As a care leaver you are entitled to the following financial support:
- Living allowance if you are 16/17 years old (eligible care leaver) and living in semi-independent /supported accommodation
- Living allowance and accommodation costs if you are an unaccompanied asylum-seeking child/or a former unaccompanied child and your asylum claim has not yet been settled and you have no recourse to public funds
- Birthday /festival payment if you are aged 16/17
- Setting up home allowance of £3000 is available to all former relevant young people
- Fund you to purchase a passport or a driving licence
- Higher Education Bursary of £2000, please see Your Education and Employment
Council Tax Exemption
- If you are 18 years old you will need to register for Council Tax, your Personal Advisor can support you to register, it is important that they are aware you are care leaver and that you claim any discount available to you such as Council Tax Reduction and Single Person Discount or Student Exemption.
- Nottingham City Council offers a Council Tax Exemption Scheme to all care leavers up to the age of 20 if you live in the boundary of Nottingham City. Your Personal Advisor will support you to apply for the Council Tax Exemption Scheme.
The Big Difference Scheme – Severn Trent Water
- When moving into independent living, Nottingham City will have direct access to reduced water bills through Severn Trent water.
- The Big Difference Scheme will offer a reduction of water bills to all our young people who are required to pay a water rate. This will be a 70% reduction in water bills. Unlike other applicants Nottingham City care leavers will not be required to make an application or show proof of income or household bills but will be automatically given the discounted rate for their new or existing home. The scheme will run until your 25 birthday when it will be re assessed to see if you may still require the reduced rate.
Robin Hood Network Transport Scheme
- If you are engaging in a programme of education or employment that is over 12 hours per week, you may be eligible for a Robin Hood Travel Pass which enables you to travel for free across the Robin Hood Network. Please speak to your Personal Advisor for more information.