Who pays
Your council's children's services
There is no national rate. Each council sets its own amounts under the Special Guardianship Regulations and the government's statutory guidance.
Quick facts
- Who pays
- Your council's children's services
- Amount
- Set locally, up to the fostering allowance for the child
- Means test
- Usually yes
- Benefits
- Disregarded for income-related benefits
- Stops
- Usually at 18, or later if in full-time education
Who can get it — the full rules
You can get financial support if you are a special guardian, or about to become one, and money would otherwise stop the arrangement working. The guidance says money problems should not be the only reason an arrangement fails.
The council can pay where it is needed so you can look after the child, or where the child needs extra care because of illness, disability, behaviour or past abuse or neglect. It can also help with legal costs and setting up a home.
How much it pays
The council should look at the fostering allowance it would pay if the child were fostered. Its core allowance plus any extra for that child is the most it could consider. Any means test starts from that figure.
It looks at your income and savings, but not your home, and at your reasonable outgoings and the child's needs. It cannot duplicate other payments, so it takes account of the benefits you get because the child lives with you.
If you fostered the child before and were paid a fee, the council may keep paying that element for two years from the date of the order.
How to ask for it
Contact your council children's services
You might be able to get a special guardian allowance from the children's services department of your local council.
Ask for an assessment of your needs
If the child was looked after, the child and the special guardian must get an assessment if they ask for one.
Check which council is responsible
If the child was in care, the council that looked after them stays responsible for three years from the order.
Send in your annual statement
For a regular allowance, you agree to send the council a yearly statement of your money and the child's needs.
Things to watch
The statutory guidance says the allowance is disregarded when income-related benefits and tax credits are worked out. Councils should help you claim every benefit and tax credit you can.
The allowance stops if the child leaves your home, or leaves full-time education or training for a job. It stops at 18, unless the child is still in full-time education or training.
You must tell the council straight away about changes, such as a new address or a change in your money. If the council refuses an assessment it does not have to give, you have at least 28 days to respond.
Phone, forms and how long it takes
- Ask your council's children's services
- GOV.UK: Find your local council
- If you disagree with the council's proposed decision
- Councils are advised to give you 28 days to respond to a proposed decision.
From the official pages (gov.uk, assets.publishing.service.gov.uk), re-checked every night. Numbers and times can change, so check the official page before you send anything.
Common questions
What is a special guardianship allowance?
Money your council's children's services can pay a special guardian to help look after the child. Each council sets its own rates.
Does special guardianship allowance affect Universal Credit?
The statutory guidance says financial support for special guardians is disregarded when income-related benefits and tax credits are worked out.
How much is special guardianship allowance?
It is set by your council. The most it would consider is its fostering allowance for that child, and it is usually means tested.
Until what age is special guardianship allowance paid?
Usually until 18, or longer if the child stays in full-time education or training.
Is there help with therapy for the child?
Councils can apply to the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund for therapy for children who were in care before the order.