Open petition: Create a specific foster carer status within the Universal Credit system

Created by Sarah Henning
Closes on 12 April 2027

We want the Government to create a specific foster carer status in the Universal Credit system which provides them with unique work requirements, housing entitlements and clear rules. We believe foster carers should not have to repeatedly prove caring responsibilities.

Foster carers provide care to vulnerable children, yet we feel Universal Credit does not adequately recognise their role. Carers can be classed as unemployed, called to work-related appointments and repeatedly asked to prove their circumstances.

We believe the system also fails to reflect when both carers must be available full-time, or correctly account for foster and birth children and bedroom needs. We believe foster families need a clear, consistent process that recognises how fostering actually works.

Sign this petition