Support for unaccompanied children and children in families
Can refugees apply for child benefit and guardian’s allowance?
Yes. Refugees with children are entitled to claim child benefit and/or guardian's allowance.
Backdating of benefits
Refugees who made their claim on or after 6th April 2004 will have their benefits backdated to the date on which they first claimed asylum provided they made their claim within three months of being notified by the Secretary of State of their grant of refugee status.
How do I apply?
Parents can either contact the Child Benefits Office helplines on 0845 302 1444 (Great Britain) or 0845 603 2000 (Northern Ireland) for an application form or download one from the Inland Revenue website. It is also possible to apply online (child benefit only). For guidance on how to complete the forms and further information click here for child benefit and here for guardian's allowance.
The application should be supported by the child(ren)'s birth certificate or any other form of identification and the letter from the Secretary of State granting refugee status to the applicant. All documents must be in their original form. You should call the Child Benefits Office helplines (above) if you are unsure about what documents you should send or if you don't have the required supportive documents.
