Finance

About your finances and the help you may get.

About your finances

It’s important to be financially stable so that you can live your life comfortably. Managing money is a skill and everyone needs help to learn. We are here to help you understand what finances are available to you and how to budget. Our focus is to get you to a place where your finances are stable, you have a steady income and you can pay for the things that you need…as well as having some left over to do things you enjoy!

What you are entitled to depends on your circumstances these include things like:

your age
education or employment status
if you have a disability or additional needs
whether you’re pregnant or a father expecting a child
if you’re seeking asylum
your ‘legal status’ as a care leaver

You will go through this with your personal advisor (PA) and they will tell you exactly what to expect. Remember if you’re ever in doubt, reach out.

For 16 to 18 year olds

Between the ages of 16 to 18 your financial entitlements will be arranged by your social worker or personal advisor (PA) if you are no longer in care but entitled to the full care leavers service.

What money is paid and how will depend on where you are living and your independence plan in place with you. Your social worker or PA will explain your entitlements to you.

For those aged 18 and above

When you turn 18, you'll hopefully be earning money from a job, in higher education and receiving student finance, or both.

If you are in full time education (12 hours or more) you can claim Universal Credit. If you are not working you can claim Universal Credit. As with all benefits there is eligibility criteria. Your PA, social worker or other professional will help you to apply for Universal Credit.

See our benefit page below for more information.