Money and financial support for care leavers

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If you have questions, ask your personal adviser (PA). They are here to help.

Page contents

• Moving out
• Universal credit
• Support if you are in education
• Support if you are in employment
• Public transport
• Council tax relief
• Driving lessons
• Helpful resources

Moving out

Moving into your own home can be hard. You may need help with rent, bills, and buying things for your home. Some homes have furniture, some do not. Your PA can help you get what you need. For money help, see the accommodation page.

Universal credit

When you turn 18, we encourage you to be in education, training, or work. This gives you more choices and chances later.

If you are not, you can apply for Universal Credit. Your PA can help you apply before your 18th birthday. We will give you money for the first 4 weeks while you wait for your payment.

You may get Universal Credit if:

• you are out of work, between jobs, or on a low income
• you are 18 or older (sometimes 16 or 17, ask your PA)
• you and your partner have less than £16,000 in savings

Support in education

You may get help if you are in full-time education, university, or an apprenticeship.

Further education

Further education is any study or training that takes place once you leave school, but before university.

• Laptop: Ask your PA for help to apply for a bursary or grant. If you don’t qualify, you may use up to £300 from your Setting Up Home Allowance (SHA).
• Educational trips: Up to £100 per year if needed for your course.
• Specialist equipment or books: Up to £100 if you cannot get help elsewhere. If you need more than £100, speak to your PA
• Clothing: Up to £130 for specialist or essential clothes.
• Internet: Up to £20 per month if you need it for your studies. See cheaper internet deals if you are on benefits.

Higher education (university)

• Bursary: £2,000 over 3 years.
• Independent Living Allowance: This is based on universal credit rates. Half the allowance while at university.
• Educational trips: Up to £100 if needed for your course.
• Specialist equipment or books: You can get up to £100 if you cannot get help elsewhere. If you need more than £100, please speak to your PA
• Accommodation: You pay your rent during term time from your Student Loan. The local authority pays your rent in the summer holiday.
• Internet: Up to £20 per month if you need it. You may be able to get cheaper internet deals.

Apprenticeships

• Laptop: Ask your PA about a bursary or grant. If you don’t qualify, you may use up to £300 from your Setting Up Home Allowance (SHA).
• Travel: Help with travel to your learning place.
• Childcare: your PA can help you apply for the Care to Learn
• See apprenticeship support

Your PA can also help you apply to the Community Foundation for Surrey for extra costs.

Support in work

You get help for the first 4 weeks. Your PA can help you find discounts, like the 16 to 25 railcard. This costs £30 a year, or £70 for 3 years and will save you a third on train fares.

Public transport

Surrey LINK card

• Free for ages 5 to 20. Half-price bus travel in Surrey.
• You need a passport photo and proof of age if over 16.
• Apply up to 28 days before your 21st birthday. Your PA can help.

Apply for a Surrey LINK card

Surrey care leavers living in London

If you live in London, you can get a Care Leaver Oyster photocard. This gives you 50% off bus and tram fares.

Your PA can help you apply with support from the London Borough you live in.

Council tax relief

You are a care leaver if:

• you were in care for at least 13 weeks after you turned 14
• you were still in care on your 16th birthday
• Surrey County Council looked after you until you left care

If you live in Surrey, you do not pay council tax until your 25th birthday.

If you live outside Surrey from 1 April 2025, you get 75% to 100% off council tax until your 25th birthday. The exact amount depends on your living arrangements.

If other adults live with you, they may still need to pay some council tax.

Apply for council tax help

To apply, fill in a form from your district or borough council.

If you live outside Surrey, give your PA a copy of your council tax bill. They will help you apply for the discount.

If you have questions, email duty.deskleavingcare@surreycc.gov.uk.

Driving lessons

You can get help with learning to drive. Speak to your PA.

You may get help with:

• one provisional licence
• one theory test
• one driving test
• 5 driving lessons (if you pay for 5 yourself and show receipts)
• free AA Driving Theory Test App

You should be in education, training, or work, or learning to drive should help you get there.

More help and money advice

Cost of living support - Help with utility bills, energy costs and childcare.

Household support fund - Help with food, fuel, water and essential items.

Welfare Support Hub - Advice on money, health and wellbeing.

Crisis and Resilience Fund - Emergency help with food, household items and travel

Citizens Advice - Guidance on grants and benefits to help pay your bills.

Surrey Family Information Service - Information on childcare, education and finance.

Surrey Young People's Fund - Grants up to £300 for education, training or work.

Capstone Care Leavers Trust - Grants for education, training, travel, driving lessons and household goods.

Open University MoneySavingExpert Academy of Money - Free online course on managing money.

Barclays Life Skills - Free lessons on money, bills, rent and avoiding scams. Guidance for leaving care - Barclays Life Skill

Young Enterprise Workshops - Help with money decisions when living independently.

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