Money

Money debit card being handed from one person to another

Managing your money is an important part of becoming independent, and we are here to help you every step of the way.

Learning to Manage Your Finances

Learning how to budget, pay bills and make the most of your money can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when you are managing things on your own for the first time.

We can help you develop the skills and confidence to manage your finances, understand your responsibilities and make informed decisions about your money.

Support From Your Personal Adviser

Your Personal Adviser (PA) can support you with:

  • Budgeting.
  • Benefits.
  • Banking.
  • Applying for financial support.
  • Managing debts.
  • Accessing organisations that can provide advice and assistance.

Building Your Confidence

Our aim is to help you feel confident about managing your money and making informed financial decisions.

We want to help you develop the skills you need to live independently and manage your finances successfully.

Accessing Support

We can help make sure you can access the financial support, advice and opportunities available to you.

This includes helping you understand what support you may be entitled to and where to go for additional help when needed.

Our Goal

Our aim is to help you avoid financial difficulties, make the most of your income and feel confident managing your money as you move towards greater independence.

This section explains the financial support, grants, benefits and advice that is be available to you as a care-experienced young person. The support you can receive may depend on your age, circumstances, where you live, whether you are in education, training or employment, and your care status.

Financial Support is Available

We know that money worries can feel stressful, especially when you are preparing to leave care and live more independently.

The good news is that financial support is available, and we will make sure you know what help you can access.

Before You Leave Care

Before you leave care, your Social Worker will talk to you about the financial support available and help you understand what you may be entitled to.

This includes information about the Leaving Care Grant and other support that may be available when you move into your own home.

We want you to feel reassured that help and support will be available when you need it.

Support from Your Personal Adviser

Once you are working with the Next Steps Service, your Personal Adviser (PA) will continue these conversations with you.

They will explain:

  • How to apply for your Leaving Care Grant.
  • What the Leaving Care Grant can be used for.
  • What other financial support may be available.
  • How financial support can help you settle into independent living, education, training, employment or university.

Practical Support

Your Personal Adviser can also help you access practical support as you move towards independence.

Travel Support

If you are a former relevant care-experienced young person aged 18 to 21, we can provide a travel pass to help you access important opportunities and services.

This can help you travel to:

  • Education, college or university.
  • Training courses.
  • Employment or work-related activities.
  • Appointments with your Personal Adviser.
  • Other important appointments linked to your Pathway Plan.

Our aim is to remove barriers that may make it difficult for you to attend education, training, employment or important appointments.

Access to the Internet

We know that having access to the internet is essential for everyday life. It can help you stay in touch with your Personal Adviser, access services, manage benefits, search for jobs, complete coursework, attend online appointments and keep connected with family and friends.

If you are a former relevant care-experienced young person aged 18 to 21, we can provide access to the internet through broadband or a dongle, depending on where you live and what is most suitable for your circumstances.Council Tax Exemption

As a former relevant care-experienced young person aged 18 to 25, you will be eligible for Council Tax Exemption.

Your Personal Adviser can support you with the application process and help make sure you receive the support you are entitled to.

If you live outside Stoke-on-Trent, we can also help arrange support with Council Tax where you are eligible and may ask you to provide a copy of your Council Tax bill.

If You Live Outside Stoke-on-Trent

If you live outside Stoke-on-Trent, we may ask you to send us your Council Tax bill so that we can arrange payment on your behalf where you are eligible for Council Tax support.

Emergency Financial Support

Your Personal Adviser will explain how to access emergency or urgent financial support if you find yourself in financial difficulty.

We understand that unexpected situations can happen, and we want to make sure you know where to get help when you need it.

Need Urgent Help?

If your Personal Adviser is unavailable and you need urgent advice or support, you can contact the Next Steps Service Duty Team.

Telephone: 01782 233575

Leaving Care Grant (Setting Up Home Allowance)

Setting Up Your First Home

Moving into your first home is a big step, and we want to help you create a safe and comfortable place to live.

As a care-experienced young person, you are entitled to a Leaving Care Grant of up to £3,000 to help you purchase the essential items you need to set up your first home.

