We want to support you in making sound financial decisions that are right for you now and for the future, to help you with this:
You will have access to a Personal Allowance when you are aged 16-17, not living in foster or residential care and are unable to access public funds. This will continue when you are 18 if you have no recourse to public funds
You are entitled to £10 per week pocket money if you are in custody or hospital establishment aged 16-17
You may be able to receive Emergency Crisis Payments
You will receive rent allowance if you are aged 16-17 for the full cost of your rent or placement costs
You will receive Religious Festival Allowance when you are under the age of 18 if you are not living in foster or residential care – this is up to £50 per year. This payment is to be given during the festival period chosen by you such as Ramadan, Hanukkah or Christmas
You will be supported to open a bank account
You will be supported to have good financial management skills and helped to avoid debt
When you are 18 you can get support and information on how to access your Children’s Trust Fund, your Junior ISA and any savings you may have
You will be offered opportunities to engage in courses on budgeting skills which could lead to an ASDAN award
We will support you to ensure you are receiving your benefit entitlement and offer support if there is delay in accessing this
You will have the opportunity to make a claim to the Department for Work and Pensions prior to your 18 birthday to ensure you receive benefit entitlement in a timely manner
You can get up to £2,000 Setting Up Home Grant
You will be able to receive support for education items when required if you are in Further or Higher Education. This can be up to £120 per year for books, materials, equipment
You will receive support to access important documents before your 18 birthday such as your passport, provisional driving license and birth certificate
