Information about special guardianship allowance, Child Benefit, Universal Credit and financial advice
Special guardianship allowance
The special guardianship allowance is a fortnightly payment aimed at meeting the child's or young person's needs.
This can include:
- clothing
- childcare
- mobile phones
The amount is based on the recommended fostering allowance and increases as the child or young person turns ages 5, 11 and 16.
The allowance is paid until the young person reaches age 18, or if they are still in education by 31 August during the year they turned 18.
As part of the special guardianship order assessment process, you'll need to sign a declaration that you'll follow the criteria for continuous payment.
Allowances are reviewed annually under the Special Guardianship Regulations (2005). We'll write to you each year before the date your special guardianship order was awarded, to ask if your circumstances have changed.
You'll need to respond by returning a signed review form, even if there have been no changes, to avoid your allowance being paused or stopped. You can view an document example of a blank review form(55 KB) .
The special guardianship allowance is not included as income when calculating your entitlement to means-tested benefits, such as Universal Credit.
Child Benefit
Children under a special guardianship order are exempt from the 2 child limit for Child Benefit. When you become a special guardian, you have the same rights to benefits as a birth parent.
Child Benefit will be deducted for some carers from special guardianship payments at either the higher or lower rate. As a special guardian, you will need to claim this benefit yourself.
Child Benefit should go directly towards the cost of caring for a child. You may need to check with the birth parents to find out if they are already claiming this benefit.
Find out how to claim Child Benefit.
Universal Credit
Special guardians are able to claim the childcare element of Universal Credit or Pension Credit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Advice about finances
For advice about finances, email specialguardianshipFAB@bristol.gov.uk.
For more information about managing your finances visit Citizens Advice or find out more about benefits and financial help on our website.