Guardian's Allowance
What is it?
Guardian's Allowance is a tax-free benefit which you can claim if you look after a child who is not your own (biologically or by adoption). It is paid in addition to Child Benefit.
Do I qualify?
You may be able to get Guardian's Allowance if you look after a child who is an orphan, or whose surviving parent is missing or in prison, or whose adoptive parent has died.
You can only get it if you receive Child Benefit for the child, or are treated as receiving Child Benefit (for example, because your spouse or civil partner receives Child Benefit for the child).
For an easy way to find out which benefits might apply to you and your circumstances go to What can I claim?
The Benefits Maximisation Service can provide personal advice on what you may be entitled to and help you make a claim. For more information go to Benefits Maximisation Service.
How much is it?
Guardian's Allowance is £13.45 a week.
How do I apply?
You can claim Guardian's Allowance on form BG1 which you can get from the Child Benefit Office, HM Revenue and Customs enquiry centres, Jobcentre Plus offices or, in England Wales and Scotland, from the HM Revenue and Customs website on www.hmrc.gov.uk/childbenefit.
If you have not already claimed Child Benefit, you should claim this at the same time as Guardian's Allowance.
You will have to supply a national insurance number or information to identify your number, or apply for a national insurance number if you have not got one. If you met the conditions for Guardian's Allowance before you make the claim, you can get up to three months' backdated benefit.
For more information about national insurance numbers, see National insurance - contributions and benefits.
What if I am not satisfied with the decision?
If you are refused benefit you can write asking for a revision within one month from the date on the decision. This means that a different Decision Maker will look at your claim again.
It is very important that you reply within one month, as you may not be able to challenge the decision otherwise.
If you are still unsatisfied once the revision has taken place you can ask to have your case heard by an independent appeal tribunal. This usually has to be on a form called a GL24, which is available from any DWP office. You can also ask the DWP to post one to you. Again, you must make your appeal within one month of the date of the revision.
Our Benefit Maximisation Service can help you with revisions and appeals.
What if my circumstances change?
Changes to your circumstances and those of your children can affect your eligibility for Child Benefit and Guardian's Allowance. For example:
- A child leaves a course of full-time education
- A child stops living with you
- A child aged 16 or over starts paid work.
You must inform the DWP straight away if your circumstances change.
Disclaimer
Although every effort is made to ensure the information on these pages is accurate and up to date, it should not be treated as a complete and authoritative statement of the law.