Guardians Allowance

Guardians Allowance is a non-means tested benefit available to those who look after a child who they are not the mother or father of.

Basic eligibility

If you’re responsible for a child who is not your own and either of the child’s parent have died OR they are unable to look after them you could be eligible to claim.

You need to already be in receipt of Child Benefit in order to claim.

Another criteria is that either one of the child natural parent’s must have been born in the UK, or lived in the UK for at least 12 months within a two yer period.

How much will I get?

Guardian’Allowance is paid every four weeks at a rate of £18.55 per week for each individual child. It will be paid directly into your chosen bank or building society. You can in certain circumstances get it paid weekly, for example if you are also on income support.

How do I apply?

In order to claim you will need to supply documentary evidence of your child, such as a birth or adoption certificate. You will also need to supply your National Insurance number.

Claims can be backdated by as much as three months OR the date when you became eligible to claim child benefit. It is prudent to apply for Guardians Allowance and the same time you apply to claim child benefit.

You can either download a claim form or call HMRC on 0300 200 3101.

Impact on other benefits

Guardian’s Allowance is not considered when calculating other means tested benefit claims. It is also not impacted by the High Income Child Benefit charge, so if you decide not to claim child benefit you can still claim Guardian’s Allowance.

Those who receive Guardian’s allowance are exempt from the Benefits Cap.