Navigate South Carolina's foster care stipend payments with confidence. Get the facts about payment timing, covered expenses, and additional resources.
Becoming a foster parent in South Carolina is a rewarding way to help one of the 3,300 children in the state who need a home.
In South Carolina, foster parents must have their own stable income — but the state also provides a stipend every month to help with the costs of caring for a child in foster care.
This extra financial support is designed to make a difference in the life of a child in foster care and allow foster parents to meet their needs.
Not every foster parent receives the same stipend for a child in foster care. There are two things that influence the amount:
South Carolina provides a base amount every month for foster parents that increases as a child in foster care gets older. This is because, as a child grows, they have different care needs.
A child in foster care may also be living with complex medical needs that call for specialized support with higher costs. In these cases, foster parents may be given a larger stipend to provide the best possible care.
As of July 1, 2023, South Carolina has new payment rates for foster parents:
Skip the endless research and confusion. This easy self-assessment reveals if you meet South Carolina's basic foster parent requirements — and gives you the clarity you've been looking for.
When you welcome a child in foster care into your home in South Carolina, the monthly stipend payment supports their care.
This support can help you create a nurturing environment for these children.
From groceries to personal care items, daily expenses are a big part of caring for a child. Your monthly stipend payment helps cover nutritious meals and snacks, hygiene items, and other everyday essentials that children need.
This might include things like toothpaste, soap, school supplies, and basic clothing needs.
Every child deserves to feel comfortable and secure in their space.
Elizabeth Murrell, a Maryland foster parent, talks about how important it is to maintain a comfortable home for a child in foster care:
“We want you to feel safe and loved in our home. We understand that this may be a new and unfamiliar environment for you, but please know that we are here to support you every step of the way.”
Children thrive when they can explore their interests and try new things. Your stipend can help cover:
Being part of the community is so important for children in foster care. The board payment allows children to participate in activities where they can make friends and build confidence.
This might include after-school programs, summer camps, or local sports teams. You can also use it for things like birthday celebrations or special occasions that help children feel included and celebrated.
Getting children to school, medical appointments, family visits, and activities is an important part of being a foster parent. Your monthly stipend helps cover these transportation costs, whether it's gas for your car or bus passes for older youth.
Remember, the financial support is meant to help you provide normal childhood experiences. If you're unsure about whether something is covered, just reach out to your licensing worker for guidance.
Every child's needs are different, and you know best what will help them thrive in your home. Focus on using this support to create positive experiences and meet their individual needs.
South Carolina provides this stipend because they understand the important role you play in these children's lives!
When you're a foster parent in South Carolina, you have access to additional support from the state to help with the needs of a child in foster care. Here's an overview of the types of financial help available:
If you're new to foster care, talk to your Family Licensing Support caseworker or the child’s caseworker to apply.
Understanding the financial support available can help you focus on what matters most: Providing a nurturing home for children in foster care.
In South Carolina, foster care payments are typically processed by the 15th of each month for the previous month's care.
Your first payment may take up to 30-45 days to process while the initial paperwork is completed. Your licensing worker will help you set up direct deposit to ensure smooth, timely payments.
The monthly board payment helps with everyday expenses like food, clothing, personal care items, school supplies, and activities.
It also covers the child's portion of household expenses like utilities and transportation. Your stipend is meant to help provide normal childhood experiences and meet daily needs.
South Carolina bases payment rates on the child's age and level of care needed.
Children with medical needs or who require therapeutic care may qualify for higher daily rates. Your licensing worker will explain the specific rates that apply to your situation.
Beyond the monthly board payment, South Carolina offers additional support like clothing allowances, school supply stipends, and special occasion funds.
There is additional assistance for childcare expenses if you're working or in school. Ask your caseworker about all available resources.
Yes, if you open your home to siblings or multiple children in foster care, you'll receive separate board payments for each child. Many South Carolina foster parents successfully care for multiple children with this support.
South Carolina provides Medicaid coverage for children in foster care to cover medical expenses. If a child needs special items not covered by Medicaid, talk to your caseworker. Additional assistance may be available through specialized programs.
While you don't need to submit receipts for regular expenses, keeping basic records is helpful for budgeting.
Save receipts for larger purchases or special items — this helps with planning and ensures you're using the support effectively.
Life with children often brings surprises! If you encounter unexpected expenses, reach out to your caseworker. South Carolina has various resources and emergency funds available to help in special situations.
Absolutely!
Many South Carolina foster parents work full-time while providing excellent care. The monthly board payment and additional child care assistance help support working foster parents.
Yes, relative caregivers can receive the same board payments as other foster parents once they complete the licensing process.
South Carolina values kinship care and provides equal financial support to approved relative caregivers.
Whether it's questions about stipends or any other part of your journey in South Carolina, it's essential to have answers to your questions.
Get the support you need every step of the way with The Beginners Guide to Foster Care!
You’ll get an understanding of foster care basics, actionable tips to connect with children in care, and much more.
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