Benefits

Government benefits and other support you might be entitled to as a care leaver.

You are not employed or on a low income
You are not in education
You are a parent. Visit GOV.UK for information on benefits and financial support for families.
You have a health condition or disability. Visit GOV.UK for information on benefits and financial support if you're disabled or have a health condition.
Your are a carer. Visit GOV.UK for information on benefits and financial support if you're caring for someone.

Benefits advice

For advice regarding benefit queries:

Speak to your personal adviser
Our Welfare Rights Unit offers free specialist help and advice over the phone, or face-to-face in your own home if you prefer.

Contact our Welfare Rights Unit

Benefits calculators

You can use an independent benefits calculator to find out:

What benefits you could get
How your benefits will be affected if you start work

These are free to use and anonymous.

GOV.UK benefits calculators

If you return to full-time education

If you claim benefits as a care leaver, you can return to full-time education and still claim benefits. You can do this until the end of the academic year in which you turn 21. Read about claiming Universal Credit as a student on GOV.UK. You will need to:

Let your work coach know. Your claim type will change and you will:
- No longer need to sign on
- No longer need to meet with your work coach
- No longer need to do any activities to find a job
- Need to prove that you are studying. Student services at your college or training establishment can provide this.

It is your responsibility to tell your work coach when you finish studying. If you do not you will be making a false claim. This could result in a criminal conviction.