Your Personal Adviser will help you to manage your money, understand any benefits you may be entitled to and help you claim them. We know that things don’t always go to plan and we will be there to help and support at these times.
Although you may still receive some financial support once you are 18, you will be responsible for getting your main income in place from either work, education grants and/or if eligible, benefits. In most instances, you will need to manage your own daily living costs.
When most young people leave home to live alone, they cannot always afford all they need right away. You may need to balance how you spend your money to help you transition into independence and adulthood bit by bit.
Debt and money worries can have a serious impact on your wellbeing. We would want you to tell us if you start to worry about not having enough money so we can help you. We won’t be able to give you more money than you are entitled to - but we will find ways for your life and living arrangements to be manageable.
The following sections also contain specific financial support:
You can get help from your Personal Adviser with:
- budgeting and access money management courses
- getting a National Insurance Number and opening a bank account
- access any savings and advice on spending wisely
Don’t let any financial worries go unresolved – contact you Personal Adviser.
Financial support:
- The cost of getting a smartphone.
- Clothing allowances for things that are not part of your everyday and at certain times e.g. for a wedding/funeral, as well as linked to job interviews, work circumstances, winter coat etc.
- Flexible/Hardship Fund – activities, sport, hobbies, groups, travel, bills, food – easy access via your Personal Adviser for small one-off costs to support your social and community connections when you are in need.
- Foodbank referral to the Trussell Trust Foodbank network if you need some extra temporary support for food – you can get some help on 3 occasions in a 6-month period, and we can get you a voucher or arrange a delivery in some locations. It is important you don’t feel worried about asking for a food parcel if needed and you know how to do this.
- Cost of your passport; provisional driving licence; birth certificate for your two forms of ID. Once you have these documents it is important to keep them safe.
- Celebrating your Birthday and Festivals
- £50 for Birthday (age 18,19,20);
- £100 for 21st Birthday;
- £50 Festival allowances (age 18-21).