In Bradford, we want our young people to aspire to be financially independent; we also know that this can take time and it can be tough starting out.
Former relevant, eligible and relevant care leavers will be entitled to a range of financial support from the care leavers service. For example, this can include help you prepare for living independently including support finding somewhere to live, driving lessons and financial support to set up your home or get into training, education or employment.
The support you are entitled to will depend on your status, age and circumstances. Your Personal Advisor or social worker can help explain these in more detail and identify which parts apply to you and go through the finance package with you when putting together your pathway plan. Your entitlements and financial support you will be offered should also be discussed in your ongoing pathway plan reviews after you leave care.
If you are still in care this should also be discussed in your looked after review meetings with your independent reviewing officer.
We will try to help you financially including:
- Making sure you know what you are entitled to.
- Support you to budget your priority payments such as bills, meal planning and household essentials so you can maximise this payment.
- If you are 16 and 17 years old and living in semi-independent or independent living, we will help you begin to learn about your increasing financial responsibilities by paying you a weekly Income Maintenance Allowance which is above the Universal Credit payment (£65 a week).
- Whilst aged 16 and 17 years we will pay for your rent costs if you are living in a place which we have agreed.
- Help you understand how you might maximise your income by undertaking further education, apprenticeships or employment and what the potential could look like.
- Support you to access your children’s Independent Savings Account (ISA) set up in your name by the department of education (DfE).
- Help you arrange to open a bank account and learn about the different payment methods that might suit your circumstances.
- When you are ready to move into your first independent tenancy, we will support you to make sure you have all of the essential items using you Setting Up Home grant and a moving in kit.
- Between your 18th and 25th birthday we will pay your Council Tax wherever you choose to live in the UK
- celebrate your birthday with a gift or voucher for as long as you are in touch with the service, up to age 21.
- Celebrate important religious festivals, for example Christmas or Eid, with a gift or voucher for as long as you are in touch with the service up to age 21 years.
- If you are ready and prepared and have worked out your budget plan; we will assist you with starting your driving journey by funding your starter driving lessons (up to £250) and will pay for your first driving theory test and first driving practical test.
- If you are involved in participation work and helping us to make positive changes to your Leaving Care service (for example; helping with recruiting our staff) we will pay you for your time and contribution.
- Support you with a Higher Education Bursary whilst you are studying at university and accommodation during term holidays if you need this.
- We can help you with costs associated with education courses, training or getting into work
Qualifying care leavers are not entitled to the full range of financial support offered to eligible, relevant and former relevant care leavers. We can offer you advice and assistance and can help you with education expenses and university vacation accommodation. We will complete an assessment of your needs that tells you what support we can offer you.
You can find out more about care leaver support and entitlements by visiting the Coram Voice website and reading the Sorted and Supported guide for care leavers.
“Talk about any worries early with someone you know will listen and work out a plan that will work for you” (YP, CiC Council)
Money Advice
If you are struggling with money or debt reach out for support. Your personal advisor is there to help you access the support you need. There are many services available Bradford to support you to develop your money management skills or to hep you if you are in debt. You can find out more about these services here.
There are also care leaver specific charities that could help you with the cost of living or education costs such as Buttle UK, the Rees Foundation, the Care Leavers’ Foundation, and Capstone Care Leavers Trust
