Everything you need to know about foster care payments in Georgia including stipend payment schedules, covered expenses, and expert tips for managing your support.
Updated: August, 20th, 2025
With over 11,300 children in foster care across Georgia, foster parents play a vital role in providing safe, loving homes for these kids during difficult transitions. While fostering is deeply rewarding, it also involves costs such as food, clothing, and school supplies for these deserving children.
To help, Georgia offers a monthly stipend designed to assist foster parents with these expenses and ensure children in foster care receive what they need.
This stipend is financial assistance to help with the costs of caring for a child in Georgia foster care, not a salary or income. Knowing how to navigate the payment process and make the most of this support can ease some of the financial concerns that come with being a foster parent.
Getting set up for stipend payments is a straightforward process that begins when you have completed the requirements and become a licensed foster parent in the state of Georgia. You can apply for the foster care payment when you receive placement of your first child in foster care.
To ensure smooth processing of your foster care stipends, you'll need to maintain several important documents:
Georgia operates on a 30-day reimbursement system, which means there's typically a one-month delay between submitting your invoice and receiving payment. Here's how the timeline usually works:
Two main factors influence the foster care stipend in Georgia:
Georgia’s foster care stipend varies by the child’s age and is offered to help foster parents cover the costs of daily care. As of July 1, 2024, Georgia’s base per diem rates for foster parents are:
These supplemental rates are determined on a case-by-case basis by the Division of Family & Children Services.
Georgia’s foster care stipend can also vary based on location. For example, the most recent official rates from Lumpkin County are approximately:
Rates are reflected based on county policies. So, depending on where a foster care provider lives in Georgia, the rate could change.
Additional payments may apply for special circumstances, including:
A potential cost-of-living increase of around 3% has been mentioned and advocated for by public interests groups, but as of now nothing is official.
For the most accurate and up-to-date stipend information, check with your case manager or local DFCS office.
As a foster parent, you may wonder what expenses Georgia's monthly stipend should cover.
Raising a child comes with many costs, and understanding how to use your stipend for a child in foster care can help you provide the best quality of life possible.
The monthly stipend helps cover all the daily expenses of caring for a child in foster care. This can include healthy foods and snacks and personal care items like toothpaste, shampoo, and other hygiene products.
The stipend covers school supplies, too, from notebooks to pencils, to help your child in foster care feel prepared and confident in class.
Children in foster care need a comfortable, safe space to call home.
Take it from Elizabeth Murrell, a Maryland foster parent, who beautifully outlines the importance of the home environment:
“Our home is a place where you can be yourself, where your thoughts and feelings will be valued, and where you will be treated with kindness and respect.”
The stipend helps cover their portion of household expenses, like utilities and laundry costs. You can also use it to make their bedroom comfortable with proper furniture and bedding.
Remember, creating a welcoming space helps children in foster care feel more at home.
Every child deserves to experience activities that enhance their personal development, social skills, and opportunity for fun!
Whether a kid in foster care joins a sports team, takes art classes, or goes on field trips, the stipend helps make these experiences possible. You can use it for birthday celebrations, after-school programs, and other activities that help the child in your care build friendships and discover new interests.
While schools provide many basics, sometimes kids need extra academic support to thrive. The stipend can help with additional school supplies, educational materials, or resources for homework help.
If your child needs specific items for school projects or activities, the stipend is also there to assist.
For foster parents in Georgia, additional financial support options exist outside of the per diem stipend.
The best example of this is the Georgia Families 360 program. This program provides better access to health care services for children of all ages.
In addition, Mentor Foster Care, a part of Sevita’s companies, offers support to foster parents in many different ways, including:
All of this is part of helping to prepare foster parents for their home studies and meeting the guidelines set by the state.
Skip the endless research and confusion. This easy self-assessment reveals if you meet Georgia's basic foster parent requirements — and gives you the clarity you've been looking for.
Being a foster parent is a journey of love, care, and, yes — practical planning!
While Georgia provides a monthly stipend to help with expenses, making the most of this support can help you create the best possible environment for children in foster care.
Creating a budget might seem overwhelming initially. However, it's one of the best ways to ensure your stipend stretches to meet all your child's needs.
Start by tracking basic expenses like food, clothing, and school supplies for the first few months. This will help you understand your typical monthly spending so you can plan accordingly.
Many experienced foster parents buy in bulk or watch for sales on essential items. This helps them save money for special activities or unexpected needs.
Birthdays, holidays, and school events are important milestones in every child's life.
Consider setting aside a small portion of your monthly stipend for these special occasions. This way, you'll be prepared to celebrate these moments without stress.
Some foster parents create a simple savings plan, putting aside a little each month for school pictures, field trips, or summer activities for their child in foster care.
Your stipend can go further when you know where to find deals and support.
Many communities offer free or discounted activities for children in foster care, from museum passes to sports programs. Local libraries often have free educational programs and activities as well.
Don't forget to ask your caseworker about additional resources. They often know about community programs and support that can help stretch your budget.
While you don't need a complicated system, keeping basic notes about your expenses helps in several ways.
A simple notebook or phone app can track your spending, making it easier to plan for future months. It also allows you to notice if certain expenses are higher than expected. This helps you adjust your planning or request additional support if needed.
Remember, this money is meant to help you provide a nurturing environment for the child in your care. If you're ever unsure whether something is covered, contact your caseworker. They will help you make the best decisions and ensure you have the support you need.
Your role as a foster parent is incredibly important. The stipend is just one way Georgia supports you in providing the care these children need. Focus on using it to create positive experiences and meet the needs of the deserving child in your care, and you'll be on the right track.
When do I receive my first stipend payment?
After welcoming a child in foster care into your home, you'll typically receive your first payment within 45 days.
Georgia uses a 30-day reimbursement system, which means payments are processed the month after you submit your invoice. Your caseworker can help you set up direct deposit and explain the exact timing for your situation.
How are stipend payments made?
Payments are usually made through direct deposit.
You'll have access to a web portal to track your payments and access important documents like your 1099 forms.
Do I receive stipends for multiple children in care?
Yes! If you're caring for multiple children in foster care, you'll receive a separate stipend for each child. Each stipend is calculated based on that child's age and specific needs.
What if the stipend doesn't cover all of my child's needs?
If you're facing extraordinary expenses or your child has special needs that require additional support, talk to your caseworker. Georgia offers additional assistance programs and resources to help cover these extra costs.
Will the stipend amount change over time?
Yes, legislation periodically adjusts stipend amounts to keep pace with living costs. Additionally, the amount changes as children age since older children typically have different needs and expenses.
Can I receive the stipend if I'm related to the child (kinship care)?
Yes; as a kinship caregiver in Georgia, you can receive the same stipend as other foster parents. However, you must complete the required approval process, and the child will be placed through DFCS.
This support is available to help you provide the best care possible for your family member. Your caseworker can help you become an approved kinship caregiver and set up your stipend payments.
What documents do I need to keep for tax purposes related to foster care stipends?
Foster parents should keep detailed records of all stipend payments and expenses. Although the stipend is generally not taxable income, you may receive a 1099 form, depending on your situation. Consult a tax professional to understand your obligations.
If you're in Georgia and want to become a foster parent, you don’t have to start your journey alone.
Get the support you need every step of the way with The Beginners Guide to Foster Care. This provides an understanding of foster care basics, tips to connect with children in foster care, and much more.
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