Leaving Care - Grants

• Am I entitled to a Leaving Care Grant?
• How much will I get for my Leaving Care grant?
• Will I have to pay it back?
• What kind of things can I spend it on? Do I have to spend it on what my Personal Advisor says?
• Will my Personal Advisor come with me when I’m spending my grant?
• What other benefits and grants am I entitled to?
• What is insurance, what do I need it for and is there any help with this?

Q: Am I entitled to a Leaving Care Grant?

If you are a young person leaving care, aged 16 and over, you are entitled to a Leaving Care Grant, as long as you have been in care for over 3 months.

The grant is based on need. For example, if you are a young person in a furnished tenancy you would not need a full grant.

Q: How much will I get for my Leaving Care grant?

If you are a young person leaving care you will normally receive:

• a £ 150 starter pack
• a £950 Leaving Care Grant
• and £200 after being in tenancy for 6 months

We will also pay the cost of a TV licence if you put £25 towards it.

Q: Will I have to pay it back?

No

Q: What kind of things can I spend it on? Do I have to spend it on what my Personal Advisor says?

The grant is for household items as agreed between you and your Personal Advisor.

Q: Will my Personal Advisor come with me when I’m spending my grant?

Usually, yes.

Q: What other benefits and grants am I entitled to?

If you are a young mum, setting up home for the first time, we usually give you more money for the extra bedroom furniture etc.

You will be not entitled to Housing Benefit or Income Support (unless you are a parent), until you are 18 years old. Kirklees pay rent and a subsidy (income) and can also help you with some Education costs.

If you move to privately rented housing, we will consider paying a bond for you. If the place you want to live is suitable for you.

Q: What is insurance, what do I need it for and is there any help with this?

Insurance is for the items of things you own, for example, furniture or electrical goods. It is a good idea to have insurance because if your things are stolen or damaged by floods or fire you may be able to claim some or all the cost of the items back from the insurance company. There is no special grant for this. You would need to cover the cost of insurance from your Leaving Care Grant.