Financial support for care leavers

Find out about the financial support and advice available to you from your personal advisor.

There may be times when you find yourself short of food or struggling to pay some of your bills. We want to help if you are having difficulties.

If you speak with your personal advisor (PA) they will help you work out what help you need and make sure you have the right support moving forward. This could be helping you to make some budget plans or sorting out any benefit problems. They can also get you food parcels or help towards energy bills if things get really difficult.

Child Trust Fund/Junior ISA account

All children who have been consistently in care will have either a Child Trust Fund or a Junior ISA account. 

This account is managed by the Government until you are 18 years old. It is not possible to withdraw money until you are 18. 

Your PA can give you more information and can help you manage the money when you turn 18.

Birthdays and religious festivals

We want to celebrate your birthday and will give you birthday and celebration money up to the age of 21. 

ID documents

You will need ID for lots of things. This includes opening bank accounts, starting a new job, getting a library card, accessing services and going abroad. 

We want to make sure that you have a suitable form of photo ID, so we will support you to get your first adult passport.

Driving lessons, tests and licence

Depending on an assessment of need and individual circumstances, we will pay for:

  • a provisional driving licence
  • the cost of 10 one hour driving lessons (up to a certain amount)
  • one theory test and one practical driving test

Your PA can also help you to find a good instructor.

Claiming benefits

As well as working with your PA, we have a point of contact within the DWP and a specialist Benefits and Finance team within our own service who can ensure you have access to any benefits you are entitled to. 

A discretionary payment may be paid whilst you are waiting for your benefit claim to process or are waiting to start employment.

If you have no rights to work or claim benefits, we will help to support you financially.

We can support you to access resources in the local community or welfare organisations if you are struggling financially. 

Support for parents

If you need support and guidance with your children, or through pregnancy and after giving birth find more information on becoming a parent.

Education and training

You can find information about how we can help you on our education, employment, and training.

Housing

Get information about housing and accommodation including setting up home allowance and other support you may be able to get.