Money matters
As part of your pathway plan we'll help you to understand how to manage your finances. We can help you to:
- open a bank account
- formulate a budget plan
- help you claim the correct benefits
- provide you with information about the money you’re entitled to
What we do to support you financially
Our support includes:
- access to your Junior ISA
- an annual festival payment of £50.00
- a gift of £25.00 on your 19th and 20th birthdays
- a gift of £50.00 on your 18th and 21st birthdays
- help to meet the extra ordinary costs of travel to maintain contact with your family or previous carers
Accommodation support
If you’re aged 16 and 17, living in supported accommodation and unable to claim benefits, you’ll be offered a weekly allowance that is the same as state benefits. We’ll usually pay this into your bank account.
You’ll be exempt from paying council tax anywhere in the UK until you’re 25.
You are also entitled to an allowance for setting up home. The amount depends on when you turned 18. It could be £2,000, £2,500 or £3,000. You can use this to buy furniture and other items.
Support for apprentices and students
You may be able to get financial support of £1,200 a year direct from your school, college, or learning provider.
We may be able to help with the cost of travels, books and equipment. Your personal advisor will advise you, and we’ll base this on individual need.
If you’re in further education and you’ve done particularly well, we will give you a £50.00 reward for demonstrated effort.
If you’re at university, we will:
- provide a total bursary of £2,000
- contribute to your living costs with a grant of £3,000 per year (paid weekly)
- cover the cost of accommodation during vacation periods, up to £2,000 per year
This is in addition to your student finance.
You can find out more about student finance on the government’s website.
Welfare benefits
You may be entitled to some welfare benefits. Find out more about benefits on the government’s website.
We can book you an appointment with a welfare rights adviser. They will complete a full benefits check to make sure you get what you're entitled to. They can also tell you what support you'd get if you move into or out of work.
We have a relationship with the local Job Centre Plus. A named member of staff there and a named personal adviser will be able to talk about any benefits issues you may have. They'll work together to sort them out.
Further support
Talk to your PA about other support that’s available you as you transition to adulthood and independence. This includes discounted rates on water bills, and free bus passes.
The Care Leaver Covenant also has a range of discounts and opportunities which are only available to care experienced young people.
