Southend care leaver local offer

Financial support

Learning to manage your money is an important part of becoming independent.

From age 16, your social worker and personal advisor will help you:

  • learn how to budget
  • understand bills and living costs
  • feel confident managing your money

Below are some of the ways we can help.

Leaving care grant

When you are ready to move into your own home, you can get:

  • up to £3,000 to help buy things like furniture and household items
  • help from your personal advisor to apply for the grant

Money for everyday living

If you cannot claim benefits when you turn 18, we may be able to help.

For example, if you are:

  • waiting for a Home Office decision
  • appealing an asylum decision

You may receive a weekly payment to help with everyday living costs.

Council Tax

If you are a care leaver:

  • you do not have to pay Council Tax in Southend until you are 21
  • if you live outside Southend, your Council Tax will be paid back to you until you are 21 (from 1 April 2026)

If you are 21 or older, we can help you apply for any Council Tax discounts you may be able to get.

Help with ID

As you move into adulthood it is important that you have different forms of ID.

We will cover the cost of one application each for:

  • adult passport
  • travel document
  • provisional driving licence
  • birth certificate

Going to university

If you go to university, you may be able to get extra support.

This includes:

  • £2,000 bursary over your course (paid in instalments)
  • help with rent during half term breaks (not summer holidays)
  • up to £150 each year for books and stationery (for up to 3 years)
  • a railcard to help you travel and stay in touch with family and your support workers

For more information, see the education, employment and training page.

Benefits

Your personal advisor can help you understand what benefits you can claim. We have a dedicated care leaver advisor who works at the local Job Centre who can also help you.

You can get help with:

  • applying for benefits
  • looking for work
  • understanding your money

You may be able to claim:

  • housing benefit to help pay your rent
  • universal credit to help with living costs
  • personal independence payment (PIP) if you have a long-term illness, disability or mental health condition

Your personal advisor will help you apply if you are eligible.

Useful links

Your savings

If you spent time in care, money may have been saved for you.

You can usually access these savings when you turn 18.

Speak to your social worker or personal advisor if you would like to access your money.

Birthdays and festival payments

If you are 16 or 17 and live in supported or semi-independent accommodation, you may receive:

  • £50 on your birthday
  • £50 to celebrate a festival you take part in, such as Christmas or Eid

If you are 18 to 21 and are supported by the leaving care team, you will receive £50 on your birthday each year until your 21st birthday.

Driving lessons

We want to help you become more independent. Depending on your circumstances, we may pay for up to 5 driving lessons.

To get this help, you will need to show that you have passed your driving theory test.

Help with budgeting and money

It can be hard to manage your money when you first live on your own. If you are finding it difficult, we are here to help.

Your personal advisor can support you with:

  • making a budget
  • managing your money
  • getting advice about debt
  • referring you to organisations like Citizens Advice

Budgeting Support

We offer:

  • regular money and budgeting workshops
  • a daily drop-in service if you need advice or support

Speak to your personal advisor or visit the leaving care home to find out more.

Extra help available

You may also be able to get support from other services, including:

If you are worried about money, speak to your personal advisor as soon as possible. They will help you find the right support.

Discounts, grants and extra support

As a care leaver, you may be able to get extra help, discounts and free services. Your personal advisor can help you apply for these.

Money and grants

You may be able to get extra money to help with everyday life, education or setting up your home.

These include:

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