Family Allowances - Leaflet FAM1
October 2010
This leaflet tells you about Family Allowance which you might be able to get if you
are living in Guernsey or Alderney and have a child.
If you do not understand any of the information given in this leaflet please call the
Pensions & Allowances Section on 732506 or the Alderney States Office on 822811.
The leaflet is for guidance only and should not be treated as a complete and
authoritative statement of the law.
This leaflet should be read in conjunction with leaflet 50 (Social Insurance Benefit
Payment and Contribution Rates).
How we collect and use information
The Guernsey Social Security Department collects personal information for social
security purposes in accordance with the six laws which it administers. The
information collected will depend on your business with us, but will be no more than
is required for that purpose, and will not be further disclosed except as permitted by
law. The Department complies with its legal duty under the Data Protection
(Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, and is the Data Controller for the purposes of that law.
If you wish to know more about the information we have about you, or about the
way we use it, you can ask at the Department's office.
General
What is Family Allowance?
Family Allowance is a weekly tax free allowance payable to people who are bringing
up children. It does not depend on how much money you have coming in, or any
savings you may have.
Who can get Family Allowance?
You can get Family Allowance if you are responsible for a child who lives with you.
You can also get the allowance if the child lives with someone else, but

you are paying money to bring up the child, and

the amount you pay is the same as, or more than the weekly rate of Family
Allowance, and

the person the child lives with is not getting Family Allowance for them.
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Either parent could claim, but only one person can get the allowance. It is normally
the child's mother who claims as the person who has day to day care of the child.
But, before deciding who should claim please read the information on "What
happens about my insurance record while I'm getting Family Allowance?"
How much will I get?
Family Allowance is paid at the same rate for each child in your family. The current
rate is set out in Leaflet 50 (Benefit Payment and Contribution Rates).
Who can the allowance be paid for?
Family Allowance is paid for a child who is

under school leaving age, or

19 or under and still in full-time education at school, college or university.
Who can't the allowance be paid for?
Family Allowance cannot be paid for a child who

Family Allowance is already in payment for, or

lives away from the island all the time, or

is held in a place of custody or in the care of the Children Board under Court
Order.
What happens to my insurance record while I'm getting Family Allowance?
A contribution credit will be awarded each week to protect your insurance record for
pension purposes if

you are 20 or over, and

are getting the allowance for a child under 16, and

you are not working.
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Claiming
How do I claim?
You should fill in a claim form (FAM 12) which you can get from the Guernsey Social
Security Department or States Office Alderney. This form is also used to get a Health
Benefit card for your child. If you need any information about claiming please call the
Pensions & Allowances helpline on 732506.
Who should make the claim?
Either parent can make the claim. But if a person is staying at home to care for a
child it would probably be best for that person to make the claim. This is because
their insurance record for pension purposes can be protected while they are not
working. To find out more refer to "What happens to my insurance record while I'm
getting Family Allowance?" If you are not sure who should make the claim please
call the Pensions & Allowances helpline on 732506.
Can I transfer my claim to another person?
If another person in your family decides to stay at home to care for a child you can
transfer your claim. But, this means that the other person may get the contribution
credit which is awarded to protect the insurance record for pension purposes. If you
want to transfer your claim please call the Pensions & Allowances helpline on
732506.
When should I claim?
You should claim as soon as possible. By Law the claim should be made within three
months of either

the birth of your child, of

a child becomes a member of your family, or

you arrive on the island, or

you start paying towards the cost of supporting a child who is not your own.
The allowance is payable from the first Monday after entitlement began but only if
you claim within 3 months of that day. If you do not claim within 3 months you may
lose some of the allowance.
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How do I claim for another child?
If you want to claim for a new child in your family you just need to fill in another
claim form (FAM 12). When the claim is sorted out you will be paid extra for that
child on the claim you already have. If you need information about claiming please
call the Pensions & Allowances helpline on 732506.
How will my allowance be paid?
Your allowance will be paid from the first Monday following the date when
entitlement began. It will normally be paid into your bank account weekly in
advance.
How are claims decided?
The Administrator of the Social Security Department is responsible in law for
deciding claims. You will be told of his decision in writing and if you are not satisfied,
you may appeal to a Tribunal within 28 days. A Tribunal consists of an independent
chairman and two members. An appeal to the Royal Court against a Tribunal's
decision is restricted to a question of Law.
What if I've moved here from another country?
If you have come to Guernsey from Great Britain, the Isle of Man or Jersey you will
normally qualify for Family Allowance straight away. But if you have come from
another country you should call the Pensions and Allowances helpline on 732506 to
find out how this will affect you claim.
Other information
What changes should I tell the Department about?
If you are getting Family Allowance you should tell us straight away if

you change your address

you change the bank account into which your allowance is paid

your child leaves full-time education

your child leaves the Island to attend full-time education somewhere else

your child leaves the Island for longer then 26 weeks

your child no longer lives with you or you contribution towards the cost or
providing for that child ceases, or is reduced
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