UK Guardian’s Allowance to rise from 6 April 2026

If you’re caring for a child after the loss of their parents, Guardian’s Allowance is one of the few benefits designed with you in mind. From Monday 6 April 2026, it increases to £22.95 per week (up from £22.10), alongside small rises in Child Benefit. The figures are confirmed in the government’s Budget 2025 rates table and in HMRC’s explanatory note to the new up‑rating order. (gov.uk)

This annual change isn’t a surprise: ministers review Child Benefit and Guardian’s Allowance each year to keep pace with prices. For 2026–27 the government used September 2025 CPI of 3.8% and rounded to the nearest 5p. A written ministerial statement on 26 November 2025 flagged the move ahead of the new tax year. (legislation.gov.uk)

Before we go further, let’s make sure you know who can claim. You must be bringing up someone else’s child and also qualify for Child Benefit. In most cases both parents have died; there are limited exceptions where one parent is alive but missing, in prison for at least two years from the date of the other parent’s death, or detained in hospital by court order. One parent must also meet a UK presence test. (gov.uk)

Two short regulations sit alongside the up‑rating order this year. First, if there’s a live question about the weekly rate you should get, or whether you meet the conditions for the higher rate from April, the increase does not apply while that question is being decided. HMRC, an appeal tribunal or a Commissioner will make that decision under the Social Security Act 1998 process. That way, payments don’t change until your entitlement is clear.

Second, there’s a long‑standing rule about people who are not ordinarily resident in the UK. Where Guardian’s Allowance is paid to someone living abroad, the annual increase is restricted: in practice, payments are frozen at the rate you were already getting unless a reciprocal agreement says otherwise. HMRC explained this approach in last year’s memorandum and the same principle is applied again. (legislation.gov.uk)

What you’ll actually see in your bank account matters. Guardian’s Allowance is tax‑free, paid on top of Child Benefit, and usually paid every four weeks. It can be paid weekly if you’re a single parent or you receive certain other benefits. It doesn’t count as income for Universal Credit and isn’t affected by the High Income Child Benefit Charge. (gov.uk)

Let’s put the numbers together. From 6 April 2026, Guardian’s Allowance becomes £22.95 per child, per week. Child Benefit also rises to £27.05 for the eldest or only child, and £17.90 for each additional child. These are the official rates for the 2026–27 tax year. (gov.uk)

A common ‘what if’: your case is under review in early April. If HMRC is still deciding whether you qualify at the new rate, you’ll continue to be paid at the old rate until a decision is made. Once there’s a decision, the correct rate is applied going forward. Keep any letters and note dates so you can query anything that doesn’t look right later.

Another scenario: you moved overseas last year but your Guardian’s Allowance continues under residence rules. In April, don’t be surprised if your payment doesn’t go up by 85p. The up‑rating restriction for people not ordinarily resident means increases typically don’t apply while you are abroad. If you return and become ordinarily resident again, ask HMRC about how and when the current rate will apply. (legislation.gov.uk)

Adoption can be a special case. If you adopt a child you may still get Guardian’s Allowance, as long as you were already receiving it before the adoption. That continuity is written into the official guidance, so if your family circumstances change, tell HMRC straight away so they can confirm your position. (gov.uk)

What to do now. Check your personal details in your HMRC account so payments don’t fail security checks, and make a note that the new weekly rate applies from 6 April 2026. If you’re unsure about anything, HMRC’s Guardian’s Allowance helpline can talk through your record and payment dates with you. (gov.uk)

Quick glossary for your notes: up‑rating means the government increases benefit amounts each year to reflect prices; ordinarily resident means the UK is your settled home for now, not just somewhere you’re visiting; a ‘decision under section 8’ is the formal ruling HMRC or a tribunal makes about your entitlement. With those terms clear, you’ve got what you need to read official letters with confidence and plan your budget for the new school term. (legislation.gov.uk)