Money and Finances | Hampshire CTSH

The amount of help you receive depends on your care leaver status and your age.

If You’re Still in Foster Care or Supported Lodgings

If you’re over 18 and staying with your former carer under a Staying Put arrangement, speak to your social worker or personal advisor. You might need to make a small contribution to your living costs.

Once you are 18, you can claim benefits to help with rent and living costs. The amount depends on whether you’re in college, training, unemployed, or unable to work because of illness or disability. While you wait for Universal Credit to be paid, we will continue to pay you Personal Allowance.

Even if you’re working, you might still get some support – so check with your Personal Advisor or use a benefits checker.

The amount of help you receive depends on your care leaver status and your age.

If You’re Still in Foster Care or Supported Lodgings

If you’re over 18 and staying with your former carer under a Staying Put arrangement, speak to your social worker or personal advisor. You might need to make a small contribution to your living costs.

Once you are 18, you can claim benefits to help with rent and living costs. The amount depends on whether you’re in college, training, unemployed, or unable to work because of illness or disability. While you wait for Universal Credit to be paid, we will continue to pay you Personal Allowance.

Even if you’re working, you might still get some support – so check with your Personal Advisor or use a benefits checker.

As a care leaver, you may be able to access financial support to help you move towards independence and achieve your education, training, employment and personal goals.

Your Personal Adviser (PA) can talk to you about the support available and help you understand what you may be eligible for based on your individual circumstances. Some support is provided as part of your Pathway Plan and may depend on factors such as your age, living arrangements, education, training or employment.

Financial support may include help with:

Travel Costs

You may be able to get help with travel costs to attend education, training or apprenticeships. Support is usually provided where travel costs are not already being met through another funding source, such as the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund detailed below. Additional support for travel may also be considered for some young people returning to education or training after the age of 19.

The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund provides financial support to help young people overcome financial barriers to taking part in education. Care leavers are one of the groups that may be eligible for additional support through the bursary fund. Funding can be used for essential costs such as travel to and from school, college or training, as well as books, equipment and specialist clothing needed for your course. Support can be worth up to £1,200 a year, depending on your individual needs and costs.

Speak to your school, college or training provider to find out whether you are eligible and how to apply.

Learning to Drive

We may be able to contribute towards driving lessons where this will help you move towards independence, education, training or employment. Any contribution is reviewed periodically and may not cover the full cost of learning to drive.

Setting Up Home

When moving into independent accommodation, you may be able to access support through the Independent Living Fund, which is a fund of up to £3000. This can include help with essential household costs, and in some circumstances support with the cost of a TV licence. This is available for Former Relevant care leavers up to the age of 21, however in some circumstances, we will consider extending this over 21. Speak to your PA about this.

Additional Financial Support

There may be occasions when you need extra help. Your Personal Adviser can discuss any financial difficulties you are experiencing and explore what support may be available. Any additional financial assistance will be considered based on your individual needs and circumstances.

As a care leaver, you may be able to access financial support to help you move towards independence and achieve your education, training, employment and personal goals.

Your Personal Adviser (PA) can talk to you about the support available and help you understand what you may be eligible for based on your individual circumstances. Some support is provided as part of your Pathway Plan and may depend on factors such as your age, living arrangements, education, training or employment.

Financial support may include help with:

Travel Costs

You may be able to get help with travel costs to attend education, training or apprenticeships. Support is usually provided where travel costs are not already being met through another funding source, such as the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund detailed below. Additional support for travel may also be considered for some young people returning to education or training after the age of 19.

The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund provides financial support to help young people overcome financial barriers to taking part in education. Care leavers are one of the groups that may be eligible for additional support through the bursary fund. Funding can be used for essential costs such as travel to and from school, college or training, as well as books, equipment and specialist clothing needed for your course. Support can be worth up to £1,200 a year, depending on your individual needs and costs.

Speak to your school, college or training provider to find out whether you are eligible and how to apply.

