A-Z of Benefits

£13.45 per week

Who is it for?
People who are responsible for a child who is orphaned or where one parent is dead and the other is:-

- unknown as to whereabouts
- not responsible for custody or maintenance
- in prison for over 2 years
- detained under mental health legislation

Who pays it?
Guardians Allowance Unit, Child benefit centre (see child benefit)

Which leaflet? And how is it claimed?
Leaflet BG1 from 0845 302 1464

What are the age limits?
None for claimant - as per child benefit for children

National Insurance based?
No.

Means tested?
No.

How long does it last?
For as long as child benefit is paid for the child

What is effect on other benefits?
Not taken into account for means-tested benefits or tax credits

Is it taxable?
No.

Increases for dependants?
Not relevant

Payable if in EU or other?
As with child benefit

Points to watch
It can be useful starting point in funding alternatives to 'looking-after' a child. Guardians Allowance is not adequate in itself but could be when combined with CTC, child benefit and financial help from local authority

The A-Z of Benefits 2008 was compiled by Gary Vaux and Community Care.