Money and Finances - Relevant Care Leavers

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

If you're under 18 and in care

We'll pay for your accommodation and support costs.
You'll receive a Personal Allowance to help with things like clothing, toiletries, social travel and everyday expenses.

Hampshire's rate of personal allowance is agreed each year.

If you're under 18 and earning money through work, training or an apprenticeship, you may be expected to contribute towards your accommodation costs or save some of your income to help prepare for independent living. This will be discussed and agreed with you as part of your planning for adulthood.

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

If you're under 18 and in care

We'll pay for your accommodation and support costs.
You'll receive a Personal Allowance to help with things like clothing, toiletries, social travel and everyday expenses.

Hampshire's rate of personal allowance is agreed each year.

If you're under 18 and earning money through work, training or an apprenticeship, you may be expected to contribute towards your accommodation costs or save some of your income to help prepare for independent living. This will be discussed and agreed with you as part of your planning for adulthood.

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. This is a fund of up to £3000 and can include help with essential household costs, and in some circumstances support with the cost of a TV licence. This is available up to the age of 21 however in some circumstances, we will consider extending this above 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. This is a fund of up to £3000 and can include help with essential household costs, and in some circumstances support with the cost of a TV licence. This is available up to the age of 21 however in some circumstances, we will consider extending this above 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.

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.

Learning how to manage your money is an important part of becoming independent.

Moving into your own home, starting work, studying, or claiming benefits can all feel overwhelming at first. Most people make mistakes with money at some point, but getting support early can help you stay in control.

Your Personal Adviser (PA) can help you understand your income, plan your spending, and access any financial support you may be entitled to.

You don't need to know everything straight away. We're here to help you build your confidence and skills over time.

Top Money Tips

✅ Pay your rent and bills first

✅ Keep track of what is coming in and going out of your account

✅ Try to save a little each month, even if it's only £5 or £10

✅ Avoid borrowing money unless you understand exactly how it works

✅ Ask for help early if you're struggling

✅ Check you are receiving all the benefits and support you are entitled to

A good place to start is to know how much money you have coming in each week. Add up any money that you get from your job, parents or from doing chores.

Once you have done this, spend some time tracking your spending to see where your money is being spent. To do this, you can use a notebook or an app like Plum, Emma or Snoop to help you track your money. This can help you figure out where you might be able to cut down.

Separate needs from want. Write down all the money that you have to spend. There will be bills that you cannot avoid paying such as rent, electricity, food, phone contract, council tax etc. Have a look at what is left. Do you need to spend money on those things or can you make some cuts?

Make a Budget to help you see how much money you have to spend and keep track of it.

Start Saving

Set yourself a goal. Do you want to save for a new phone? A holiday? or just to build up an emergency fund? Whatever it is, it helps to keep this goal in mind when trying to save.

Open a separate savings account and start saving whatever you can. Even small amounts add up.

Spend Wisely

When you do spend money, compare prices. You can use sites such as Pricerunner to check prices online. This way you never spend more than you have to.

To avoid impulse buys wait 24 hours before making a big purchase. Use your student discounts or loyalty cards to get things cheaper.

Be Careful with Debt

Avoid borrowing unless necessary.
If you use a credit card, pay in full each month to avoid interest.

Plan for the Future

Learn about bank accounts, interest, and budgeting tools. Barclays, Halifax and Money Ready all run courses to help young people learn these skills. Please see links to the right.

Quick Tips

Track every penny for a week—you’ll be surprised where it goes.
Set reminders for bills or savings.
Talk about money with trusted adults like your PA.

Download our budget planner

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.

Learning how to manage your money is an important part of becoming independent.

Moving into your own home, starting work, studying, or claiming benefits can all feel overwhelming at first. Most people make mistakes with money at some point, but getting support early can help you stay in control.

Your Personal Adviser (PA) can help you understand your income, plan your spending, and access any financial support you may be entitled to.

You don't need to know everything straight away. We're here to help you build your confidence and skills over time.

Top Money Tips

✅ Pay your rent and bills first

✅ Keep track of what is coming in and going out of your account

✅ Try to save a little each month, even if it's only £5 or £10

✅ Avoid borrowing money unless you understand exactly how it works

✅ Ask for help early if you're struggling

✅ Check you are receiving all the benefits and support you are entitled to

A good place to start is to know how much money you have coming in each week. Add up any money that you get from your job, parents or from doing chores.

Once you have done this, spend some time tracking your spending to see where your money is being spent. To do this, you can use a notebook or an app like Plum, Emma or Snoop to help you track your money. This can help you figure out where you might be able to cut down.

Separate needs from want. Write down all the money that you have to spend. There will be bills that you cannot avoid paying such as rent, electricity, food, phone contract, council tax etc. Have a look at what is left. Do you need to spend money on those things or can you make some cuts?

Make a Budget to help you see how much money you have to spend and keep track of it.

Start Saving

Set yourself a goal. Do you want to save for a new phone? A holiday? or just to build up an emergency fund? Whatever it is, it helps to keep this goal in mind when trying to save.

Open a separate savings account and start saving whatever you can. Even small amounts add up.

Spend Wisely

When you do spend money, compare prices. You can use sites such as Pricerunner to check prices online. This way you never spend more than you have to.

To avoid impulse buys wait 24 hours before making a big purchase. Use your student discounts or loyalty cards to get things cheaper.

Be Careful with Debt

Avoid borrowing unless necessary.
If you use a credit card, pay in full each month to avoid interest.

Plan for the Future

Learn about bank accounts, interest, and budgeting tools. Barclays, Halifax and Money Ready all run courses to help young people learn these skills. Please see links to the right.

Quick Tips

Track every penny for a week—you’ll be surprised where it goes.
Set reminders for bills or savings.
Talk about money with trusted adults like your PA.

Download our budget planner

If you're worried about money, debt, rent arrears or bills, don't wait until things become unmanageable.

Your PA can help you:

understand your income and benefits
create a realistic budget
apply for financial support
access emergency help if needed
find specialist debt advice

If you're worried about money, debt, rent arrears or bills, don't wait until things become unmanageable.

Your PA can help you:

understand your income and benefits
create a realistic budget
apply for financial support
access emergency help if needed
find specialist debt 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

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

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

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

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