Financial Supports
Last updated | 08/03/2011
Local authorities have many responsibilities towards all
children and young people who have been looked after. These
responsibilities are set out in the Children (Scotland) Act and
include a financial responsibility.
When you are allocated a Throughcare and Aftercare worker, he/she
will start to look at what we, as a service, will give you
financially alongside other more practical supports.
You could be eligible for financial help in some of the following
areas:
- Furnishing and decorating a tenancy
- Financial support towards education
- Costs that are related to training or employment
The Throughcare and Aftercare team has no direct access to
money. Therefore, any request for financial support must be
discussed with your Throughcare and Aftercare worker first.
In addition to the above, you will be eligible to apply for living
expenses if you are 16 or 17 years old and a care leaver not in
receipt of a wage, education or a training allowance.
If you are 16 or 17 years are a care leaver and are a parent or are
registered disabled, your Throughcare and Aftercare worker will
help you to secure financial support from the Department of Work
and Pensions.
When the times comes for you to move into your own tenancy, you may
be eligible for a leaving care grant. This allows you to work
alongside your Throughcare and Aftercare worker to look at using
the grant to purchase items that will be necessary for you for when
you move into your tenancy. For example, some young people
who have moved into their own tenancy for the first time have
needed to perhaps buy a bed, a sofa or a washing
machine.
This grant is dependent on what other funds may be available to
you, for example, a community care grant; and what other income you
may have. The grant will be used to buy necessities for your
accommodation (and not luxuries, eg games consoles, laptops or top
of the range plasma televisions).
As part of your grant you will be bought a 12 months television
licence and 12 months contents insurance.
During periods of cold weather, depending on your circumstances, we
may pay you additional money towards your heating.
