Most kinship care starts informally, in a crisis, with no social worker involved. That's exactly why the money gets missed. If Tusla placed the child with you, you are a relative foster carer and get the Foster Care Allowance instead.
Quick facts
- Guardian's Payment
- €237 a week per child
- Legal guardianship needed
- No, for the payment
- While you wait
- SWA or an Additional Needs Payment
- Guardianship
- After 12 months' care, via the District Court
- Support
- Kinship Care Ireland, 087 1487124
The money
"Guardian's Payment is a weekly payment of €237 per week per child to support meeting the caring needs of a child." "You do not need to be a legal guardian to apply for Guardian's Payment." The child's situation has to meet the orphan rules: see our Guardian's Payment guide.
Child Benefit can move to you as the person the child lives with. "Supplementary Welfare Allowance and the Additional Needs Payment are means-tested payments that you can apply for while you are waiting for the processing of your Guardian's Payment application."
If you're refused
"If you are a kinship carer who has been refused Guardian's Payment, contact Kinship Care Ireland for further information and support." You can also appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
Guardianship
Guardianship lets you consent to medical treatment, choose a school and apply for a passport. "To apply for custody and/or guardianship, contact your local District Court Office."
"When a birth parent is alive, a kinship carer must be caring for a child for 12 consecutive months before they can become a legal guardian." A parent can also nominate you as temporary guardian in writing, or appoint you in their will.
Free legal help
FLAC's free line, (01) 906 1010, gives basic legal information. The Legal Aid Board can represent you in guardianship cases, usually with a contribution. Kinship Care Ireland can put you in touch with other kinship carers.
Common questions
What payments can kinship carers get in Ireland?
Guardian's Payment of €237 a week per child if the child meets the orphan rules, Child Benefit, and Supplementary Welfare Allowance or an Additional Needs Payment while you wait.
Do I need to be a legal guardian to get Guardian's Payment?
No. You do not need to be a legal guardian to apply.
How do grandparents get guardianship in Ireland?
Apply through your local District Court Office. If a birth parent is alive, you must have cared for the child for 12 consecutive months first.
What is the difference between kinship care and relative foster care?
Relative foster care is a formal Tusla placement with a Foster Care Allowance. Kinship care is often an informal family arrangement.