The allowances below are for young people leaving care. Allowances may be different if you're still in care.
We may be able to get money to help you get to job interviews and buy clothes for an interview. Ask your social worker for more information.
Depending on your current income, you can get up to £69.31 a week maintenance and clothing allowance, if you're:
- studying
- in unpaid training
- looking for a job
- or volunteering.
You must be engaged with children’s services to get LCMA. Your worker can buy the clothes for you or just give you the cash when you meet with them.
If you're interested in a specific activity, let your worker know. As long as it's appropriate, you could get up to £10 a week to take part.
You'll have to be able to pay for it yourself once you're 18.
You can ask your worker to contact the activity organisers and come along to your first session, if you'd like.
You can also get £5 a year from your local council's passport to leisure scheme.
If you're engaged with children's services, on your 17th and 18th birthdays you'll get either £100 cash, a voucher or a gift. Your worker will ask what you'd prefer.
If you're engaged with children's services, when you're 16 and 17 you'll get £100 festival allowance at Christmas or another date if you'd prefer. You can have this as cash, a voucher or a gift. Your worker will ask what you'd prefer.
Sick, disabled or lone parents can claim some benefits.
Your worker or a broker can help you complete the benefit application forms. If you're invited to any benefit appointments, make sure you attend.
Contact allowance -16 and 17 year olds will get £5 phone credit per week to contact family members.