Foster Care

Foster Care Massachusetts: How Much Do Foster Parents Get Paid

Learn about foster care in Massachusetts, including foster parent stipends, requirements, and resources for supporting children in foster care.


Becoming a foster parent in Massachusetts is more than a chance to provide a nurturing home for children in foster care. It’s an opportunity to change the course of a child’s entire life for the better. 

The demand for foster families in Massachusetts is high — especially since there are approximately 5,100 licensed foster homes in the state but significantly more children in foster care. Raising a child comes with different costs. Healthy food, clothing, and recreational activities are all essential for their upbringing. Prospective foster parents in Massachusetts are eligible for a stipend which assists in managing these costs.

This financial assistance from the state of Massachusetts is intended solely for raising a child in foster care. Becoming a foster parent is not employment or a job — it’s an opportunity to make a difference.

Understanding Foster Care in Massachusetts

It’s estimated that more than 10,000 children in Massachusetts are waiting for a place to call home. The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is working tirelessly to find loving families for each one. 

These children come from all backgrounds and ages — from infants to teenagers — and each has their own unique story and needs.

What Factors Affect the Stipend in Massachusetts?

Just like many other U.S. states, the amount of the foster care stipend in Massachusetts can vary based on two key factors:

  • The age of the child in foster care
  • The child's medical care requirements

In Massachusetts, the stipend is calculated on a daily basis. As children in foster care get older, the amount also increases — this is because older children often have different needs.

Unfortunately, many children in foster care have experienced trauma. Providing for a child who is healing from neglect or abuse may require additional, specialized support. The same applies to children with complex medical needs. 

In such situations, foster parents in Massachusetts might receive a higher stipend to ensure they can offer the best care possible.

ELIGIBILITY QUIZ

"Do I Qualify?" Get Your Fostering Answer Now

Why spend hours researching when you can know in minutes? This quick qualification quiz cuts through the confusion to tell you if you meet the basic requirements to foster in your state.

Find Out if I Qualify to Foster →

 

Stipend Rates in the State of Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, effective as of  July 1, 2023, the DCF provides a daily stipend with rates as follows:

  • For children ages 0-5: $32.10 per day
  • For children ages 6-12: $36.38 per day
  • For children ages 13 and up: $38.00 per day

Aside from the base stipend, the state will also provide $50 each year to help pay for a birthday gift. During the holiday season, you will also receive $100 to help pay for any holiday gifting. 

Additional Financial Help for Foster Parents in Massachusetts

For foster parents in Massachusetts, there are other financial support options available as well. 

Clothing Stipend

Massachusetts provides a set amount to foster parents to help pay for clothing for a child in foster care. This payment comes once every three months for every child in care in your home.

The amounts are:

  • For children ages 0-5: $318.74
  • For children ages 6-12: $328.76
  • For children ages 13 and up: $395.51

Properly fitted clothing that is seasonally appropriate is important — especially in Massachusetts, where temperatures can drop below freezing. This additional stipend supports your ability to care for a child. 

Health Coverage

All children in foster care in Massachusetts are entitled to comprehensive health benefits through MassHealth. This includes:

  • Full health insurance
  • Dental care
  • Mental health services
  • Coverage for certain medications

Children in foster care under five years old also qualify for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition program. This program offers several benefits to young children and their caregivers, such as:

  • Guidance on nutrition
  • Provision of food supplies
  • Referrals for health care services

Adolescent Support Options

Foster parents to a teenager may receive some additional benefits. The best option is to reach out to your foster case worker, and they can tell you more about qualifying for Adolescent Outreach Services.

Support and Resources for Foster Families in Massachusetts

Beyond financial support, Massachusetts (along with your chosen foster care organization) offers extensive resources to help you succeed:

  • 24/7 support from experienced DCF staff
  • Regular visits from your family resource worker
  • Access to specialized preservice sessions and workshops
  • Connection to local foster parent support groups
  • Help navigating educational and medical services
  • Access to respite care when you need a break

With 29 DCF area offices across the state, you're never far from the support you need. 

Local offices partner with community organizations to provide additional resources, from mentoring programs to educational advocacy. 

Together, this network ensures that both foster parents and children in foster care have the support they need to thrive!

Requirements to Become a Foster Parent in Massachusetts

If you're thinking about becoming a foster parent in Massachusetts, you're taking the first step toward making a real difference in a child's life. 

Here are the requirements to get started:

  • You must be at least 18 years old to become ar foster parent
  • Whether you're single or married, and whatever your orientation or religion, you're welcome to foster in Massachusetts
  • Your home, whether you rent or own, needs to meet DCF safety standards
  • Everyone in your household must pass a background check
  • At least one person in your home should be able to read and write in English
  • Your home must be safe for children, which also means any pets you have shouldn't pose a risk to a child's safety

Have Questions About Stipends or Other Foster Parenting Topics? 

When deciding to become a foster parent, it's natural to have questions about the requirements, financial support, and resources available to you. 

Get answers specific to your situation. Talk to a foster care expert for personalized insights about the requirements covered here, next steps, and what you can expect when starting your foster parenting journey. 

You don't need to be a superhero — just someone willing to love and nurture a child in foster care.

Get Expert Foster Care Guidance →

Similar posts

Stay in touch

At Sevita, we educate and empower our families and participants on their journey to live well.  This blog is designed to do just that. Here, you can be the first to receive our latest content.