Who can get children's allowance in Malta?
Yes, if the family income is under the threshold — and the way income is counted has changed. Children's Allowance goes to married, civil-union or cohabiting couples, single or separated parents who have custody of children under 16. It is awarded when the total annual income of the relevant year (two years earlier — the 2026 allowance uses 2024 income) is less than €30,000. If income is above €23,068 but still under €30,000, the minimum rate is awarded. The myth: that "only gross counts, and if you go over €30,000 you get nothing." Since 1 January 2025, income is counted after deducting tax and social security (not just contributions), so families who thought they were over the threshold may now qualify. Payment is made every 13 weeks in advance.
📋 The rules
- Children's Allowance goes to those with custody of children under 16 who live in Malta.
- The income threshold is €30,000 for the relevant year (income from two years earlier).
- If income is between €23,068 and €30,000, the minimum rate of the allowance is awarded.
- Since 1 January 2025, income is counted after deducting tax and social security contributions.
- At birth or adoption a one-off bonus is paid: €1,000 for the first child, €1,500 for the second, and €2,000 for the third or more.
🔓 Exceptions
- Families above the €30,000 threshold can still receive the Children's Allowance Supplement (a fixed rate announced each year).
- EU citizens and third-country nationals have different eligibility rules depending on their permit and residence.
- The exact rate varies by income and number of children; the full schedule of rates is kept by the Department of Social Security.
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Children's Allowance is a closely monitored benefit: applicants are required to notify the Department of Social Security within 6 months of any change — separation, marriage, cohabitation, a change in custody or in employment. Anyone who fails to declare their true income or hides a change in circumstances may have to pay back what they received without entitlement, and can face benefit fraud proceedings. Every year an automatic review is carried out based on the income reported to the Commissioner for Revenue, so incorrect figures come to light. On the other side, anyone who does not apply for a higher rate when the family income is low may stay on the minimum rate and lose money they were entitled to — the benefit is not always issued automatically at the highest rate.
📎 Official sources
- Social Security · Children's Allowance (income below threshold) →
- Legislation Malta · Social Security Act (Cap. 318) →
- mySocialSecurity · schedule of benefit rates →
❓ Frequently asked
What is the income threshold for children's allowance?
The threshold is €30,000 of total annual income for the relevant year, which is two years earlier — the 2026 allowance uses 2024 income, for example. If income is above €23,068 but still under €30,000, the minimum rate of the allowance is still awarded.
If I go over €30,000 do I get nothing?
No, not necessarily. Since 2025 income is counted after deducting tax and contributions, so many families end up under the threshold; and even those above €30,000 can receive the Children's Allowance Supplement at a fixed rate announced each year.
Which income is counted — this year's?
No, it is the income from two years before the allowance year, not current income. So the 2026 Children's Allowance is based on the family's 2024 income, and a review is carried out each year based on data from the Commissioner for Revenue.
Is there a bonus when a baby is born?
Yes, a one-off bonus is paid at birth or adoption: €1,000 for the first child, €1,500 for the second, and €2,000 for the third or more. This is separate from the regular allowance, which is paid every 13 weeks in advance to the eligible family.
Do cohabitants and single parents qualify?
Yes, the allowance goes to married, civil-union or cohabiting couples, as well as single or separated parents who have custody of the children. What matters is custody of children under 16, residence in Malta and income below the threshold.
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