People with care experience who attend college and university may be able to access support but this varies widely. Read our October 2024 report that recommends what support could look like across Scotland.

Care leavers and care experienced people are entitled to a range of financial support. Here we have listed many of the funds and benefits available.

Universal Credit 

The DWP has provided advice on Universal Credit including what to do if you have a new claim or need sick pay. You can find out what benefits you're entitled to by using this impartial benefits calculator. Citizens Advice can give you advice on making benefit claims on this number 0800 023 2581.

Staf and the Child Poverty Action Group have produced guidance for care experienced young people navigating the benefits system: Giving Good Advice

Cost of Living Payments

Information about Cost of Living payments can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/cost-of-living-payment and for a concise and easy to follow breakdown of the payment visit the BBC news page.

Housing 

Shelter Scotland has provided information on your housing rights and support, including what to do if you're worried about paying your rent.

Council Tax exemption

If a home is occupied exclusively by a care leaver then the home is exempt from Council Tax. If the property is shared with others who are not care leavers then partial discounts may be available. Contact the local council about how to apply. 

Care Experienced Bursary 

Care experienced bursaries are available to those with care experience entering further or higher education, including those aged 16 who are studying for Nat 4 or 5 or intro courses at college. You can access the Hub for Success Fact Sheets here.

Health Costs 

Care leavers aged 16 to 18 are entitled to help with health costs. Ask the social work department for an HC1(SC) claim form.

Money Advice

For general advice about benefits, work or money issues you can get advice from Citizen's Advice Scotland.

MyBnk have a wide range of resources available. They also run Money Houses, with one in Glasgow. 

Emergency funds 

The Scottish Welfare Fund is available for emergency financial support for living costs through your local council. You can apply for 

• Crisis Grant – if you're in crisis because of a disaster (like a fire or flood), or an emergency (like losing your money or job, or an unexpected expense)
• Self-Isolation Support Grant - if you've been asked to self-isolate by Test and Protect because of coronavirus (COVID-19) and will lose income as a result
• Community Care Grant – to help you or someone you care for to start to live, or to carry on living, a settled life in the community

Discretionary Housing Payments are available to help if you rent your home, and you get Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, but still can't afford your housing costs.

Aberlour Urgent Assistance Fund financial support for young people (21 and under) experiencing extreme hardship.

If you are able please also consider donating to Who Cares? Scotland and Aberlour, both organisations are providing support, advice and guidance to care experienced young people and families. 

Care Experienced Parents
If you are a care experienced parent then the Why Not? Trusts The Village is a great source of information and support.

The Who Cares? Scotland Helpline is a great resource for care experienced people to access support and advice. 

For further information please check out Young Scot's useful guide on support available to those with care experience.