1. Your money
When you are 18, you will be responsible for paying your own bills, how much you pay depends on whether you are in education, employment or looking for work.
We strive to become the best corporate parent we can be. That means helping you adapt to life outside of living in care and supporting you through the transition.
Financial support
There are many things we can do to help you access financial support.
We can help you with:
- Money management and budget training
- How to access your Junior ISA, if you have one (this is a fund of money set aside by the Government and the Council)
- ID documents (for example passports or provisional driving licence before your 18th birthday)
- University applications (see education section) (add in hyperlink once ‘education and work life’ section has been created)
- Allowance to set up home (more information below)
- Setting up a bank account
- Getting your National Insurance Number
- A financial gift on your 18th and 21st birthday, Christmas or other celebrations
- Weekly allowance
- If you are 16 and 17 years and you live in supported or semi-independence setting, you are entitled to a weekly allowance.
- If you are 16 and 17 years old and live in supported accommodation and your utilities are provided (gas, electric, water) an allowance is provided, but services costs for these utilities may be requested
- Learn more about the benefits system
Council Tax
As a care leaver you may be entitled to:
- Council Tax exemption. You will not have to pay Council Tax if you have been in care in Oldham and aged between 18 and 21 years (we are unable to provide Council Tax Exemption for anyone who is aged 21 and over).
- Or a reduction in council tax through Second Adult Rebate.
- Council Tax Benefit if you are not working or on a low income (if you have savings of over £16,000 you cannot normally get this benefit).
Benefits and Grants
When you are 18, you will be responsible for paying your own bills, how much you pay depends on whether you are in education, employment or looking for work.
- Access To Work Fund - gov.uk
- Carers Allowance - gov.uk
- (PIP) Personal Independence Payment - gov.uk
- Universal Credit - gov.uk
Organisations offering help
Websites and organisations you may find useful:
- Citizens Advice Bureau
- Oldham Credit Union (you must live or work in Oldham)
- Money Advice Service
- Christians Against Poverty
- MyBNK – financial education for young people
- National Debt Line
- Money Saving Expert
- Oldham Foodbank
- Bild
Contact
All your benefit entitlements will need to be confirmed with the Benefits Agency.
Your personal advisor is always available for advice and support and can be contacted on: