Support for 16-24

In order 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.

Also, do remember to tell us if you change your bank account details.

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 Care Leaver Financial Procedures (PDF, 458KB) for more details. 

Personal Allowance / Maintenance Payments

Under 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. Therefore, bear this in mind as you practice budgeting.

Post 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 aged 21, we pay a £15/week incentive payments for those of you in education or training, as you move towards employment, and so long as you are not receiving other bursary or incentive payments

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

Clothing Allowance

Whilst under 18, for those not in foster care (as clothing provision is then led by foster carers), according to need, up to £300 every six months.

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

Trust Fund Applications

You can apply for up to £400 in any 12 month period to the Children in Care Trust Fund for items to support education and positive recreation.

Rent / 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 with these up until your 18th birthday, so if you are getting the property to be your own tenancy prior to 18, do talk to your Personal Advisor to understand your responsibilities. 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.

Emergency Payments

We recognise that now and again, you may run into difficulty financially, 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 parents; we also know that sometimes the best parental response isn’t just to provide money. We really want to encourage you in managing your money, including planning ahead and also in recognising the consequences if you overspend on non-essential items.

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