Money and finances

We want you to be confident in managing your money, maximising your income and making good financial decisions.

Lots of things change when you turn 18, and we know it isn’t easy to think about rent, bills, food, travel and social expenses all at the same time.

We will work together so that you are prepared to cope with new responsibilities.

• We will pay for your first application for all important documents (ID) such as passport; National Insurance; birth certificate, this comes with support. 
• Birthday money on your 16th, 17th and 18th birthdays
• We will help you set up a bank account
• If you have a Junior ISA or any savings- we will help you access these accounts.
• If you are living in supported accommodation, you will get subsistence payments of £72.90 per week. Then four weeks after your 18th birthday you will transition to universal benefits to support with your daily expenses.     
• Clothing allowance of £20 per month (age 16 and 17) for those not living with foster carers
• Support for clothing for job interviews.
• Support with bus travel costs to attend education or training. 
• Money management workshops through the Moneyhouse.
• Free access to Haringey leisure centres up to the age of 21yrs old with a leisure pass.
• You will be exempt from paying Council Tax until your 25th birthday if you live in Haringey and is subject to negotiation for care leavers outside of Haringey. 
• You will have access to £3000 ‘Setting Up Home’ grant to help with the cost of furnishing your home. 

In cases of emergency, you can get:

• Access to food parcels
• Discretionary financial support to access other sources of crisis payment

You can now claim access to the following:

Discount travel

You can get 50% discounted travel on buses and trams with Transport for London.

Request Care Leaver travel discount on buses and trams here

Free prescriptions

If you’re registered with a GP and are not already eligible for free prescriptions, you can now apply for a Prescription Prepayment Certificate so that you don’t have to pay for prescribed medication. 

How to apply

• Check your eligibility
• Once you’ve checked, complete our form to register your interest
• We will then contact you to confirm your eligibility
• We will apply for the prescription
• Once this has been approved, the Prepayment Certificate on your behalf. Prescription Prepayment Certificate will be emailed to you. It’s valid for 12 months.
• After 12 months, you will need to re-apply by following the same process again

Need help?

If you have any questions, reach out to: CLfreeprescription@haringey.gov.uk

Free data and devices

To help keep you connected to the digital world the Young Adult Service are able to offer 18 - 25 year-olds free data contracts up to 12 months with 02 or Vodafone networks.

We can also offer free devices to help accessing job opportunities, health services and family and friends.

Please visit the YAS office on Tuesdays or speak with your allocated worker to receive your free mobile sim.

Full list of entitlements

The following document provides a full list of what you may be entitled to as a care leaver.