Your Leaving Care Grant

The Leaving Care Grant is support that we must provide to help you move into and set up your first home.

The grant can be used to buy the essential items you need so that you can live independently and feel settled in your new home.

Support from Your Personal Adviser

Your Personal Adviser (PA) will work with you to plan how the grant is used.

They will help you make the best use of the funding and make sure you have the items you need to live independently.

Additional Support for Your New Home

We also work in partnership with Symmetrical Care Leavers Charity, who provide:

  • A cleaning pack.
  • An essential cupboard pack.

These items are designed to help you get started in your new home and make settling in a little easier.

Website: www.symmetricalnstaffs.org

Who Can Receive a Leaving Care Grant?

The Leaving Care Grant is available to Former Relevant care-experienced young people who are moving into their first independent home or tenancy.

If you are a Qualifying care-experienced young person, support may also be available depending on your individual circumstances and assessed needs. Your Personal Adviser will talk to you about what support you may be entitled to and whether assistance can be provided when you move into your own accommodation.

What is the grant for?

The grant is designed to help you buy the essential items needed to live independently. It is not a cash payment made directly to you. Instead, your Personal Adviser will work with you to identify what you need and help you purchase the items.

The grant can be used for essential household items such as:

Kitchen

  • Cooker
  • Washing machine
  • Fridge/freezer
  • Microwave
  • Kettle
  • Toaster
  • Cutlery
  • Crockery
  • Pans
  • Frying pan
  • Baking trays
  • Chopping board
  • Kitchen knives
  • Cooking utensils
  • Glasses
  • Tea towels
  • Sink drainer

Living Space

  • Sofa
  • Television
  • Appropriate storage

Bedroom

  • Bed and mattress
  • Bedroom storage
  • Bedding
  • Duvet and pillows

Bathroom

  • Storage
  • Bath mat
  • Toilet brush
  • Towels

Home Maintenance

  • Hoover
  • Flooring including carpets

How does it work?

Your Personal Adviser will meet with you to discuss the purpose of the Leaving Care Grant and help you plan what you need for your new home. They will provide a guide showing typical costs for household items to help you make the best use of your £3,000 budget.

Together, you will agree what items are needed and where they will be purchased. Items can be bought online or from local shops. Your Personal Adviser will arrange payment for the items directly, ensuring that the grant is used for its intended purpose.

What can't the grant be used for?

The Leaving Care Grant is intended for essential household items and cannot normally be used for non-essential or luxury items, some items include:

  • Games consoles
  • Music systems or speakers
  • Expensive photo frames
  • Throws and decorative cushions
  • Second televisions
  • Furnishing a second bedroom
  • Laptops or computers
  • Hair dryers, hair straighteners or similar personal appliances
  • Clothing
  • Driving lessons
  • Other non-essential items

If you are unsure whether something can be purchased using the grant, please speak to your Personal Adviser.

What if I don't spend the full amount?

If all of the £3,000 is not needed when you move into your first home, any remaining balance will be held on your behalf. You may be able to access the remaining funding up until your 25th birthday to replace essential household items that have broken, worn out or need replacing.

What If I Move Into Supported Accommodation First?

Many care leavers move into supported accommodation before moving into their own tenancy. If you move into supported accommodation, you may not need all of your Leaving Care Grant straight away because many supported accommodation providers already supply furniture, white goods, bedding, kitchen equipment, or other household items.

In these circumstances, your Leaving Care Grant will usually be held until you move into accommodation where you are responsible for furnishing and equipping your own home. This helps ensure that you have enough funding available when you need it most.

However, if there are essential items that are not provided by your supported accommodation and you need them to live safely and comfortably, your Personal Adviser may agree for part of the grant to be used at an earlier stage.

Your Personal Adviser will discuss your accommodation arrangements with you and explain:

  • What items are already provided by your accommodation provider.
  • What items you may need to purchase yourself.
  • Whether any of your Leaving Care Grant should be used whilst living in supported accommodation.
  • How much of the grant will be retained for when you move into your own tenancy or independent accommodation.

