Clothing allowance
You are entitled to a £45 per month clothing allowance, which can be paid to you monthly, or quarterly, if you are aged 16 to 17. This allowance is generally provided via a supervised shop undertaken by your social worker, pathway advisor, or accommodation support worker.
Birthday and Christmas allowance
Young people who are in touch with their social worker and pathway advisor and who are actively engaged in the pathway planning process are entitled to a £265.44 birthday allowance on their 16th and 17th birthday and a £265.44 per year festival allowance (Christmas allowance). The festival allowance can be provided at a point/event suitable to your faith.
You will also be supported to attend any cultural or religious activities or supported with the purchase of religious equipment this will be a one off payment of up to £100.
Rent and deposit allowance
When you reach age 18 and or leave care, we will help you find accommodation, in most cases this will be provided by the Council’s Housing Department and its partner housing providers (housing associations).
In exceptional circumstances and where you live outside of the Cumberland area, the accommodation may be in the private rented sector, if this is the case, we will pay, or organise the deposit for your accommodation (one month’s rent) and provide you with up to one month’s rent in advance, depending on your personal circumstances and an assessment of your needs.
Weekly leisure allowance (16 to 17 year olds)
We will provide a weekly leisure allowance of up to £10.00 per week (Better Leisure Pass) to make sure that you are able to pursue a sport, hobby or leisure activity (and can take a friend).
The allowance is provided following an assessment of your needs, and as long as you are undertaking an approved activity. In addition, you can access a once a year, life changes or social activity allowance of £130.00. This will allow you to take part in a major activity of your choice, such as a trip to London, Newcastle, Liverpool or Manchester to go to the theatre, a football game or something you like doing.
Luggage
We want to make sure you have suitable luggage for when you go on holiday or move house, your social worker or pathway advisor will support you to make sure you have a number of holdalls and/or suitcases (up to £50.00).