Care Leaver Home Allowance and Benefits

Care Leaver Home Allowance and Benefits

Paying Rent and Managing your Finances

When you start living on your own, you may have to pay rent and bear other expenses. It's important to budget for the rent to make sure you don't fall behind on payments. If you are  struggling with rent, your personal adviser can help.  Take a look at our Managing your Finance pages.

**Tenancy support **

Jigsaw4u is an organisation to support care leavers. This is an additional support outside of your leaving care support. They can help you sort out your housing situation and day-to-day life if you are between 16 and 25 and have experience of being in care. They offer one-on-one practical and emotional support, so you can become more independent. Ask your PA to refer you, or you can refer yourself directly by completing this form [External Link].

You can also contact them by telephoning 020 8687 1384 or by emailing info@jigsaw4u.org.uk 

Setting Up Home Allowance

You can get up to £3,000 to help you buy essential household items (such as white goods, sofa, carpet, decorating equipment) when setting up your own home.

Care leavers and council tax

You are eligible for a council tax exemption as a care leaver until you are 25. When you turn 25 you are expected to pay for your council tax. If you live outside of Sutton, we will help explore whether you are eligible for any Council Tax exemptions where you live. If you are not entitled to a council tax exemption, then we will top up the council tax fee for you.

You can also use the Benefit Entitlement Checker [External Link] to find out more information about which benefits you may be entitled to.