Support for 16 to 24-year-olds

To be able to make payments to you, we need you to be set up for BACS payments from the Local Authority. This can take a few weeks to set up, so it is best to do this as soon as you have your own bank account and are over 16, and can sign the form yourself.

It can be quite complicated to understand what you are entitled to financially as a Care Leaver. We will highlight here the areas most frequently asked about.

You may also wish to download the Financial Policy for Care Leavers aged 16-24 (PDF, 1.7MB) for more details. 

Personal Allowance/Maintenance Payments

Before you turn 18

If you are in foster care or residential care, foster carers and care staff will work with you to develop your skills in managing your own money and will work with you to gradually increase your personal money and help you prepare for managing on the amount you will have post-18.

In semi-independent accommodation, you will receive the same amount as you would on Universal Credit. You will be better off than when on Universal Credit and in your own tenancy, as pre-18 you do not have to pay your own utility bills. Bear this in mind as you practice budgeting.

After you turn 18

Once you are signed up for Universal Credit, as you turn 18, we will give you the equivalent amount as Universal Credit (UC) for the weeks until the payments from UC to you start.

Education/Training Incentive

Up to the age of 21, we pay £15/week incentive payments for those of you in education or training, as you move towards employment, so long as you are not receiving other bursary or incentive payments

This will not paid once you are employed and earning sufficient income to no longer be on Universal Credit.

Clothing Allowance

Whilst under the age of 18, there is a maximum clothing allowance of £300 every 6 months for Care Leavers who are not in foster care. This is based on assessed need and planned in your Pathway Plan.

Post-18, there is no general clothing allowance. If you have special need, e.g. for interview clothes, we will consider contributing to help you with this. Please think ahead of time if this may come up, so that there is time for payment to be made and for you to shop for what you need.

Trust Fund Applications

You can apply for up to £400 every 12 months to the CiCC Trust Fund for practical support. Please speak to your PA for more information.

Rent and utilities

These are things that you will be paying for yourself once you are 18 and have your own source of income, whether benefits or earnings. If you are a child in care, we will support you with these up until your 18th birthday. You must apply for Universal Credit (UC) as soon as you turn 18 and organise the housing element of this to pay your rent.

We will support you financially until your first payment of UC is made, which should be within five weeks of your 18th birthday and when you have signed on. Please speak to your PA to understand your responsibilities and see the Financial Procedures for Care Leavers leaflet for more information.

Emergency Payments

We recognise that now and again, you may run into difficulty financially, e.g. if you suddenly face an unexpected bill or there is an issue with your income payments. We want you to come to us as soon as you have financial worries, as it is easier to help the earlier we know of any issues.

We want to be supportive as corporate parents, but also know that sometimes the best parental response isn’t just to provide money. We will to encourage you to manage your money effectively, including planning ahead and in recognising the consequences if you overspend on non-essential items.

When you are completing your Pathway Plan, try to talk about what the best responses might be if you are struggling for money, and put this in the plan.

Financial literacy

Managing money can feel overwhelming, especially when you are taking your first steps into independent adulthood. We are committed to helping our Care Leavers build the confidence and skills to make informed financial choices. From budgeting and paying bills, to saving for the future and understanding credit, debt and everyday living costs, we want young people to feel supported and empowered every step of the way.

Skills 2 Thrive supports care-experienced young people to build essential money management skills and improve their financial wellbeing. Through engaging learning on budgeting, saving, banking, bills, debt, and managing everyday living costs, Skills 2 Thrive helps young people make informed financial decisions and develop confidence in handling their money. Please speak to your PA about accessing the platform.

The Your Quick Money Guide (PDF, 1.5MB) and Financial Procedures for Care Leavers (PDF, 1.7MB) leaflets will provide you with further information about the financial support we offer Care Leavers. If you are unsure about anything, please speak to your PA.