Financial Support from the Leaving Care Service
Depending on your situation, we can offer extra financial help, including: Your Personal Advisor can also share the latest Finance Policy for Care Leavers with you.
We can give extra help when you need it. Below is a clear list you can use on the website.
What we can help with
- Setting Up Home Grant - up to £3,000 to furnish your new home. This can pay for furniture, white goods, kitchen equipment, bedding and other essentials.
- Help with rent arrears - support if you are struggling to pay rent.
- Council tax reduction - available up to age 21, even if you live outside Rotherham.
- Debt support - we will help you get expert debt advice.
- Junior ISA - available if you have been in care for over a year and do not have a Child Trust Fund. Speak to your Personal Advisor to find out more.
- Driving lessons and tests - we can pay for up to 10 lessons plus your first theory and practical tests if you have already started learning.
- Emergency financial support - short‑term help for food, heating or travel if you suddenly run out of money.
- Digital access contributions - help towards a laptop, phone or Wi‑Fi if you need them for education, training or to keep in touch.
- Travel passes and work clothes - support when you are starting training, volunteering or employment.
How it works
- We will look at your circumstances and any help you already get.
- Any financial help we agree will be based on need and recorded in your pathway plan.
- Talk to your Personal Advisor (PA) to check what you can get and how to apply.
- Your Personal Advisor can also share the latest Finance Policy for Care Leavers with you.
