We’re here to help you feel secure and become financially independent. We understand this journey can take time, and we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way.
Our Support Services
We offer a range of services to assist you with your financial journey:
- Budgeting Help: Learn how to manage your money effectively.
- Money Management Courses: Get access to courses that teach you about budgeting and protecting your credit rating.
- Junior ISA Access: Support to access your Junior ISA funds.
- Bank Account Setup: Assistance with opening a bank account.
- Identification Documents: Help in obtaining essential documents like a passport or provisional driving license.
- National Insurance Number: Support to get your National Insurance number.
- Emergency Financial Aid: Exceptional support for financial emergencies.
- Grants for Care Leavers: Help accessing financial grants available to care leavers.
Important: Keep all your important documents safe. We cannot fund replacements if they are lost.
Financial Support for Young People Leaving Care
We have a comprehensive financial support package for young people leaving care, which is detailed in our Leaving Care Financial Policy.
Manchester Leaving Care Financial Entitlements
- Money Management Advice: Guidance on managing your finances and budgeting for education, employment, and independent living.
- Maintenance Allowance: Receive £58.90 per week if you are 16 or 17 years old, or a relevant care leaver living independently or semi-independently.
- Clothing Allowance: For 16 and 17-year-olds living in semi-independent accommodation.
- Benefits Support: Assistance in claiming eligible benefits up to six weeks before your 18th birthday if you are in education or have a low income. Bridging payments may be available.
- Incentives for Education or Training: If you're in further education, a traineeship, or an apprenticeship, you could receive £10 to £30 per week.
Higher Education Support
If you’re planning to attend university, you may be eligible for financial support until you are 25. This support can include:
- Accommodation Costs: Help with living expenses.
- Personal Needs Allowance: Funds for your personal needs.
- Incentive Allowance: Additional financial support.
Please talk to your Personal Advisor (PA) about budgeting and these payments.
Additional Financial Support
- Corporate Parenting Allowance: Funds for birthday celebrations and religious festivals. Be sure to discuss this with your PA and include it in your Pathway Plan.
- Support for Care Leavers in Custody: £5 per week for some care leavers who are in custody or on remand, plus help storing your belongings and accessing other financial support.
- Emergency Financial Support: Available in exceptional circumstances.
Maternity Grant
If you have a baby, you can apply for a Maternity Grant to purchase essential items for your newborn. You can apply up to 11 weeks before your due date or within three months after your baby is born. Your PA can assist you with this.
You will also receive additional funds through your first home grant to buy essential items like:
- Cot
- Bedding
- Buggy
Tip: Consider looking for good-quality second-hand items; you don’t have to buy everything new! If possible, try to save some of your Maternity Grant for when your baby grows and you need larger clothing, safety equipment, or toys.