Benefits - Guardian's Allowance

You could get Guardian's Allowance if you're bringing up a child whose parents have died. You may also be eligible if there's one surviving parent.

The Guardian's Allowance rate is £16.35 a week. You get it on top of Child Benefit and it's tax-free.

You may qualify if:

• You are bringing up someone else’s child or children and one or both of their parents have died
• You qualify for Child Benefit for the child or children you’re bringing up

One of the child's parents must have been born in the UK, or one of the parents must have been in the UK for at least 52 weeks during any two year period since they were 16 years old. 

You may also qualify for Guardian's Allowance where only one parent has died if:

• You do not know where the surviving parent is
• The parents were divorced or their civil partnership has been dissolved - as long as the surviving parent does not have custody of, or is not maintaining, the child
• The parents were not married and the mother has died but it is not known who the father is
• The surviving parent is in prison with a minimum two years left to serve, or is in a hospital by court order
  

Download the Guardian's Allowance claim form and guidance notes

Contact the Guardian's Allowance Unit on:

Phone: 0300 322 9080
Textphone: 0300 200 3103

Monday to Friday: 8.30am to 4pm

or

Contact The Highland Councils Welfare Support Team for free advice and support on completing the form on:

0800 090 1004  

Find out more about Guardian's Allowance