Money
We will try and help you stay on top of your finances by helping you to budget and letting you know about opportunities to build on your budgeting skills.
What we can offer
- Financial support with setting up your home. A Leaving Care Grant (setting up home allowance) to furnish your accommodation. Government guidance says at least £3,000.
- Help you with the cost of going to university. See Learning and work for more information.
- Buying necessary equipment for education, training, or work. The council has a financial policy for care leavers and your pathway plan should highlight the support you need. For example, money towards driving lessons.
- A gift for special occasions such as a birthday or religious celebration.
- Support to claim Universal Credit: How to claim . You will be offered a bridging payment at the same rate as universal credit until your claim is processed.
- Support can also be offered at times of hardship.
There is an easy read guide available from your Personal Advisor to give you further information on finances you are entitles to.
Benefits (help with living costs, from the government)
Benefits are payments from the Government that you claim through Jobcentre Plus. Every Jobcentre Plus in Kirklees will be able to support you. These are advisors who offer support to care leavers, such as helping you find employment and help with any benefit problems. Also ask your Personal Advisor about advance claims for care leavers.
Benefit calculators
Benefit calculators are a handy way to work out what you are entitled to. Try Turn2Us and EntitledTo
Three most common benefits for single young people
This has replaced some individual benefits. If you are aged 18-24, not in full-time education, and are actively seeking and available for work, you could receive Universal Credit.
All care leavers are entitled to Higher Rate Housing Payments (not single-room rate but one-bed rate up to age 25).
If you live out of area we will pay your Council Tax bill after all exemptions have been applied for up to age 21. If you live in Kirklees, Council Tax reduction forms should be completed and then exemptions will be added making the bill zero to age 21 due to care leaver exemptions.
Personal independence payments (PIP)
Some young people are entitled to personal independence payments (PIP). If you think you may be, speak to your benefit advisor or your Personal Advisor.
Budgeting loans
If you're receiving benefits and need extra help, you can apply for a budgeting loan. It's interest-free, but repayments come out of your benefits. Find more information on Budgeting loans
Grants (these don't need to be repaid)
Grants are one-off payments you can apply for, usually to help pay for things like education courses. There are a number of organisations that give grants to young people, some specifically for care leavers. Ask your Personal Advisor for more information.
Capstone Care Leavers Trust awards grants of between £300 and £2,000 to care leavers aged 17 -25. Grants are for for education courses and equipment (including travel), driving lessons and tests, and household items.
The Spark Foundation awards grants of up to £600 to care leavers up to age 25 for setting up home, education, employment, skills and interests.
The Prince's Trust awards grants for young people aged 17-25, working fewer than 16 hours, or in education for fewer than 14 hours per week. Grants help with getting into work, education or training. Loans are also on offer to help you start a business.
Local Welfare Provision
Kirklees Council operates a Local Welfare Provision. Speak to your Personal Advisor - they may be able to help you apply as they support those in greatest need.
- Local Welfare Provision
- Email lwp@kirklees.gov.uk
- Phone 01484 414782
More information
Further information and advice from other organisations
- Citizens Advice Bureau - Information about money and benefits.
- Benefits calculators - Information on benefits and links to benefit guides from the national government.
- The Mix: Tips and information on money management
- NatWest Money Sense - interactive activities and games for 16-18 year-olds to learn about borrowing, saving, and budgeting.
If you are struggling to pay utility bills
Some major providers have debt relief funds. See which ones, and how to apply at Charis for individuals
If you are having problems managing your money
If you have less money coming in than going out and you are worried about debt, there are ways you can manage this. You do not have to do this on your own as there are organisations that provide free, impartial, and confidential advice on dealing with debt.
- The Money Advice Service was set up by the government and helps people manage their money and deal with debt.
- You could contact your local Kirklees Citizens Advice and Law Centre where advice is available face-to-face and by telephone, or look at their online advice guides.
- National Debtline provides a free helpline for people with debt problems: 0808 808 4000
- The Step Change Debt Charity provides a free helpline for people with debt problems: 0800 138 1111.
