See what financial support you are entitled to.
Housing
Cost of accommodation - No. Benefits can be claimed for rent. The council may pay for extra charges if you are living in semi-independent provision or with your foster carers under staying-put arrangements.
Setting up home allowance - The council will pay £2000. Up to an extra £200 to cover broken or forgotten items, with the agreement of your personal advisor and their team manager. If you have a child, we will pay an extra £500 to buy them furniture.
Housing costs during university breaks - The council will pay the housing benefit rate for your accommodation.
Council Tax - Yes. The care leavers relief scheme will be applied.
Travel
Travel costs to college (16 plus hours) - Your 16-19 grant from college should cover this. An Oyster card is given and payment is based on attendance. If you are 19-20 years old, an assessment will be undertaken to decide.
Travel costs to college (up to 16 hours) - The council will pay for this.
Travel costs to first employment - The council will pay for your first 4 weeks through an Oyster card.
Education and university
Fees for further education (aged 20 plus) - An assessment will need to be undertaken to decide.
Grant to help at university - A one-off payment of £2,000 will be paid towards your university costs.
Equipment for college or university - Your 16-19 grant from college should cover this, based on your attendance. If you are over 19 you will have to have an assessment to see if the council will pay.
Personal identity
Passport and birth certificate costs - The council will pay for this.
Immigration, citizenship, asylum costs - An assessment will be undertaken by your personal advisor to see who will pay. The council will support and resolve.
Maintenance (e.g. clothing, pocket money, leisure)
Weekly maintenance - No. Benefits can be claimed.
Savings scheme - You're entitled to access savings on your 18th birthday.
Clothing allowance - No.
Clothing for work and interviews - The council will pay up to £100 if Suited & Booted cannot help.
Money for your birthday or religious festivals - Yes £20.
Specific situations
In custody or prison - The prison will pay an allowance of £10 per week.
Help if you are pregnant - £200 payable after you are 6 months pregnant in addition to benefits.