Malta Children's Allowance 2026: Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about Malta's Children's Allowance - eligibility criteria, calculation formula, income thresholds, payment schedules, and the child birth bonus.
1. Overview
Children's Allowance is a social security benefit provided by Malta's Department of Social Security to families with children under 16 years of age. The benefit is designed to help families with the costs of raising children.
The allowance is means-tested, meaning the amount you receive depends on your household income. Lower-income families receive higher allowances, while higher-income families receive a guaranteed minimum rate.
Who Receives It?
- • Married couples
- • Civil union couples
- • Cohabiting couples
- • Single parents
- • Separated parents
Key Figures (2026)
- • Max rate: €27.29/week
- • Min rate: €8.66/week
- • Income threshold: €30,000
- • Calculation rate: 6.50%
2. Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for Children's Allowance in Malta, you must meet specific criteria:
General Requirements
- Have care and custody of children under 16 years of age
- Be a resident of Malta
- Meet nationality/residency requirements (see below)
Nationality Requirements
One of the parents must be:
- A citizen of Malta or married to a Maltese citizen
- In Civil Union with a Maltese citizen
- A citizen of an EU Member State
- A citizen of a European Social Charter member country
- Have refugee status
- A Third Country National in employment with valid residence permit
If holding a Residence or Work permit, entitlement starts from the 6th month of employment. Blue Card, International Protection, and Humanitarian Protection holders are entitled from the start of employment.
3. How It's Calculated
The Children's Allowance is calculated based on a formula set by the Department of Social Security. Here's the official calculation method:
The Official Formula
Weekly Rate = (€30,000 - Net Income) × 6.50% ÷ 52
The rate is based on the difference between the maximum acceptable income (€30,000) and your actual income. A 6.50% rate is applied, then divided by 52 weeks. The result cannot be lower than €8.66 or higher than €27.29 per child.
Step-by-Step Calculation
- Calculate Total Income: Add up all income sources including employment, rental income, bank interest, pensions, and other income.
- Calculate Net Income: Subtract SSC contributions and income tax paid (from 2025 onwards).
- Apply the Formula: (€30,000 - Net Income) × 0.065 ÷ 52
- Apply Limits: The result is capped between €8.66 (minimum) and €27.29 (maximum).
- Multiply by Children: The weekly rate applies to each eligible child.
Calculation Example
Example: Family with €25,000 gross income, 2 children
Total Income: €25,000
SSC Paid: €2,500
Tax Paid: €2,000
Net Income: €25,000 - €2,500 - €2,000 = €20,500
Weekly Rate = (€30,000 - €20,500) × 0.065 ÷ 52
Weekly Rate = €9,500 × 0.065 ÷ 52 = €11.88 per child
Weekly Total (2 children): €11.88 × 2 = €23.76
Yearly Total: €23.76 × 52 = €1,235.52
4. Rates and Thresholds
2026 Rate Structure
| Net Income Range | Rate Type | Weekly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Below €8,170 | Maximum | €27.29/child |
| €8,170 - €23,068 | Variable | €8.66 - €27.29/child |
| €23,068 - €30,000 | Minimum | €8.66/child |
| Above €30,000 | Fixed | €8.66/child |
Key Thresholds
- €8,170 - Below this income, maximum rate (€27.29) applies
- €23,068 - Above this, minimum rate (€8.66) applies even if formula gives less
- €30,000 - Maximum income threshold for variable rate calculation
5. Child Birth / Adoption Bonus
In addition to the regular Children's Allowance, Malta provides a one-time bonusfor each child born or adopted:
1st Child
2nd Child
3rd+ Child
This bonus is paid to the mother of the newborn child or to the adoptive parent. It is a one-time payment, separate from the regular Children's Allowance.
6. Payment Schedule
Children's Allowance is paid every 13 weeks (quarterly) in advance. This means you receive 4 payments per year:
Quarterly Payment Calculation
Weekly Rate × 13 weeks = Quarterly Payment
Example (€11.25/week per child, 2 children):
€11.25 × 2 children × 13 weeks = €292.50 per quarter
Payments are made via bank transfer to a local savings or current account. The account should typically be in the name of the mother unless the children are in the care and custody of the father or another relative.
7. 2025 Changes
Important changes came into effect from 1st January 2025:
From 2025, both Social Security Contributions (SSC) AND income tax paid are deducted from your total income when calculating the allowance. Previously, only SSC was deducted.
This change means your net income (used for calculation) is lower, potentially resulting in a higher Children's Allowance rate.
Children's Allowance Supplement
From January 2025, an additional Children's Allowance Supplement is available:
- €165 per child per quarter (€660/year) for income below €27,434
- €160 per child per quarter (€640/year) for income above €27,434
8. How to Apply
For children born in Malta, the process is automatically initiated by the Department of Social Security upon registration of the child's birth.
Automatic Process
- Register the child's birth with Malta's Public Registry (within 15 days)
- DSS automatically initiates Children's Allowance process
- Beneficiaries are awarded the minimum rate automatically
- Apply for higher rate if household income is less than €30,000
Required Documents
- Identity Cards of parents
- IBAN number (local savings or current account)
- Marriage/Civil Union certificate or cohabitation details
- Income details for 2 years prior (e.g., 2024 income for 2026 allowance)
- JobsPlus history sheet
- Separation contract (if applicable)
Applications can be submitted online through the Social Security website.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Which year's income is used?
Income from 2 years prior is used. For example, Children's Allowance 2026 uses your 2024 income.
Until what age do children qualify?
Children must be under 16 years of age to qualify for Children's Allowance.
What if my income exceeds €30,000?
You still receive the guaranteed minimum rate of €8.66 per week per child. No family is excluded entirely.
Is the Children's Allowance taxable?
No, Children's Allowance is not subject to income tax.
What if I have joint custody?
If there is joint custody, both parents should provide their individual IBAN numbers and the allowance is divided accordingly.
Calculate Your Children's Allowance
Use our free calculator to estimate your potential Children's Allowance based on your household income.