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Guardian's Allowance
The Guardian’s Allowance is a benefit that is paid on a weekly basis to people who are looking after a child, or children, whose parents are no longer around.
The Guardian’s Allowance is a non-contributory benefit, and is not means-tested. This means that it is not necessary for you to have paid National Insurance Contributions to qualify, and any income or savings that you may have will not be taken into account.
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Do I qualify?
You will qualify for the Guardian’s Allowance if:
- You must either be entitled to, or treated as entitled to claim Child Benefit for the child (You will be treated as entitled to claim Child Benefit for the child if, for example, you are living with a spouse, and he or she is entitled to claim Child Benefit for the child), and either;
- Both the child’s parents have died, or;
- One of the child’s parents has died and the other parent cannot be traced, or;
- One of the child’s parents has died, and the surviving parent has been sentenced to a term of imprisonment of two years or more, or is detained in hospital by order of a court.
How much will I receive?
The amount that you can expect to receive from the Guardian’s Allowance is £12.50 a week for each qualifying child.
How do I claim?
You will need to complete the Guardian’s Allowance claim form (BG1) in order to make your claim.
You can obtain the Guardian’s Allowance claim form (BG1) either by contacting your nearest Jobcentre Plus office, or by contacting the Child Benefit Office by calling 0845 302 164 (if you have speech or hearing difficulties and you use a text phone, then you should dial 0845 302 1474).
Alternatively, you can download the form from the Department for Work and Pensions website by logging on to www.dwp.gov.uk, or by clicking your mouse on the following link:
Please click here to download the Guardian’s Allowance claim form (BG1).
Is there anything else I should know?
Your entitlement to the Guardian’s Allowance does not entitle you to National Insurance credits. However, if you also receive Child Benefit for a child who is under the age of 16, you will qualify for Home Responsibilities Protection for that tax year - contact your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau for more details
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