Money Matters

You are entitled to support to successfully manage your finances. Learning how to manage your money is an important part of living on your own. Your personal adviser will help you understand how to do this.

• We will support you with a personal allowance for up to six weeks whilst your claim for benefits is being processed. If you are unable to claim benefits, then we’ll support you for longer whilst we establish what you are entitled to
• We will put £10 a week into savings for you from 16-18 years of age
• We will provide you with advice on managing money and bills and can help you to draw up a budget
• We will support you to get a form of identification (ID) such as a passport, or a provisional driving licence and to apply for a National Insurance number
• We will help you to open a bank account (if you are eligible to hold one)
• We will support you in emergencies with hardship assistance if necessary

Benefits, grants or bursaries

Benefits are payments from the government that you claim through Jobcentre Plus. Every Jobcentre Plus in Southwark has a single point of contact (also known as a Care Leaver lead). These are advisers who offer support to care leavers, such as helping you find employment and help with any benefit problems.

Your personal adviser will have the contact details for the relevant Care Leaver lead in your area. Also, ask your personal adviser about advance claims for care leavers.

A Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Benefits Advisor attends at Talfourd Place every Monday. You can book a session through your personal advisor. The DWP advisor provides free and confidential advice to make sure that you are claiming all of the benefits you are entitled to. They also provide advice and guidance on appealing a benefits decision.

Grants or bursaries are one-off payments you can apply for, usually to help pay for things like education courses. There are a number of organisations or charities that give grants to young people, some specifically for care leavers. Ask your personal adviser for more information.

We will also provide financial support for:

• Education, employment and training – such as course equipment, or the 16-19 Further Education (FE) Bursary and Higher Education (HE) Bursary
• Accommodation – like the setting up home allowance to help you buy essential things when moving into your own home, support with bond and deposit
• Emergencies (exceptional financial support)

Speak to your personal adviser if you have any questions about what you are entitled to.

Debt Advice

If you are struggling with your finances, don’t worry or wait till things get worse. Get in touch with your personal advisor. We won’t be able to completely resolve all issues but we will advocate for you to reduce the risk of further debt.

You can also get free and impartial advice straight away from the Money Advice Service via web chat or call 0800 138 7777

Go to the support section now for a list of organisations, websites or apps that can provide further information and advice on money matters.

FREE or Discounted services for care leavers and young people

Free transport for 16-19-year-olds in college

https://www.southwark.gov.uk/schools-and-education/information-for-parents/financial-support/travel-assistance

Discounted travel for 18+ in education

https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/free-and-discounted-travel/18-plus-student-oyster-photocard?intcmp=54727

Save 30% on adult-rate

https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/free-and-discounted-travel/national-railcard-discount

https://www.26-30railcard.co.uk/

Free gym and Swim in Southwark Download the form to apply here

Further Support

Please click here to see the map for support services near you