowance, where the Victorian Child protection service or a registered community service organisation places a child (aged 0 to 18 years) in their care. View the latest Care Allowance Rates here and attached below. 

The care allowance is not a 'payment' for being a carer and is therefore not considered to be a source of income for the purposes of annual tax returns, testing eligibility for Commonwealth Government allowances, or when applying for loans from financial institutions.

DFFH pay the care allowance fortnightly and it is intended to contribute to a range of day-to-day expenses incurred in the provision of care.

The Care allowances and other financial support for carers fact sheet for Foster carers, Kinship carers, Permanent carers, and Special needs local adoption is a ready reckoner on the purpose of the care allowance and broadly what it should contribute to, to meet the day-to-day costs of caring for a child. It will also help carers identify and access the full range of available supports.

Don't hesitate to contact FCAV's Carer Information and Support Service workers for more information: 9416 4292