Managing your money
We know that managing your money can be challenging, so we will help you to:
- access financial advice via Citizens Advice or the Money Advice Centre
- open a bank account
- get identification - provisional driving licence or a passport
- claim benefits
- get your national insurance number if you don’t have or know it
- deal with any emergencies - we are here to help if you get into difficulty
- if you are eligible, we will set up your home grant for purchasing items, such as furniture or decorating
- access grants, discounts and funding that you are eligible for
- manage health costs, such as dental care or glasses. If you are struggling, please speak to your leaving care worker as we can help you.
- you are entitled to free prescriptions up to the age of 25. Visit this site for more details and to apply directly or speak to your leaving care worker who will support you applying and getting access to the scheme.
- access council tax relief, across Lincolnshire care leavers are exempt from paying council tax until the age of 25
Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to:
You will have a Child Trust Fund or Junior ISA bank account from when you were in care. It is money paid in by the Government and us.
You can access it when you turn 18 and either:
- leave it where it is
- take it out
- transfer it to another bank account
Your social worker or leaving care worker can tell you more about how to access your account.
Universal credit and benefits
Lincolnshire has an agreement in place with the Department for Work and Pensions. We will jointly aim to support you to access the benefits you might need whilst you seek employment or training. We will also aim to make sure no care leavers face sanctions. There is a protocol in place, if you want to know more, speak to your leaving care worker.
Rent gap
If you are a young person who has left the care of Lincolnshire County Council and you are struggling to cover the gap between your income and the cost of rent and supported living, speak to your leaving care worker as help may be available. You may be eligible for a short period of discretionary additional funding to help meet you the costs of living in supported housing. Speak to your leaving care worker for more information.
Acting as a guarantor
Your district council may be able to act as a guarantor, speak to your leaving care worker about this and we will explore it with you.
Supporting at college or other education programmes
We will help you receive the financial support you are entitled to at school or college. Depending on your age, type of course and other circumstances, we will help with:
- registration and exam fees
- textbooks and software specified as essential
- activities essential to meet course requirements
- public transport between home and place of learning
- transport to open days and interviews
- specific clothing, such as for interview or course equipment
If you are 18 or 19 and in full-time education, you may be entitled to the 16 to 19 bursary fund. Care leavers are a priority group for this funding.
If you are 20 or over, we can help you to explore other funding options available to you.
Supporting you at university
Your leaving care worker will help you to apply and prepare for university. We will continue to support you throughout your course if you wish.
We can work with you to ensure you have accommodation, transport, equipment and financial support. We can also help you to apply for any care leaver grants or bursaries that may be available to you at your university.
Supporting you whilst finding a job
If you are actively looking for work, you can get free broadband and unlimited data
Further help
You will get a small monetary gift for your birthday and your main religious festival.
Young parents may be entitled to help with childcare costs.
See our leaving care and looked after children finance handbook for more in depth details