Learning to Drive

We may be able to contribute towards driving lessons where this will help you move towards independence, education, training or employment. Any contribution is reviewed periodically and may not cover the full cost of learning to drive.

Setting Up Home

When moving into independent accommodation, you may be able to access support through the Independent Living Fund, which is a fund of up to £3000. This can include help with essential household costs, and in some circumstances support with the cost of a TV licence. This is available for Former Relevant care leavers up to the age of 21, however in some circumstances, we will consider extending this over 21. Speak to your PA about this.

Additional Financial Support

There may be occasions when you need extra help. Your Personal Adviser can discuss any financial difficulties you are experiencing and explore what support may be available. Any additional financial assistance will be considered based on your individual needs and circumstances.

What is a Children in Care Junior ISA?

A Junior ISA is a long-term savings account that has been created to help some children and young people in care build savings for their future.

The Government introduced the scheme to ensure that eligible looked after children have a financial asset available to them when they reach adulthood. An initial payment is made by the Government into the account, and the money remains invested until the young person turns 18.

Who is Eligible?

You may be eligible for a Children in Care Junior ISA if:

You have been in care continuously for 12 months or more.
You are under the age of 18.
You do not already have a Child Trust Fund account.

Eligibility is assessed in accordance with the national scheme rules.

How Are Savings Managed?

The Junior ISA is held in the young person's name and is managed by an approved Junior ISA provider.

The money belongs to the young person and remains protected within the account until they reach adulthood. Family members, carers and other people may also be able to make additional contributions to the account, subject to the rules that apply to Junior ISAs.

How Can I Access My Money?

The money in a Junior ISA cannot normally be withdrawn before the account holder reaches the age of 18.

When you turn 18:

The Junior ISA will become an adult ISA.
You will be able to contact the account provider directly.
You can choose whether to keep the money invested or withdraw some or all of the funds, depending on the provider's arrangements.

It is a good idea to think carefully about how you want to use your savings. Many young people choose to put the money towards education, training, housing costs, furnishing their home, driving lessons, or other important goals.

How Do I Find Out If I Have a Junior ISA?

If you think you may have a Children in Care Junior ISA, speak to:

Your Personal Adviser (PA).
Your social worker (if you still have one).
The Leaving Care Team.

They can help you identify whether an account exists and provide information about the next steps for accessing your savings.

Can't find your Junior ISA or Child Trust Fund?

The Share Foundation can help care leavers locate their account provider and access the money that has been saved for them. Find out more

Need More Information?

You can ask your Personal Adviser or Leaving Care Team for advice, or read the Government guidance on Junior ISAs for looked after children.

What is a Children in Care Junior ISA?

A Junior ISA is a long-term savings account that has been created to help some children and young people in care build savings for their future.

The Government introduced the scheme to ensure that eligible looked after children have a financial asset available to them when they reach adulthood. An initial payment is made by the Government into the account, and the money remains invested until the young person turns 18.

Who is Eligible?

You may be eligible for a Children in Care Junior ISA if:

You have been in care continuously for 12 months or more.
You are under the age of 18.
You do not already have a Child Trust Fund account.

Eligibility is assessed in accordance with the national scheme rules.

How Are Savings Managed?

The Junior ISA is held in the young person's name and is managed by an approved Junior ISA provider.

The money belongs to the young person and remains protected within the account until they reach adulthood. Family members, carers and other people may also be able to make additional contributions to the account, subject to the rules that apply to Junior ISAs.

How Can I Access My Money?

The money in a Junior ISA cannot normally be withdrawn before the account holder reaches the age of 18.

When you turn 18:

The Junior ISA will become an adult ISA.
You will be able to contact the account provider directly.
You can choose whether to keep the money invested or withdraw some or all of the funds, depending on the provider's arrangements.

It is a good idea to think carefully about how you want to use your savings. Many young people choose to put the money towards education, training, housing costs, furnishing their home, driving lessons, or other important goals.

How Do I Find Out If I Have a Junior ISA?

If you think you may have a Children in Care Junior ISA, speak to:

Your Personal Adviser (PA).
Your social worker (if you still have one).
The Leaving Care Team.

They can help you identify whether an account exists and provide information about the next steps for accessing your savings.

Can't find your Junior ISA or Child Trust Fund?

The Share Foundation can help care leavers locate their account provider and access the money that has been saved for them. Find out more

Need More Information?

You can ask your Personal Adviser or Leaving Care Team for advice, or read the Government guidance on Junior ISAs for looked after children.

When you turn 18, your personal allowance usually ends. As an adult, you are generally expected to claim Universal Credit or other benefits if you're not working, in certain types of education, or on a low income.

Your Personal Adviser, foster carer or support worker can help you check what benefits you may be entitled to.

When you turn 18, your personal allowance usually ends. As an adult, you are generally expected to claim Universal Credit or other benefits if you're not working, in certain types of education, or on a low income.

Your Personal Adviser, foster carer or support worker can help you check what benefits you may be entitled to.

Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to financial support through Universal Credit. Universal Credit is a government benefit that can help if you are looking for work, on a low income, unable to work, or need support with living costs.

Not everyone will need to claim Universal Credit. Your Personal Advisor can help you understand what financial support you may be entitled to based on your individual situation, including any benefits, grants, bursaries or other support available to you.

If you do need to claim Universal Credit, we can support you through the process and help you manage financially while waiting for your first payment.

Who can help you apply for Universal Credit?

Your:

Personal Advisor
Support Worker
Foster Carer

can help you make your initial claim.

As a care leaver you can apply up to three months before your 18th birthday. You can get benefits if you are still in education, unemployed or sometimes when you are working depending on how much your earn.

If you are aged 16-19 and in full time education you will continue to receive the education bursary directly from your college as well as any benefits.

More information about Universal Credit

Universal Credit – What You'll Get

Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to financial support through Universal Credit. Universal Credit is a government benefit that can help if you are looking for work, on a low income, unable to work, or need support with living costs.

Not everyone will need to claim Universal Credit. Your Personal Advisor can help you understand what financial support you may be entitled to based on your individual situation, including any benefits, grants, bursaries or other support available to you.

If you do need to claim Universal Credit, we can support you through the process and help you manage financially while waiting for your first payment.

Who can help you apply for Universal Credit?

Your:

Personal Advisor
Support Worker
Foster Carer

can help you make your initial claim.

As a care leaver you can apply up to three months before your 18th birthday. You can get benefits if you are still in education, unemployed or sometimes when you are working depending on how much your earn.

If you are aged 16-19 and in full time education you will continue to receive the education bursary directly from your college as well as any benefits.

More information about Universal Credit

Universal Credit – What You'll Get

If you live in privately rented accommodation when you are aged 18, you may be required to pay council tax. Speak to the district or borough council that you live in to see what discounts you can get. Some local councils give a 100% discount to care leavers up until they are 25 years old. You may also be entitled to some exemptions if you are in education for 21 hours or more a week or if you are unemployed.

If you stay in supported lodgings or remain with your former foster carer, you will not be required to pay council tax.

If you live in privately rented accommodation when you are aged 18, you may be required to pay council tax. Speak to the district or borough council that you live in to see what discounts you can get. Some local councils give a 100% discount to care leavers up until they are 25 years old. You may also be entitled to some exemptions if you are in education for 21 hours or more a week or if you are unemployed.

If you stay in supported lodgings or remain with your former foster carer, you will not be required to pay council tax.

If you are struggling with money, worried about paying bills, finding it difficult to afford food or heating, or dealing with debt, support is available.

The Worrying About Money? tool can help you find free advice and support based on your situation. Whether you have suddenly lost income, are waiting for a benefit decision, are struggling with rising living costs, or need help managing debt, the tool will guide you to organisations that may be able to help. It can also signpost you to support with benefits, emergency assistance, housing costs, energy bills and other financial concerns.

