The rules around Family Allowance payments are changing so that it will continue to cover children in full time education beyond their 18th birthday.
The States approved the Family Allowances and Social Insurance (Amendment) Law, 2026, yesterday.
It will only impact families with older children in full time education, by changing the parameters for when Family Allowance entitlement comes to an end.
The amendment has removed the “cliff-edge” where family benefits would stop on a young person’s 18th birthday regardless of their personal circumstances.
Now, Family Allowance payments will continue for parents with children who are still in full time education when they turn 18.
The payments will continue until the last Sunday in July of the academic year in which the student turns 18.
The law was also updated to ensure widowed parents do not lose support while their 18-year-old child is still finishing their school year.
The change was voted through by a large majority, with just two deputies voting against.
The amended law is not yet ‘active’ however, with the Committee for Employment & Social Security needing toprepare regulations to set a formal Commencement Date.
This decision just moves the proposals from their draft stage to a formal legislative path.
By voting yes, the States have authorised the Bailiff to request Royal Sanction from the King which is the final formal step required before the changes can officially be written into law.