Young people leaving care are entitled to the equivalent of Income Support Benefit (paid by the Local Authority). He/she will also receive a weekly enhancement. Costs of accommodation until the age of 18 is also paid by Through Care where after housing benefit can be accessed.
For young people who are part way through their course when they reach 18 and where this is part of their Pathway Plan, an application can be made for them to continue to live with their carer/host. In some cases, where young people reach the age of 20 they may not be eligible for certain state benefits, but are still actively engaged in education – in such cases, further financial assistance can be offered to meet accommodation and living costs.
Once it is known that the young person has a place on a course then there must be a discussion between the carer or worker and the college as to what exactly is required and how this can be appropriately sourced. Young people who are leaving care face additional challenges when they start a course at a further educational college and they must not have the additional worry or start the course without the proper equipment.