Finance
A kinship carer maybe entitled to financial support to help with everyday living costs and the additional expenses of raising a child. This support may come through government benefits or local authority allowances, depending on legal arrangements and circumstances.
Advice can be provided by the Kinship Team and you can find out more information on the Telford and Wrekin Council Benefits page.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit for people of working age who are on a low-income. You can be working, looking for work, sick or disabled, or caring a child or disabled person.
Child Benefit
Child Benefit is paid to anyone bringing up a child under 16 years of age or a young person under 20 years of age who is in approved education or training. Only one person can get child benefit and there is no limit to how many children you can claim for.
Pension Credit
If you are over State Pension age, you may be able to get Pension Credit, which is separate to your State Pension. It gives you extra money to help pay for day-to-day living costs, which will include looking after a child if you are a kinship carer.
Guardian’s Allowance
If you are bringing up a child whose parents have died, you could be able to get a Guardian’s Allowance. You may also be eligible if there is one surviving parent. Guardian’s Allowance is tax-free and you can get it on top of any Child Benefit you receive.
There are also organisations that offer free, confidential advice: