Do Foster Parents Get Paid in Texas?
Foster parents don't earn income, but Texas provides monthly stipends to cover children's care costs. Learn what financial assistance is available.
Are Texas Foster Parents Paid? - Kids First, Inc. - Dallas and Fort Worth, TX
Being a foster parent comes with no monetary compensation.
Bringing children into your Dallas or Fort Worth home who aren’t yours sounds daunting–and part of that burden is costly. How will you cover all of the expenses associated with the foster children in your care? Your current income may seem insufficient, but it will become even more so when you add more children to your family! As a result, many prospective foster parents begin to wonder, “Do you get paid to be a foster parent in Texas?”
You are not compensated when you choose to open your home. Each month, you aren’t slipping a check into your pocket to help you pay your existing bills. Fostering children isn’t intended to be a money-making venture.
Texas does provide you with a stipend.
The amount you receive will vary depending on the number of foster children in your care and any specific circumstances surrounding the children: for example, those with special needs may receive a greater amount to cover additional care costs. This money, on the other hand, is not for your personal use. Rather, it’s meant to assist you in meeting the financial needs of the foster children in your care. Many foster parents know that the money they receive from the state is less than half of what they need to care for their children in foster care.
Texas Foster Care Monthly Stipend Amounts (2025)
One of the most common questions prospective foster parents ask is: "How much will I receive?" The answer depends on the level of care your foster child needs.
According to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), here are the minimum daily reimbursement rates:
Basic: $27.07/day ($812/month) Moderate: $47.37/day ($1,421/month) Specialized: $57.86/day ($1,736/month) Intense: $92.43/day ($2,773/month) Treatment Foster Family Care: $137.52/day ($4,126/month)
Monthly estimates calculated using 30 days. Actual payments vary based on specific placement dates.
What These Amounts Cover
The stipend is designed to help cover essential expenses for the foster child's care, including:
Food and nutrition Clothing and shoes Personal care items Basic transportation School supplies Medical and dental care (often covered separately)
Important: This is not income for you as the foster parent. These amounts are the minimum that child-placing agencies must reimburse foster families under contract with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
What Level of Care Will Your Foster Child Need?
The level of service depends on the child's individual needs:
Basic Level: Children who are adjusting to foster care with minimal behavioral or emotional needs Moderate Level: Children with some behavioral challenges or emotional difficulties Specialized Level: Children with significant emotional, behavioral, or medical needs Intense Level: Children with severe behavioral issues, substance abuse history, or complex medical needs Treatment Foster Family Care: Children requiring intensive therapeutic support and 24-hour supervision
The Reality: Stipends Don't Cover Everything
While these stipends help offset costs, many foster parents report that the amount covers only 40-60% of actual care expenses. Families often use their own resources to cover additional costs like extracurricular activities, birthday celebrations, clothing beyond basics, and emergency needs.
This is why the state screens foster parent applicants to ensure they have financial stability and aren't relying on the stipend as household income.
For the most current and official rates, visit the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Foster Care Rates page.
There is financial assistance available.
The good news is that fostering children does come with some assistance. They will have full medical coverage, which will cover both the cost of care as well as any emergency or sick expenses incurred in the course of caring for the child.
Learn More About Foster Parent Reimbursement
Being a foster parent comes with a lot of benefits, including the love and pride that comes with caring for a child who needs your support. However, the benefit isn’t financial in nature it’s in the form of love. If you’re ready to begin the process of becoming a foster parent.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Being a foster parent comes with a lot of benefits, including the love and pride that comes with caring for a child who needs your support. While the financial benefit isn't the main reason families foster, the stipends and assistance available do help ease the burden. If you're ready to begin your foster care journey, Kids First Inc. is here to support you every step of the way.
We serve families across North Texas:
Foster Care in Dallas - Learn how to get started in the Dallas area
Foster Care in Fort Worth - Explore foster parent opportunities in Fort Worth
Foster Care in Denton - Connect with our Denton team
Ready to learn more? Contact us today to discuss whether fostering is right for your family and how we can help you qualify.