What is Guardian’s Allowance?

Guardian’s Allowance is money paid by the government to people who look after someone else’s child (or children) after the child’s parents have died. It only applies if at least one of the deceased parents was usually resident in the UK. There is a single rate of £15.55 per week for each child, and this is received in addition to any other benefits.

In some cases you can claim Guardian’s Allowance if only one of the parents has died. You can only claim Guardian’s Allowance in circumstances where you are entitled to receive Child Benefit for those children. In general this means you should be the children’s main carer, and no-one else receives Child Benefit for them.

Guardian’s Allowance counts as tax-free income.