Your money
When you leave care and begin to live more independently it can be difficult to manage your money.
Your leaving care worker can give you information to help you understand how to manage your finances, maximise your income and avoid debt. The Youth Support Team offer budgeting and independent living courses. You can ask your worker when they are running.
From 16 years old your Pathway Plan will include assessments of how much you need to live on, how you manage that money and advice on applying for support you may be entitled to after you turn 18.
From the age of 16 your Pathway Plan considers:
- what money you need to live on;
- what help you need to manage your money;
- how you can start to save money in the future;
- whether you have a bank account.
If you leave care once you have turned 16 (and have been in care for at least 13 weeks) your worker will then make sure that you receive a weekly allowance until you are 18 to cover the cost of:
- accommodation;
- food and domestic bills; Your money When you leave care and begin to live more independently it can be difficult to manage your money.
- pocket money;
- transport costs for education and training;
- clothing;
- childcare costs.
If you are experiencing financial difficulties you can talk to your worker about getting emergency assistance. You can request this a maximum of 3 times in a 4 month period.
It is really important for you to be aware that financial support for children in care stops when you turn 18.
Your Pathway Plan sets out what other financial support you can claim and how to get it.
Leaving Care Grant
You are entitled to apply for a Leaving Care Grant of up to £2,000 to help you buy essential things, like a bed or a fridge, when you move into your own home. You can access this up to the age of 25.
If you are worried that you are not receiving all the help you need then speak to your leaving care worker or social worker.