Finances

When you are leaving care, if you are eligible, we will try to help you financially.

The ways in which we will do this are:

Providing a leaving care grant of £1,500 to help you buy essential things when moving into your own home.

Making sure you have photo ID and providing you with a TV licence for one year.

Providing you with support towards moving costs and the cost of driving lessons.

Providing or telling you about relevant money management courses.

Supporting you to open a bank account.

Your personal advisor will support you to apply for a National Insurance number, if you do not already have one.

We will support you to buy essential items for your first job, such as a uniform or protective footwear. We will also help you with the cost of travelling there until you get your first pay.

We will support with the cost of travel to education.

Giving exemption when paying council tax up until the age of 25 - please talk to your PA or contact the team by email.

Giving you information on how to access your Junior ISA or Child Trust Fund.

Providing exceptional financial support in emergencies.

Providing a financial gift at birthdays (18 and 21) and Christmas or other celebrations.

We will support you with financial support for holiday accommodation if you are at university.

Giving care leavers who go to university a £2,000 bursary.

Support Out of Hours

Family Action trust provide a dedicated support line for care leavers who need someone to talk too between 6pm and midnight everyday.

You can contact Family Action by:

  • phone: 0808 802 0222
  • text message: 07860 065 169
  • web chat on the Family Action website

Contact information

Leaving Care Service