Money and Finances

The financial support available to you will depend on:

• Your age

• Your Care Leaver status

• Where you live

• Whether you are in education, training or employment

• Your individual circumstances

Everyone's situation is different, so it is always worth speaking to your Personal Advisor about the support that may be available to you.

Managing your own money can feel daunting at first, but it's a skill that develops over time.

Your Personal Advisor can help you learn how to:

• Create a budget

• Manage rent and bills

• Plan your spending

• Save money

• Avoid debt

• Understand benefits and entitlements

Building these skills now can help you feel more confident and prepared for adult life.

As a care leaver, you may receive financial support to celebrate important milestones.

Support is available for:

• 18th Birthday

• 19th Birthday

• 20th Birthday

• 21st Birthday

There is also support available for Christmas or significant religious festivals that are important to you.

Moving into your first home is an exciting milestone.

Wirral's Leaving Care Service provides a First Home Grant of up to £3,000 to help eligible care leavers purchase essential items needed to set up their home.

This may include things such as:

• A bed and bedding

• Wardrobe and storage

• Sofa

• Table and chairs

• Fridge freezer

• Washing machine

• Cooker

• Microwave

• Kitchen equipment

• Curtains and carpets

• Household essentials

Your Personal Advisor will help you access your First Home Grant and purchase the items you need to create a safe and comfortable home.

Learning to drive can improve independence and open up employment opportunities.

Eligible care leavers may be able to access support towards:

• A provisional driving licence

• One theory test

• One practical driving test

• Driving lessons

Support is available up to £475, subject to eligibility and engagement in education, employment or training.

If you decide to go to university, additional support is available to help you succeed.

This includes:

Higher Education Bursary

A Higher Education Bursary of up to £2,000 may be available and is usually spread across the duration of your course.

Laptop Support

Up to £500 may be available towards a laptop to support your studies.

Travel Support

Support is available for travel to and from university at the start and end of each term.

Holiday Accommodation Support

If you need accommodation during university holidays, support may be available.

Young people returning to former carers during holiday periods may receive additional support towards accommodation costs.

Graduation Award

Graduating is a huge achievement.

To recognise this milestone, care leavers may receive a graduation gift when they successfully complete their degree.

If you are a care leaver living in Wirral, you do not need to pay Wirral Council Tax until your 25th birthday.

This can make a significant difference to your monthly outgoings and help you focus on establishing your independence.

Some care experienced young people may have an Individual Savings Account (ISA) that was set up for them while they were in care.

If you think you may have an ISA, speak to your Personal Advisor who can help you access information about your account.

If you are becoming a parent, additional support may be available.

A maternity grant may be available to help purchase essential items for your baby. This support is available to both mothers and fathers and should be discussed with your Personal Advisor.

Sometimes unexpected things happen and money can become difficult.

If you are struggling financially, support may be available.

This can include:

• Access to Our Shop

• Household Support Fund assistance

• Fuel support schemes

• Emergency financial assistance in exceptional circumstances

If you are worried about money, speak to your Personal Advisor as soon as possible. The sooner support is requested, the more options may be available.

Access to technology is important for education, employment and staying connected.

Support available may include:

• Access to computers at Our Space

• Free Wi-Fi access

• Data SIM cards in some circumstances

• Laptop support for university students

If you are struggling to get online, speak to your Personal Advisor.

Everyone struggles with money from time to time.

The important thing is asking for help early.

Whether you're worried about rent, bills, food, benefits, debt or budgeting, your Personal Advisor can help you understand your options and access the support available.

You don't have to manage financial difficulties on your own.