Foster care allowance uplift from 1 January 2026
The 2025-26 NSW Budget provides $143.9 million for a major increase to the care allowance to recognise the critical role carers play in keeping children safe.
The DCJ standard care allowance rate will increase from 1 January 2026.
The increase applies to DCJ statutory care, supported care, guardianship and adoption allowances from 1 January 2026.
Read the answers to frequently asked questions for carers
Read the answers to frequently asked questions for service providers
DCJ rates from 1 January 2026 are per fortnight.
Statutory Care and Supported Care
| Age range | Standard care | Care +1 | Care +2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-4 | $697 | $1,033 | $1,313 |
| 5-13 | $787 | $1,143 | $1,454 |
| 14-15 | $1,056 | $1,477 | $1,896 |
| 16-17 | $703 | $1,183 | $1,607 |
Guardianship
Age range | Standard Care | Care + 1 | Care + 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
0-4 | $697 | $1,033 | $1,313 |
5-13 | $787 | $1,143 | $1,454 |
14-15 | $1,056 | $1,477 | $1,896 |
16-17 | $703 | $1,183 | $1,607 |
OOHC Adoption
Age range | Standard Care | Care + 1 | Care + 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
0-4 | $697 | $1,033 | $1,313 |
5-13 | $787 | $1,143 | $1,454 |
14-17 | $1,056 | $1,477 | $1,896 |