Our aim is to make sure you have the resources you need at each stage of your journey towards independence and that the full benefit of the grant is available when you are setting up your long-term home.

Compensation Payments and Legal Claims

If you may be entitled to compensation, such as through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) or a legal settlement, your Social Worker or Personal Adviser (PA) can help you access the right information, advice and support. They can help you understand the process, make referrals to specialist services or legal advisers where appropriate, and ensure that any compensation or settlement is considered as part of your Pathway Plan and future financial planning

Junior ISA (Junior Individual Savings Account)

If you have been in care for 12 months or more, you should have  a Junior ISA (Individual Savings Account). A Junior ISA is a savings account set up by the Government to help children in care have some money available to them when they become adults.

Children and young people who have been looked after continuously for at least 12 months and who are not eligible for a Child Trust Fund will usually receive a £200 Government contribution paid into a Junior ISA on their behalf. The money belongs to you, but you cannot normally access it until you turn 18 years old.

When you turn 18, the Junior ISA becomes an adult savings account, and you can decide how you would like to use the money. The amount available may be more than £200, as savings can grow over time.

If you are not sure whether you have a Junior ISA, speak to your Social Worker or Personal Adviser. They can help you check if an account has been opened for you, find out who manages it and support you to access your savings when you turn 18. If needed, they can also help you contact the Share Foundation, which supports many care experienced young people with their Junior ISA accounts.

If you are 18 or over and do not know where your Junior ISA account is held, you can contact the Share Foundation directly for advice and support. The Share Foundation manages Junior ISA accounts for many children and young people in care and can help trace lost accounts and explain how to access your savings.

Share Foundation

Benefits and Financial Support

We know that understanding benefits, money and paying bills can sometimes feel confusing. Your Personal Adviser  will help you understand what financial support you may be entitled to and support you to access it.

Universal Credit

If you are aged 18 or over and on a low income, unemployed, unable to work, or working and earning a low wage, you may be eligible to claim Universal Credit. Universal Credit is a monthly payment that can help with your living costs and, if you rent your home, includes a housing element to help pay your rent.

Your Personal Adviser can help you:

  • Make a Universal Credit application.
  • Set up and manage your online Universal Credit Journal.
  • Understand what information you need to provide.
  • Attend important appointments.
  • Build a positive relationship with your Work Coach.
  • Report changes in your circumstances.
  • Understand your claimant commitments.

Your Universal Credit Journal is an online account used to communicate with your Work Coach, receive messages, upload evidence and manage your claim. It is important that you regularly check your journal and respond to any requests.

Financial Support Whilst Your Universal Credit Claim Is Being Processed

We understand  when make a new Universal Credit claim, there is usually a waiting period before you receive your first payment. We do not want you to be left without money during this time.

We will provide financial support equivalent to the Universal Credit entitlement you are expected to receive whilst your claim is being processed. This support is intended to help you pay for essential day-to-day living costs, including food, toiletries, travel, utilities and other necessities until your first Universal Credit payment is received.

Once your Universal Credit payments begin, your Personal Adviser will continue to support you to understand your award, manage your money, and make sure you are receiving all the benefits and financial support you are entitled to.  Your Personal Adviser can aslo support you to attend appointments and build a positive relationship with your Work Coach.

Benefit Sanctions

It is important that you attend appointments and complete any actions agreed with your Work Coach. If you do not, your benefits may be reduced. This is known as a sanction.

If you are having difficulties attending appointments or receive a sanction, your PA will help you understand what has happened, work with you and your Work Coach to resolve any issues, and support you to get your claim back on track.

You can apply for Universal Credit online at: https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit

Additional Support and Advice

Jobcentre Plus can help you with benefit claims, finding employment, accessing training opportunities, preparing for interviews and moving into work.

 Universal Credit Helpline: 0800 328 5644
 https://www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus

Citizens Advice Staffordshire North and Stoke-on-Trent

Citizens Advice offers free and confidential advice on benefits, debt, budgeting, housing, energy bills, and money management. They can also help challenge benefit decisions and support you with appeals.

