You do not need to be the child's legal guardian, despite the name. You must be bringing the child up and qualify for Child Benefit.
Quick facts
- Rate
- £22.95 a week per child
- Tax
- Tax-free
- Paid with
- Child Benefit
- Universal Credit
- Not counted as income
- Benefit cap
- Does not count
Who can get it — the full rules
To get Guardian’s Allowance all of the following must apply:
- you’re bringing up someone else’s child
- the child’s parents are dead (see conditions for one surviving parent below)
- you qualify for Child Benefit
One of the parents must also have been born in the UK, an EEA country or Switzerland, or have lived in the UK for at least 52 weeks in any 2-year period since the age of 16.
If one parent is still alive
You could get it if you do not know where the surviving parent is and you’ve made a reasonable effort to contact them, or if the surviving parent will be in prison for at least 2 years from the date of death of the other parent.
It does not cut your other benefits
Guardian’s Allowance does not count as income if you’re claiming Universal Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance.
Guardian’s Allowance is not affected by the High Income Child Benefit charge. If you decide not to be paid Child Benefit your Guardian’s Allowance can continue.
Guardian’s Allowance does not count towards the benefit cap.
How it is paid
Usually, the money is paid into a bank account every 4 weeks. It can be paid weekly if you’re a single parent or getting certain other benefits, such as Income Support.
Common questions
How much is Guardian's Allowance in 2026/27?
£22.95 a week per child, tax-free, on top of Child Benefit.
Do I need to be a legal guardian?
No. You need to be bringing the child up and qualify for Child Benefit.
Does it affect Universal Credit?
No. Guardian’s Allowance does not count as income if you’re claiming Universal Credit.
Does the benefit cap apply?
No. Guardian’s Allowance does not count towards the benefit cap.