You do not have to wait until things become a crisis before asking for help. Getting advice early can help you understand your options and access support before money worries become more difficult to manage.

Worrying About Money? – Independent Network

If you are struggling with money, worried about paying bills, finding it difficult to afford food or heating, or dealing with debt, support is available.

The Worrying About Money? tool can help you find free advice and support based on your situation. Whether you have suddenly lost income, are waiting for a benefit decision, are struggling with rising living costs, or need help managing debt, the tool will guide you to organisations that may be able to help. It can also signpost you to support with benefits, emergency assistance, housing costs, energy bills and other financial concerns.

You do not have to wait until things become a crisis before asking for help. Getting advice early can help you understand your options and access support before money worries become more difficult to manage.

Worrying About Money? – Independent Network

Knowing what you’re entitled to is important – but so is learning how to budget. This helps you avoid debt and feel more in control. Your carer, support worker, social worker, and personal advisor can all help you with this.

A good tip: write down what money you have coming in (like bursary, wages, allowance) and what you need to pay for each week. Once you see it clearly, you can plan your spending.

Our practical guide to managing money for young people

Knowing what you’re entitled to is important – but so is learning how to budget. This helps you avoid debt and feel more in control. Your carer, support worker, social worker, and personal advisor can all help you with this.

A good tip: write down what money you have coming in (like bursary, wages, allowance) and what you need to pay for each week. Once you see it clearly, you can plan your spending.

Our practical guide to managing money for young people

Under 18:

We’ll pay for your accommodation and support costs.

Over 18:

- You can usually claim benefits to help with rent.
- If you’re staying with your former carer, we can pay a “top-up” directly to them.
- We can help with deposits, rent in advance, and even act as your guarantor if needed.
- Check with the council you pay council tax to. Some will reduce how much council tax you pay up to when you are 25 years old.

Setting Up Home

We’ll help you get the essentials for your new home.
You can access this support from age 16 until your involvement with Children’s Services ends (usually between 21 and 25).
Funding is based on your needs and can be up to £3,000 (not as a lump sum).

More advice on setting up home

Under 18:

We’ll pay for your accommodation and support costs.

Over 18:

- You can usually claim benefits to help with rent.
- If you’re staying with your former carer, we can pay a “top-up” directly to them.
- We can help with deposits, rent in advance, and even act as your guarantor if needed.
- Check with the council you pay council tax to. Some will reduce how much council tax you pay up to when you are 25 years old.

Setting Up Home

We’ll help you get the essentials for your new home.
You can access this support from age 16 until your involvement with Children’s Services ends (usually between 21 and 25).
Funding is based on your needs and can be up to £3,000 (not as a lump sum).

More advice on setting up home

If you're facing financial difficulties or have an unexpected expense, you may be able to get help through Hampshire County Council's Crisis and Resilience Fund.

The fund can provide support with essential costs such as:

Food
Energy bills
Essential household items

You may also be able to access budgeting advice, debt support and help to maximise your income. Applications are assessed individually based on your circumstances.

If you're struggling to afford essentials or have had a sudden change in circumstances, speak to your Personal Adviser or contact Citizens Advice to find out whether you may be eligible.

Find out more about the Crisis and Resilience Fund on Hampshire County Council's website.

If you're facing financial difficulties or have an unexpected expense, you may be able to get help through Hampshire County Council's Crisis and Resilience Fund.

The fund can provide support with essential costs such as:

Food
Energy bills
Essential household items

You may also be able to access budgeting advice, debt support and help to maximise your income. Applications are assessed individually based on your circumstances.

If you're struggling to afford essentials or have had a sudden change in circumstances, speak to your Personal Adviser or contact Citizens Advice to find out whether you may be eligible.

Find out more about the Crisis and Resilience Fund on Hampshire County Council's website.

If you're struggling to afford food, toiletries, heating, or other essentials, help is available. Everyone faces challenges from time to time, and it's okay to ask for support when you need it.

