Guardian's Allowance

Key information

If you look after a child who is not your own you may be entitled to Guardian's Allowance.

Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

Age rules: There are no specific age rules for the person making the claim

Taxable: No

Administered by: HM Revenue and Customs

Index

You can read through this information sheet, or go directly to the sections you want to read by clicking on these links:

Who does it help?

You can claim Guardian's Allowance if you look after a child who is not your own (biologically or by adoption), and their parents have either both died or one has died and the other is unable to look after them, for example, a child:

who is an orphan, or
whose surviving parent is missing, or
whose surviving parent is in prison.

You can only get Guardian's Allowance if you also get Child Benefit for the child. If you are a higher income earner, it may be best to continue getting Child Benefit so that you will still get Guardian's Allowance. You'll have to pay extra tax which you can do through a self-assessment tax return. It is your responsibility to make sure that you pay this tax even if you are not contacted by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). See the HM Revenue and Customs website for more information on Child Benefit and higher income earners (link opens in a new window).

What help does the benefit provide?

Guardian’s Allowance is money that you can spend as you want. It comes with your Child Benefit.

How much does it pay?

Guardian’s Allowance is paid at the rate of £15.90 each week for each child.

How do I make a claim?

Phone the Child Benefit Office for a claim form:

Telephone: 0300 200 3101

Textphone: 0300 200 3103

Download a claim form from the HMRC website (link opens in a new window)

If you have not already claimed Child Benefit, you should claim this at the same time as Guardian’s Allowance.

What documents will I need?

You will have to give your national insurance number and evidence of identity, for example, a passport or driving licence. You also need to provide the birth certificate of each child (originals, not photocopies) and where the child’s parents have died, the death certificate(s) of the parents.

Can it be backdated?

Guardian's Allowance can be backdated for up to three months if you would have been entitled to it earlier. It does not matter why your claim is late. Request this when claiming. Sometimes it can be backdated to the point you started to qualify for Child Benefit.

Challenging decisions

If you disagree with the decision made on your benefit claim you can ask for a written statement of reasons. If you still believe the decision is wrong, for example due to incorrect information being used, you can ask for it to be looked at again, and/or appeal.

The time limits are strict, you will usually be given one month to dispute a decision, so it is important to seek advice and act quickly.

Further information on Challenges and complaints

Change of circumstance

You must report changes in your circumstances which might affect your entitlement to this benefit.

Further help

For more help, you can phone the Guardian’s Allowance Unit on:

Telephone: 0300 200 3101
Textphone: 0300 200 3103

Last updated: 16 April 2013

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