Welfare Rights and Money Advice Services

If you need help understanding benefits, managing debt, maximising your income or appealing benefit decisions, specialist advisers can provide support.

Money Matters money@saltbox.org.uk
 www.communitymoneyadvice.com/centre/money-matters

Citizens Advice Money Advice Team  01782 408625 (leave a message and a debt adviser will call you back) https://www.stoke.gov.uk/helpisathand

Education and Training Support

If you are studying at college, university, undertaking an apprenticeship, or attending training courses, you may be entitled to bursaries, grants, travel support, equipment, or assistance with accommodation costs. Your PA will help you understand what funding is available and support you to apply.

Higher Education Bursary

If you progress to university, you will be entitled to a Higher Education Bursary and additional financial support from both Stoke-on-Trent City Council and your university. Your PA can help you access this funding and support you throughout your studies.

Travel Pass

We understand that travel can be expensive, especially when you are attending education, training, work, appointments, or meeting with professionals who support you.

To help you remain connected to opportunities and services, we will provide eligible care leavers with a free bus pass up to the age of 21. This can be used to support you in accessing education, employment, training, appointments, and other activities that promote your independence and wellbeing.

In some circumstances, we may also be able to provide additional support with travel costs relating to:

  • Education, training, or apprenticeships.
  • Employment and job interviews.
  • Essential health appointments.
  • Contact with family or people important to you.
  • Moving into accommodation.

Your Personal Adviser will discuss your travel needs with you and help you access any travel support that you may be entitled to. Our aim is to make sure that the cost of travel does not prevent you from achieving your goals, maintaining important relationships, or accessing the support you need.

Free Internet Access

We know that having access to the internet is important for education, training, employment, managing your finances, accessing services and staying connected with the people who matter to you.

If you are aged 18 to 21, we will provide support to help you access the internet free of charge. Depending on where you live and the type of accommodation you are in, this may be through:

  • Broadband internet installed in your accommodation; or
  • A mobile internet dongle with data access.

Your Personal Adviser will discuss the options available to you and help arrange the most suitable solution based on your accommodation and individual circumstances.

Our aim is to make sure that you can stay connected, access opportunities, complete coursework or job applications, manage appointments and keep in touch with your support networks.

Stoke Care Leavers | Freedom Fibre

Council Tax Support

If you are a Former Relevant Care Leaver, we will ensure that you do not have to pay Council Tax until your 25th birthday, even if you live outside of the Stoke-on-Trent area.

If you live on your own, we will cover your Council Tax liability up to the age of 25. If you live with another person and a Council Tax charge is due, we will pay your  share of the Council Tax bill. Your Personal Adviser (PA) will help you understand what support is available, assist you in applying for any exemptions, discounts, or reductions, and work with the local authority to make sure the correct arrangements are in place.

Help With Your First Utility Bills

We know that moving into your first tenancy can be expensive, and there are lots of new bills and responsibilities to manage. To help you settle into your new home, we will provide a £20 gas top-up and a £20 electricity top-up when you move into your first tenancy.

This support is intended to help you get started in your new home and make sure you have access to heating, hot water, lighting, and other essential utilities from the day you move in.

Your Personal Adviser (PA) will arrange this support with you and can also help you:

  • Set up your gas and electricity accounts.
  • Understand how utility bills work.
  • Compare tariffs and suppliers.
  • Budget for ongoing household costs.
  • Access additional support if you are struggling with fuel costs.

Help With Your Water Bills

If you are living independently, you may be able to get a discount on your water bill through Severn Trent Water's Big Difference Scheme. This scheme can reduce the amount you pay for water and is available to eligible care leavers up to the age of 25 living in Stoke-on-Trent.

Your Personal Adviser can:

  • Help you set up your water account.
  • Support you to apply for the discount.
  • Explain your water bills and payment options.
  • Help you access other financial support if you are struggling with household costs.