The organisations listed below may be able to help with emergency food, household essentials, practical support and advice. If you're finding things difficult, contact your Personal Adviser as well. They can help you access the right support and discuss any financial assistance that may be available to you.

If you can't afford to buy enough food, you may be able to get some short-term help from your local food bank. You will need a voucher to use a food bank. To find out where you can get a voucher, contact your local food bank or phone the Citizens Advice national phone service on 0800 144 8848.

Find your local food banks

Community pantries provide groceries at a lower rate than shops and supermarkets. Access to the Community pantry is through membership. Members make a small weekly contribution and receive food with a higher value than the same items would cost elsewhere.

Find your local food bank or community pantry.

The Smart Living website has tips and ideas for making the most of the food you have and avoiding waste.
The BBC has a range of healthy recipes to help you Eat Well for Less as well as £1 Meals to help you prepare tasty, hot meals on a budget.
The Too Good To Go app allows you to ask for a surprise bag of food at a low price. The app makes use of unsold food from restaurants, grocery stores, cafes and shops that have not been sold in time.

For help with energy bills contact Citizens Advice

If you're struggling to afford food, toiletries, heating, or other essentials, help is available. Everyone faces challenges from time to time, and it's okay to ask for support when you need it.

The organisations listed below may be able to help with emergency food, household essentials, practical support and advice. If you're finding things difficult, contact your Personal Adviser as well. They can help you access the right support and discuss any financial assistance that may be available to you.

If you can't afford to buy enough food, you may be able to get some short-term help from your local food bank. You will need a voucher to use a food bank. To find out where you can get a voucher, contact your local food bank or phone the Citizens Advice national phone service on 0800 144 8848.

Find your local food banks

Community pantries provide groceries at a lower rate than shops and supermarkets. Access to the Community pantry is through membership. Members make a small weekly contribution and receive food with a higher value than the same items would cost elsewhere.

Find your local food bank or community pantry.

The Smart Living website has tips and ideas for making the most of the food you have and avoiding waste.
The BBC has a range of healthy recipes to help you Eat Well for Less as well as £1 Meals to help you prepare tasty, hot meals on a budget.
The Too Good To Go app allows you to ask for a surprise bag of food at a low price. The app makes use of unsold food from restaurants, grocery stores, cafes and shops that have not been sold in time.

For help with energy bills contact Citizens Advice

Healthcare costs can add up, especially if you need regular medication, dental treatment or glasses. Care leavers may be eligible for free prescriptions, dental care and eye care support up to age 25. Check the latest information or speak to your Personal Adviser for advice.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit that can help with the extra costs of living with a disability, long-term health condition or mental health condition. It is based on how your condition affects your daily life, not your diagnosis. You may be able to get PIP whether you are in education, training, work or not working.

PIP looks at:

How easy or difficult it is for you to do everyday tasks.
Whether you need support, supervision or reminders.
Whether you have difficulties getting around safely or independently.

You may be able to claim PIP if:

You are aged 16 or over.
You have a long-term physical health condition, disability or mental health condition.
Your condition makes everyday activities or getting around more difficult.

More information and how to claim

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit that can help with the extra costs of living with a disability, long-term health condition or mental health condition. It is based on how your condition affects your daily life, not your diagnosis. You may be able to get PIP whether you are in education, training, work or not working.

PIP looks at:

How easy or difficult it is for you to do everyday tasks.
Whether you need support, supervision or reminders.
Whether you have difficulties getting around safely or independently.

You may be able to claim PIP if:

You are aged 16 or over.
You have a long-term physical health condition, disability or mental health condition.
Your condition makes everyday activities or getting around more difficult.

More information and how to claim

MoneyHelper

Free government-backed money guidance, budgeting tools, debt advice and benefits information.

Visit MoneyHelper

Citizens Advice

Free and confidential advice about money, debt, housing, benefits and employment.

Visit Citizens Advice

StepChange Debt Charity

Free debt advice and support if you're struggling with repayments.

