Support with budgeting, saving and claiming benefits or grants
We know that managing your money can feel very stressful and overwhelming at times. Cost of living increases mean there are more care experienced young people and adults needing additional support.
We want you to feel confident and able to manage your money. We will develop a finance plan with you as part of your pathway plan. Your personal advisor will help you to:
For times when you have made the decision to borrow money from other lenders, we will also support you in goal setting to become debt free.
If you are experiencing challenges, for example, you do not have enough money for food, please contact your personal advisor straight away for practical, emotional and financial support.
We make sure that your foster carer puts aside savings for you during the time you are cared for. This is to make sure that you have a lump sum of money which you can use in the future. You will not normally be able to access the savings bank account until you are eighteen.
We will help you claim benefits from four weeks before your 18th birthday. This usually includes an appointment at Jobcentre Plus. If needed, we will support you to claim Housing Benefit as part of your Universal Credit application.
Housing Benefit can go straight to your landlord if you prefer. With your permission, we can speak to Jobcentre Plus to help avoid delays.
We can give you a personal allowance for up to six weeks while your claim is processed. You must attend your appointments and provide any information they ask for. Your personal advisor can help with travel or access.
Universal Credit should prevent gaps in payment when you start work. Speak to your personal advisor or Work Coach if you have questions.
You can find out more about grants and allowances for different topics.
You may receive a £100 gift voucher on your 18th birthday and a £30 gift voucher on your 19th, 20th and 21st birthday if we know how to contact you.
If you are aged 18 to 24 and in education or training, you may be able to get money towards a holiday. This will be agreed as part of your pathway planning process. If agreed, you will receive up to £200. You are able to make a request once a year.
Please discuss with your personal advisor how you can access the holiday grant. You might need the grant to help pay for:
You may receive £30 to celebrate one significant religious or cultural event a year. We need to know how to contact you to award this.