Eligibility
Eligibility to Children’s Allowance depends on the income of the family and the number of children under 16 years of age in that family. Families with a household income exceeding €23,923 (Lm10,270) are entitled to the Fixed Children’s Allowance of €250 (Lm 107) per child per annum.
In the case of those families where the household income is €23,923 (Lm10,270) or less, the eligibility to Children’s Allowance is calculated on the difference between the declared income of the family for the previous year and the established threshold of €23,923 (Lm10,270).
Procedure
The completed application form is to be submitted to the Social Security Division and must reach the Division by not later than six months from the date of birth of the child. If the application form is received by the Division after the timeframe established by the law, the right to Children’s Allowance, or a part thereof, may be lost.
It is important that the application form is sent to the Division duly filled in, with the bank account number clearly written and, where applicable, the application form signed by both parents.
Documents required
In the case of families whose income exceeds €23,923 (Lm10,270), no documentation is required to be attached to the application form unless the applicant is separated. If the applicant is separated, a copy of the separation decree is required.
In the case of families whose income is €23,923 (Lm10,270) or less, the applicant is to provide the following documentation:
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if the applicant/s are employed, the FS3 for the previous year of the applicant and the spouse, duly signed by the employer. If the applicant or the spouse has more than one employment, the FS3 for each employment is to be provided.
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if the applicant is self employed, a Profit and Loss Account of the previous year. In the case of directors/ company’s majority shareholders, the Final Audited Accounts are to be provided. Copies of contribution receipts are also to be presented. If the contributions have not yet been paid, the application form should still be sent to the Social Security Division.
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if the applicant is separated, or is availing himself/herself of parental leave, or has resided abroad for a period of more than 3 months, documentation to evidence such circumstances are is be provided.
Processing fees/charges
No processing fees are involved in applying for this Allowance. Once the benefit is issued, the beneficiary must submit an annual declaration of the total income on the form received from the Department, in order to continue receiving this benefit. The form is to be sent to the Department within the specified time limit mentioned on the same application, if the means is not exceeded. The Children’s Allowance will then continue to be issued for 52 weeks and paid in advance every thirteen weeks.
Back office process
Applications received are verified and, where applicable, income tests are carried out to determine the eligibility of the applicant. Where payment is due, the claim is referred for payment and applicant is informed of the details of the payment in writing. If the claim is rejected, the applicant is informed accordingly in writing.
Children’s Allowance is deposited into the bank account identified by the applicant.
Required Application forms may:
Contact information
Department Social Security Division
38, Ordinance Street, Valletta VLT2000
MALTA
Telephone (+356) 2590 3039