Visit StepChange

Turn2Us

Help finding benefits, grants and other financial support.

Visit Turn2Us

National Debtline

Free and independent debt advice.

Visit National Debtline

Benefits Calculator

Check what benefits and financial support you could receive.

Use a Benefits Calculator

MoneyHelper

Free government-backed money guidance, budgeting tools, debt advice and benefits information.

Visit MoneyHelper

Citizens Advice

Free and confidential advice about money, debt, housing, benefits and employment.

Visit Citizens Advice

StepChange Debt Charity

Free debt advice and support if you're struggling with repayments.

Visit StepChange

Turn2Us

Help finding benefits, grants and other financial support.

Visit Turn2Us

National Debtline

Free and independent debt advice.

Visit National Debtline

Benefits Calculator

Check what benefits and financial support you could receive.

Use a Benefits Calculator

When you move into your own home, you will usually be responsible for paying for things like gas, electricity and water. Make sire you know who your energy suppliers are and whether you have a prepayment meter or credit metre when you move in to a new home.

A meter measures how much gas, electricity or water your household uses. Your supplier uses meter readings to work out how much to charge you. Take a photo of your utility meters when you move in to make sure you only pay for what you have used.

If you are struggling to pay your bills, speak to your Personal Adviser as soon as possible. The earlier you ask for help, the more options there may be to support you.

Struggling to pay your bills? Citizens Advice can help.

When you move into your own home, you will usually be responsible for paying for things like gas, electricity and water. Make sire you know who your energy suppliers are and whether you have a prepayment meter or credit metre when you move in to a new home.

A meter measures how much gas, electricity or water your household uses. Your supplier uses meter readings to work out how much to charge you. Take a photo of your utility meters when you move in to make sure you only pay for what you have used.

If you are struggling to pay your bills, speak to your Personal Adviser as soon as possible. The earlier you ask for help, the more options there may be to support you.

Struggling to pay your bills? Citizens Advice can help.

Grants and Financial Support

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF) provides a range of grants to support individuals across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Some funding opportunities are specifically available to young people who have experienced care.

Depending on the funding programme available at the time, care leavers may be able to apply for support towards:

Education and training costs
Equipment or resources needed for learning or employment
Personal development opportunities
Other expenses that help improve independence, wellbeing, or future opportunities

HIWCF regularly updates its grants programme, so available funding and eligibility criteria may change.

Current Opportunities

HIWCF currently offers:

Education Grants for Care Leavers aged 18-25, with grants of up to £500 for eligible care leavers living in Hampshire (excluding Portsmouth and Southampton).

Other care leaver grants may become available throughout the year, and young people are encouraged to check the website regularly for the latest opportunities.

Find Out More

Visit the HIWCF grants page to view current funding opportunities and eligibility criteria:

HIWCF Grants for Individuals

Need Help Applying?

If you are unsure whether you are eligible, speak with your Personal Adviser, who can help you explore available funding opportunities and support you with applications where appropriate.

Grants and Financial Support

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF) provides a range of grants to support individuals across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Some funding opportunities are specifically available to young people who have experienced care.

Depending on the funding programme available at the time, care leavers may be able to apply for support towards:

Education and training costs
Equipment or resources needed for learning or employment
Personal development opportunities
Other expenses that help improve independence, wellbeing, or future opportunities

HIWCF regularly updates its grants programme, so available funding and eligibility criteria may change.

Current Opportunities

HIWCF currently offers:

Education Grants for Care Leavers aged 18-25, with grants of up to £500 for eligible care leavers living in Hampshire (excluding Portsmouth and Southampton).

Other care leaver grants may become available throughout the year, and young people are encouraged to check the website regularly for the latest opportunities.

Find Out More

Visit the HIWCF grants page to view current funding opportunities and eligibility criteria:

HIWCF Grants for Individuals

Need Help Applying?

If you are unsure whether you are eligible, speak with your Personal Adviser, who can help you explore available funding opportunities and support you with applications where appropriate.