Financial and housing support

Receiving a paid allowance

Special guardians may be eligible for financial support from the council, typically in the form of an allowance. That means a regularly paid sum of money for the purposes of meeting a child's needs, which you do not have to pay income tax on. 

No funding is automatically allocated to special guardians. Any funding award is based on an assessment of needs and your financial situation by the council. 

To be considered for funding depends on whether or not the child you care for was previously looked after by a council.

• If the child was previously in council care, the council must assess your need for support services, including financial help.  

• If the child was not previously in council care, you have a right to apply for your needs to be assessed, but the council can choose whether to carry out a financial assessment. 

If you aren’t sure if the child you care for was previously in care or not, that’s not unusual as it sometimes isn’t clear. You can contact our team to help clarify your situation and options.

In Buckinghamshire, if based on the financial assessment we decide you are eligible for an allowance, we typically pay this at the same rate as our fostering allowance.

So, if you were fostering the child prior to an SGO being made this is usually in place for two years after the award of your guardianship. It is then reviewed annually through financial assessment to determine if the level of funding should continue, change or stop. If you are at this review point, you can contact our team to ask questions.

You have a right to challenge any decision. Our team can help explain how this works and help you get independent advice.

All allowances are reviewed and anyone in receipt of an allowance will be expected to complete the annual financial review forms to confirm the child is still in their care. The Council must be informed of any change to circumstances as any overpayments will be recovered.

One-off payments and support

Even if you are not eligible for an allowance, you may ask the council for financial support with one-off, necessary childcare expenses and payments. Examples include paying for a suitable bed for the child or paying a babysitter for an evening so you can take a break.  

Speak to our team to find out more about how this might work and how to apply. Decisions about funding are made based on the amount to be spent, your needs and your financial situation.

Government funding and support

All special guardians can claim general government benefits, including:

• Child benefit [gov.uk ↗]

• Universal Credit and Pension Credit [gov.uk ↗]

• Free childcare – read our finding school and preschool guide for more information

• Parental leave (paid or unpaid) [gov.uk ↗]

These benefits are not automatically paid when you become a guardian – you will need to apply for them. We can work with our finance team to help you apply. Citizens' Advice ↗ also offers independent advice on eligibility, limits and the impact of benefits.

Unfortunately, there is currently no equivalent of paid Adoption Leave for Special Guardians. However, you may be eligible for parental leave under your employer's policies or at their discretion, or under national criteria. Government guidance on parental leave ↗ can help you work out if you are eligible.

Funding for therapeutic support and care

All Special Guardians and the children they care for can access Buckinghamshire Council’s Special Guardian support services and groups.

The child you care for may also be eligible for funding for therapeutic support through the Adoption Support Fund. Despite the name, the fund can cover special guardians and foster carers as part of a national fund that local councils can apply for.

The support plan or an assessment of need may identify extra treatment or support as something that would benefit the child you care for. Our team can help you apply to have it paid for and provided through the Adoption Support Fund.

Contact our team to find out more about the application process and decision-making criteria. Learn more about the types of behavioural support you can access.

Limited housing powers

Your needs and those of the child you care for are considered as part of any application for council housing, but there are no preferential rights to council housing for special guardians. We can write a supporting letter to add context to your needs but do not have any direct influence on an application. 

Our team can connect you to the relevant organisations in the council and to independent advice about your housing options and rights.

You may need extra support or to adapt a private home that you either own or rent to meet the needs of your guardianship. We always take those things into account when we do an assessment of need. You may be able to get financial help to make those house changes, but it depends on your situation. 

Speak to us when things change

If there is a significant change to your income, housing, health or relationships, it’s a good idea to get in touch with our team. We can give you practical advice and emotional support. 

Your support plan should adapt as your needs and situation change. If you feel that you and the child you care for would benefit from extra funding or treatment, you can ask for a new assessment of your needs.

The results of your assessment could mean that you are eligible for funding and support that you weren’t before.