When do foster care payments start !

If you’ve decided to become a foster parent, one of the key questions you probably have is when you will receive your first foster care payment after a child is placed with you. Unfortunately, the answer is not simple, as the timing of initial payments can vary quite a bit depending on which state you live in. To help you get a better picture of what to expect, here’s an overview of some of the key things to know about when foster care payments start.

The General Rule

As a general rule, most states will issue the first foster care payment within 5-7 days after a child is officially placed with a foster family. Many states (about 15-20) will start payments within 5 days, while others may take up to 2 weeks. Only a handful of states take longer than that (such as New York and North Dakota at 30 days). So in most cases, your first payment will come within that first week of placement, but you’ll want to check your specific state’s timeline.

The Payment Delay Dilemma

While a 5-7 day wait may not seem terrible, those initial days with a new foster child still cost money as you buy food, clothing, and other necessities. This payment delay at placement can cause financial stress, especially if placements occur unexpectedly. Some foster agencies provide upfront vouchers or reimbursement for initial costs, but not all do. Calling your agency to ask about help with upfront costs doesn’t hurt.

Getting the Ball Rolling

To help speed up payment, be sure all the child’s paperwork is submitted and approved promptly after placement. Documents that confer custody to the state typically need to be filed in court first. Ask your caseworker how you can help get the paperwork moving efficiently on the agency side as well.

State-by-State Differences

As you saw in the chart above, state timelines are anything but uniform. A few outliers like New Jersey and Mississippi may take a full month before payments start. If you’re considering fostering in different states, make sure you understand the payment schedules. In states that delay more than 7-10 days, having an emergency fund is advisable to cover initial expenses. You don’t want to start off your foster parenting journey stressed about money due to state bureaucracy.

Don’t Give Up!

While the payment delays may be frustrating initially, once the regular payments do kick in, you’ll be able to focus on providing for your foster child’s daily needs. The rewards of fostering go far beyond just financial compensation. By becoming a foster parent, you’ll be changing lives for the better and giving a child a nurturing, caring home. That’s what it’s all about!

The takeaway? Foster care payments almost always start shortly after placement, but the exact timeline can vary. Come prepared for a potential delay, and then enjoy the privilege of fostering once the payments are flowing. Every foster child is worth that initial investment!