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Money management skills

Making sure you have the right financial support is a top priority for us. We want you to feel secure, prepared, and confident as you move towards independence.

Financial support available

For young people aged 16–17 (Relevant Care Leavers):

If you are living in semi-independent accommodation, you will receive a weekly living allowance. You will also receive a £75 birthday payment and a £75 celebration payment once per year. The Local Authority will find and fully fund your accommodation.

Help with everyday living costs

Darlington Care Leavers up to age 25 can apply for up to 100% council tax reduction if you live within one of the following North East local authorities:

  • Darlington
  • Durham
  • Gateshead
  • Hartlepool
  • Middlesbrough
  • Newcastle
  • North Tyneside
  • Northumberland
  • Redcar & Cleveland
  • South Tyneside
  • Stockton-on-Tees
  • Sunderland.

Care leavers up to age 21 are eligible for up to a 90% reduction in water charges.

Benefits and employment support

A dedicated Care Leavers Work Coach is based at Darlington Jobcentre to support you with making benefit claims. They will also offer advice on employment and training.

Your Personal Adviser (PA) will support you to apply for benefits and manage ongoing claims. A computer is available in your accommodation for you to access and manage any applications.

If you are approaching your 18th birthday, your PA will support you to prepare for the transition to benefits by helping you set up your Universal Credit account in readiness for activation when you turn 18. Your PA can also support you to attend your first Jobcentre appointment and help you understand your responsibilities and entitlements.

Setting up your home

You can access up to £3,000 Setting Up Home Allowance to help you furnish and equip your first home, in line with financial procedures. Your PA will support you to use this effectively.

Banking, ID and financial skills

Before leaving care, we will make sure you have a passport, a driving licence, and a copy of your birth certificate.

We will help you to open a bank account if you do not already have one and support you to apply for your National Insurance number. You will also receive information on how to access your Junior ISA savings account.

When you move into your own home, your PA will provide practical support to help you manage your finances and household responsibilities. Your PA will support you around developing a budget plan. This may include support with;

  • setting up direct debits
  • understanding utility bills and tenancy-related costs
  • budgeting
  • ensuring priority payments are made.

Financial planning and budgeting support will be included as part of your Pathway Plan. Where needed, support from your PA can be increased during this important transition.

We can also signpost and support you to access specialist financial advice through Darlington Citizens Advice [external link] and Darlington Credit Union [external link]. This includes advice on;

  • managing money
  • dealing with debt
  • accessing affordable financial services
  • setting up savings accounts to help you plan for the future.

Education and training support

If you are in college or training, you may be eligible for a bursary. Your PA will provide a letter to confirm your care leaver status.

If you go to university to study an undergraduate course, you will receive a weekly living allowance for the duration of your studies. Darlington Borough Council will contribute up to £5,000 per year towards your accommodation, based on your individual needs. You will also be supported to access additional scholarships and bursaries from your university.

You will receive a £2,000 equipment bursary, paid across the three years of your degree.

See our University Local Offer page for further details

Travel and independence

If you are over 18, your PA can support you to apply for a Tees Valley bus pass.

We will fund up to 10 driving lessons if you are able to contribute towards further lessons yourself.

Ongoing support

Your PA will continue to support you to manage your money, access all available financial support, and build confidence in living independently. This support can include help with;

  • budgeting
  • maintaining benefit claims
  • managing bills
  • developing the financial skills needed to sustain a tenancy
  • achieve your longer-term goals.

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