Local Offer for Care Leavers

This is the guide that all local authorities are required to provide you with. It contains information about the services and support that Care Leavers are entitled to and able to access within their local authority.

We will update this information regularly as new services and entitlements are agreed.

Goal 6: Manage Your Money

Money is important for your life and dreams. We want to help you learn how to manage your money well and make good choices. Here are some ways we can help:

  • National Insurance and Bank Account: By the time you turn 18, we will help you get your own National Insurance Number and bank account.
  • Savings: You will get access to the savings we made for you while you were in care and under 18.
  • Post-18 Finances: Your Social Worker or Personal Advisor will help you sort out your financial situation after you turn 18. 
  • Benefits: After you turn 18, you will need to pay for or help pay for the cost of your accommodation and your daily expenses. If you can get public funds, your Social Worker or Personal Advisor will help you apply for the benefits you are entitled to.
  • Support While Waiting: We will support you financially for up to 8 weeks while your benefits claim is being processed.
  • Hardship Payments: We will help you understand how to get hardship payments from the Job Centre if you need them.
  • No Public Funds: If you can’t get public funds because of your immigration status, we will support you financially while we make a plan for you.
  • Working: If you are working, we will help you find out what benefits you can get if you have a low income or a “zero-hour contract.”
  • Money Management: You can join online courses and workshops to learn how to manage your money. We will also tell you about services that can help if you have debt.
  • Financial Help: Enfield Care Leavers Team will help you with money in different ways depending on your age and situation.
  • Emergency Support: We can give you limited financial support in emergencies or special situations. These payments won’t be regular and might change.
  • Ask for Help: If you are unsure about your financial rights or extra support, always ask your Social Worker, Personal Advisor or our Duty Support Service.
  • Online Information: The online version of this offer on the Enfield Care Leavers website has a “Table of Allowances” section that shows all your financial rights and is kept up to date.
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