How Much Do Foster Parents Get Paid Monthly in NY?

Foster parents in New York receive financial support to help cover the costs associated with caring for children placed in their homes. The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) establishes guidelines, with local social services districts and agencies managing the specific distribution of funds and additional resources. The financial framework aims to ensure foster parents can provide a stable and nurturing environment for children in care.

Understanding Basic Foster Care Reimbursement

Foster parents in New York are provided a monthly payment, often referred to as a board rate, intended to reimburse them for the daily expenses of caring for a foster child. These rates are determined by OCFS and are disbursed by local social services districts or agencies. The board rate is designed to cover fundamental costs such as food, clothing, personal care items, a portion of shelter expenses, general supervision, and local transportation for the child.

For the 2024-2025 rate year, the maximum state aid rates for foster boarding home payments vary based on the child’s age and the region of the state. In the “Metro” region, which includes New York City and Nassau, Rockland, Suffolk, and Westchester counties, the monthly rates are approximately $1,102.52 for children aged 0-5, $1,299.19 for children aged 6-11, and $1,318.95 for children aged 12 and over.

For the “Upstate” region, monthly rates are around $959.18 for children aged 0-5, $1,142.68 for those aged 6-11, and $1,154.90 for children 12 and older. These figures represent maximums, and actual rates can vary slightly by county or agency within these state guidelines.

Factors Influencing Reimbursement Amounts

Beyond the basic board rate, the monthly reimbursement can be adjusted upwards based on specific characteristics and needs of the foster child. A primary factor influencing these adjustments is the child’s age, with older children having higher rates due to increased needs and expenses. The tiered structure of the basic rates reflects this, providing more for adolescents compared to younger children.

Children who require a higher level of care due to physical, emotional, behavioral, or developmental challenges may qualify for “special” or “exceptional” rates. For a child designated as “Special,” the monthly reimbursement can be around $2,069.54. To receive this rate, foster parents must complete at least four hours of agency training annually, actively participate in case conferences, and demonstrate a suitable background for caring for the child’s needs.

For children with “Exceptional” needs, the monthly rate can be approximately $3,136.94. This elevated rate applies to children who, for instance, require 24-hour care certified by a physician or exhibit severe behavioral problems necessitating high levels of in-home supervision. Foster parents caring for a child at the exceptional rate must complete at least five hours of annual training and actively engage in case conferences. The designation for special or exceptional rates requires documentation and approval from the local social services department, and the rate can change if the child’s needs evolve during placement.

Additional Financial Assistance and Resources

Foster parents in New York may also access financial support beyond the regular monthly reimbursement to cover specific needs of the foster child. Upon initial placement, an allowance for clothing is provided to ensure the child has an adequate wardrobe. Subsequent replacement clothing allowances are also available, with amounts often varying by county and child’s age, though OCFS sets maximum reimbursement rates. For example, initial clothing allowances have been cited at around $300 for ages 0-5, $400 for ages 6-11, $600 for ages 12-15, and $700 for ages 16 and over. Additionally, a diaper allowance is authorized for children from birth through three years of age, and potentially longer with medical documentation.

Health and dental care for foster children are primarily covered through Medicaid. Most children in foster care in New York State are eligible for Medicaid from birth until they turn 21, ensuring that foster parents are not directly responsible for these medical expenses. Furthermore, young adults who were in foster care at age 18 or older and had Medicaid benefits are eligible for continued Medicaid coverage until they turn 26, regardless of their income.

For foster parents who are employed, assistance with childcare costs may be available. Local social services districts can make payments for day care services when necessary for the supervision of foster children. In some areas, such as New York City, foster parents are explicitly covered by childcare voucher programs. While specific statewide figures for holiday or birthday allowances are not consistently published, some agencies may provide additional funds for these occasions. Foster parents may also be reimbursed for expenses incurred while attending required training.

The Payment Process and Financial Responsibilities

The financial support provided to foster parents in New York is disbursed on a monthly basis. These payments are processed by the local social services district or the foster care agency responsible for the child’s placement. While the exact method may vary, payments are often made via direct deposit or check.

These payments are considered reimbursements for the costs of caring for the child, not personal income for the foster parent. Under Internal Revenue Code Section 131, qualified foster care payments, including “difficulty of care” payments for children with special needs, are excludable from gross income for tax purposes. This means that, in most circumstances, foster parents do not owe federal income tax on these amounts. However, individual tax situations can vary, and consulting with a tax professional is always advisable for personalized guidance. While specific daily record-keeping of every expense may not be required for tax exclusion under Section 131, foster parents may still need to maintain documentation for certain allowances or for agency reporting requirements.