Severn Trent Water Big Difference Scheme: https://www.stwater.co.uk/help-and-contact/help-with-paying-your-bill/big-difference-scheme/

Disability-Related Benefits

If you have a disability, long-term health condition, learning difficulty or mental health need, you may be entitled to additional financial support.

One of the most common benefits is Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which helps with the additional costs associated with a disability or health condition. You do not need to be working to claim PIP.

Further information about PIP can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/pip

Your Personal Adviser can help you:

  • Understand whether you may be eligible.
  • Request application forms.
  • Complete claim forms.
  • Gather supporting evidence.
  • Prepare for assessments.
  • Request mandatory reconsiderations or appeals if required.

Additional support with PIP applications may also be available from:

  • Citizens Advice
  • Disability Solutions
  • Welfare Rights Services
  • Health professionals involved in your care
  • Advocacy and specialist support organisations

Housing-Related Financial Support

Having safe and suitable accommodation is important. We have two specialist Housing Officers who work closely with Personal Advisers, Housing Services and accommodation providers to help care-experienced young people access and maintain suitable accommodation.

Support may include:

  • Help applying for accommodation.
  • Assistance with rent costs through Universal Credit or Housing Benefit where eligible.
  • Help with tenancy deposits.
  • Support understanding tenancy agreements.
  • Advice about utility bills and household costs.
  • Support to prevent tenancy breakdown.
  • Help accessing emergency housing support when needed.

Your Personal Adviser  and the care experienced Housing worker will work together to make sure you receive all the housing-related financial support and advice you are entitled to.

If You Need Urgent Help

We understand that unexpected situations can happen, and sometimes you may need help straight away.

If you are struggling with things like:

  • Having no food.
  • Having no heating or electricity.
  • Being unable to afford essential travel.
  • Another unexpected emergency.

Please contact your Personal Adviser (PA) as soon as possible.

What Help Is Available?

The Next Steps Service may be able to provide emergency financial support to help with immediate needs and prevent a situation from getting worse.

This may include support with:

  • Essential food.
  • Gas, electricity or other utilities.
  • Emergency travel.
  • Other urgent living costs.

How We Will Support You

Your Personal Adviser will talk through your situation with you, look at any other support that may be available, and agree the most appropriate help based on your individual circumstances.

We know that asking for help can sometimes feel difficult, but we would much rather you contact us early so we can support you before things become a bigger problem.

Longer-Term Financial Support

If you are experiencing ongoing financial difficulties, your Personal Adviser can also help you access:

  • Benefits.
  • Welfare assistance schemes.
  • Charitable grants.
  • Budgeting support.
  • Other organisations that can provide advice and assistance.

Extra Help When You Need It

If you are struggling financially, there are a number of organisations in Stoke-on-Trent that can provide advice, emergency support, food assistance, fuel vouchers, debt advice, and help accessing grants. Your Personal Adviser (PA) can help you contact these services and complete any applications.

Citizens Advice Staffordshire North and Stoke-on-Trent

Citizens Advice can help with benefits, debt, budgeting, housing issues, energy bills, and understanding your financial entitlements. They can also support you if you are struggling with household costs or need help managing debt.

  •  0808 278 7876
  • info@canscharity.org.uk
  • www.casns.org.uk
  • Mitchell House, Town Road, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 2QA

Stoke-on-Trent Foodbank

If you are struggling to afford food, you may be able to access support through the local Foodbank. Your PA can help you obtain a referral if required.

YMCA Community Pantry

The YMCA Community Pantry provides low-cost food and household essentials to help stretch your budget and reduce food costs. https://ymcans.org.uk

Money Matters

Money Matters provides free and confidential advice on debt, benefits, budgeting, and managing finances. They can help if you are worried about debts, bills, or your income.

Beat the Cold

Beat the Cold can help if you are struggling with heating costs, fuel bills, or keeping your home warm. They offer energy advice and may be able to help you access support schemes.

Groundwork Green Doctor Service

Groundwork may be able to provide energy advice and, in some circumstances, access to fuel vouchers or support with reducing energy costs.

 

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