Special Guardianship Allowance Calculator 2026/27 (UK)
Use this Special Guardianship Allowance Calculator to estimate possible weekly, monthly and yearly SGO support in the UK using your local area, child’s age, Child Benefit, household income and essential expenses.
Your Estimated Allowance
Figures are an estimate only. Final assessments vary by local authority.
View Full Calculation Breakdown
| Total Baseline (NMA) | £0.00 |
|---|---|
| Less Child Benefit | -£0.00 |
| Plus Needs Uplift | £0.00 |
| Maximum Available | £0.00 |
| Net Household Income | £0.00 |
| Disregarded Income | -£0.00 |
| Less Essential Expenses | -£0.00 |
| Disposable Income | £0.00 |
| Means Test Deduction | -£0.00 |
Special Guardianship Allowance, Estimate Steps
A simple summary of what the calculator does to produce your estimate.
Baseline
Adds weekly fostering rate by region and age.
Child Benefit
Subtracts Child Benefit for each child.
Means test
Applies income disregard and a taper deduction.
Result
Shows weekly, monthly and annual amounts.
Tip: Councils use different policies. Treat this as an estimate and request your local authority’s SGO financial support policy.
How this calculator works
- Baseline Standard: We use 2026/27 allowance rates where official or national guidance is published, based on where you live and the children's ages.
- Child Benefit Deduction: Special Guardians can usually claim Child Benefit, unlike foster carers. Many councils deduct this amount from the allowance to prevent double funding.
- Means Testing: We apply the standard "DfE model" calculation used by many councils. This looks at your household income, ignores a percentage (usually 20%), subtracts essential bills, and then reduces the allowance based on what is left.
What affects your allowance?
Special Guardianship Order (SGO) allowances are discretionary. While local authorities must have a financial policy, the exact amount varies.
- Region & Age: Allowance rates can be higher in London and the South East, and usually increase as the child grows older.
- Former Foster Carers: If you fostered the child immediately before the SGO, you may qualify for transitional protection. This often means you keep receiving your fostering rate (minus Child Benefit) for 2 years, regardless of your income.
- Disability & Needs: If the child receives Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or PIP, this is usually NOT deducted from your allowance. You may also receive an extra "needs uplift" payment.
What to do next
- Request the Policy: Contact your local authority’s children’s services and ask for their "Special Guardianship Financial Support Policy."
- Get Assessed Early: Request a formal financial assessment (SGO means test) before the court order is finalized.
- Gather Evidence: Prepare 3 months of payslips, bank statements, and proof of the expenses listed in this calculator (rent, council tax, childcare).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this allowance guaranteed?
No. Special Guardianship Allowances are discretionary. While councils must have a system in place, the exact amount depends on their specific policy and your financial means test. This tool provides an estimate based on national government guidelines.
Do councils always deduct Child Benefit?
Usually, but policies vary. Because Special Guardians are normally eligible to claim Child Benefit directly from HMRC, many local authorities deduct this amount from the SGO allowance.
Can I get SGO allowance with Universal Credit?
Yes, you can claim both. Generally, the SGO allowance is disregarded as income when calculating Universal Credit. However, your Universal Credit income is counted when calculating the SGO allowance means test.
How long do payments last?
Allowances typically last until the child turns 18 and are reviewed annually. Support can sometimes continue past 18 if the child remains in full-time education, but this varies by council policy.
What if the council refuses financial support?
You can challenge the decision using the council's official complaints procedure. If you believe the means test was calculated incorrectly or doesn't follow statutory guidance, you may seek advice from the Local Government Ombudsman or a solicitor specializing in kinship care.
Does every council calculate Special Guardianship Allowance the same way?
No. Each local authority can use its own financial support policy, so this calculator gives an estimate only. Ask your council for a formal SGO financial assessment before relying on the result.