Kinship carers in seven local authority areas across England are today able to apply for a means-tested allowance as part of the Government’s Kinship Zones pilot programme.
Included in these seven is North East Lincolnshire Council, which formally opened it’s offer for applications last week – a week earlier than the national window.
Kinship carers who care for children with a Special Guardianship Order (SGO) or a Child Arrangements Order (CAO) where a child would otherwise be in local authority care, can apply for a time-limited, non-means tested financial allowance for each child they care for, equivalent to the national minimum fostering allowances.
Director of Children’s Services in North East Lincolnshire, Ann-Marie Matson, encouraged kinship carers to apply as soon as possible:
“We’ve been incredibly fortunate to be chosen as one of the seven Kinship Zone pilots, and we’re keen for people in our area who are eligible for the new allowance to start to receive it as soon as possible, so I would really urge those kinship carers in our area to make an application.
“Our officers have arranged drop-in sessions to support kinship carers with the online application, so please do make use of these sessions. In addition to the drop-in sessions, there are also some virtual sessions for kinship carers to join and hear more about the pilot.
“If you were previously in receipt of an allowance from the Council and were assessed as no longer eligible but you still care for children under the age of 18 as a kinship carer it is likely that you will be entitled to financial support under this time-limited pilot, so I would really encourage you to apply.
“This is about getting the right support for people who care for children who would otherwise be in the care of the local authority.”
Last week the Council opened the online portal for applications, along with an FAQ page on its website at www.nelincs.gov.uk/kinship.
The allowance is intended to recognise the vital role kinship carers play and to help with the costs of raising children within the family network.
Kinship carers already in receipt of an allowance from North East Lincolnshire must also apply under the pilot, to be considered for a full, non-means tested allowance.
To find out if you’re eligible, and to submit an application, visit: https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/kinship- external site . You can also request an application pack from the Kinship Team. Email: [email protected] or call the team on: 01472 325545.
A number of face-to-face and virtual drop-in sessions have been set up to support kinship carers with completing their applications and seeking more information.
Immingham Family Hub – Margaret Street, Immingham, DN40 1LD
Monday 20th April 2026 10am-12pm
Thursday 14th May 2026 10am-12pm
Nunsthorpe Family Hub –Sutcliffe Avenue, Nunsthorpe, Grimsby, DN33 1AN
Thursday 2nd April 2026 10am-12pm
Thursday 9th April 2026 10am-12pm
Monday 27th April 2026 10am-12pm
Thursday 21st May 2026 10am-12pm
Thursday 28th May 2026 10am-12pm
Virtual sessions:
In addition to the drop-in sessions, the team are also hosting virtual sessions to offer more information to those who think they might be eligible.
Monday 13th April from 10am to 11am
Thursday 23rd April from 1pm to 2pm
To book your place on one of the drop-in sessions, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/kinship-zone-information-session-tickets-1985825853585?aff=oddtdtcreator- external site .
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