Money and help with finances (Care Leavers)

Managing your finances is an important skill when living independently. There are budget planner tools available to help you track your income and expenditure. Make sure to regularly review your spending and adjust your budget as needed.

You can also ask your Personal Advisor for help with reviewing your budget and managing your money effectively.

Budget planner tools:

• Budget planner tool on the Government's Money Helper website
• Budget planner tool on the Money Saving Expert website

There are many resources available to support you as you move into your first home, go to university, or explore other opportunities:

• Student Finance England - for information on loans, grants, and paying for university

• Shelter England - housing advice and guidance on renting and setting up your first home

• Mencap - for those with learning disabilities or difficulties, Mencap provides helpful advice and resources

These resources are here to help you make important financial decisions and successfully navigate life’s transitions. Your Personal Advisor is also available to support you through any challenges you may face along the way.

We may also be able to help with funding for Care Leavers starting university or moving into their first home. Visit the following pages for more information:

• Accommodation (your home)
• Education, employment and training

Managing debt can be stressful. There is support available to help you regain control. It's important to address any debt early on and explore your options to prevent it from becoming overwhelming.

In this section, you'll find advice on how to manage debt, seek support, and access the resources that can help.

• Government Breathing Space Scheme - residents of England and Wales can get temporary protection from credits for up to 60 days while getting a debt advice and making a plan for how to repay. 
• Debt Advice Foundation - offers free, confidential advice on managing debt - 0800 043 40 50
• National Debtline - offers free debt advice and guidance
• How Are You Peterborough - provides information on debt and money management advice help you can get locally in Peterborough

Up to the age of 21, Care Leavers can receive:

• £50 for each birthday (ages 18, 19, 20)
• £100 for 21st birthday

Additionally, a festival allowance of £50 is available for Care Leavers aged 17 to 21 to support the celebration of religious or cultural festivals such as Eid or Christmas.

To access this money, please contact your Personal Advisor or the Leaving Care Team.

Email: LeavingCare@peterborough.gov.uk.

If you have been in education, employment or training for at least six months, you can get support with the cost of learning to drive - up to £585 in total.

This includes:

• £23 for your theory test
• £62 for your practical test
• £500 for 10 driving lessons (paid as a block)

(Prices correct as of March 2025).

Driving can be a great step towards getting a job or becoming more independent. If this is part of your goals, your Personal Advisor can help you apply for this support. It must be included in your Pathway Plan for you to be eligible.

In order to be eligible for the offer, we will look at:

• Why driving is important for your future plans
• If it’s affordable and makes sense for where you live

Care Leavers up to the age of 25 who need a bicycle for travel to work or education can receive up to £200 towards the purchase of a bicycle, helmet and lock. This offer is available on a needs basis. Please speak to your Personal Advisor for information.

Visit our Care Leavers health and wellbeing page to find out about:

• Financial support for NHS prescription costs
• Free gym pass
• Free therapy and counselling
• Free contraception
• NHS entitlements for free prescriptions, dental treatment and eye tests

You can also discuss with your Personal Advisor.

Visit the Care Leavers home and accommodation page to find information on support you may receive such as:

• Council tax discount
• Help with the deposit for your first property and / or the cost of your first month's rent
• Rent guarantor support
• First shop of essential items
• Luggage for your move
• Tenancy Ready Course (covers topics such as living costs and budgeting)
• Payment of first TV licence
• Cost of van / car hire
• Setting Up Home Allowance (SUHA)

You can also contact your Personal Advisor for information and to access the support.

Visit our Care Leavers education, employment and training page to find information on:

• Bursaries
• Help with travel costs
• Help with accommodation costs
• Money for buying materials and equipment relevant to your course
• Funding towards an accredited qualification

You can also speak to your Personal Advisor for information and to access this support.

Visit our Care Leavers digital skills and devices page to find out information on:

• Help with the cost of buying a mobile phone
• Getting a free phone case
• Getting a free 12-month data SIM card
• Applying for a laptop or tablet

You can also speak to your Personal Advisor for information and to access these offers.

Your Personal Advisor can support you with:

• Clothing allowances - for job interviews, work-related clothing or special occasions

• Support with the cost of obtaining two forms of ID - e.g. passport, provisional driving licence, or birth certificate

As a Care Leaver, you may be entitled to certain welfare benefits from the Government such as:

• Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Housing Benefit
• Income Support

Visit the Government's Money Helper website to find out what benefits you’re entitled to and how to claim them.

You can also visit our own benefits and cost of living pages.

Visit our cost of living support page where you can find information on getting help with food, energy bills, furniture and essential items.

Your Personal Advisor can support you with:

• Hardship / contingency fund - for small, one-off costs related to social and community activities, travel and bills
  
  
• Foodbank referral - if needed, we can refer you to the Trussell Trust Foodbank network for temporary food support