Financial support for care experienced young people

Benefits and allowances that are available to young people aged 16 to 25 who have left care.

Free bus pass (16 and 17 years olds)

All young people aged 16 and 17 living in the Cumberland area will be provided with a free bus pass which entitles Cared For and Care Experienced young people to free bus travel. This will enable you to attend any local or drop-in services, remain in contact with your family, extended family, former foster carers, significant friends and your social worker or pathway advisor.  

If you live outside of the Cumberland area, a travel card for the area you live will be provided.

In situations where you have family, extended family, former foster carers and significant friends outside of the Cumberland area, a travel allowance will be provided following an assessment of your needs.  Your social worker or pathway advisor will be able to give you more information.

Introduction to driving

If you have been doing employment, education, or training for at least six months and do not have any driving convictions, we will will provide an Introduction to Driving package and allowance to cover:

  • one provisional driving license
  • two theory tests (and 1 theory test app)
  • 10 (1 hour) driving lessons and two practical test (when you are pass ready) and if you contribute to the cost of 10 (1 hour) lessons

By booking 20 lessons with a driving school, you will usually get an additional lesson free.

Your pathway advisor will help you organise the Introduction to Driving Package and will also work with you to apply to charitable trusts such as the Rees Foundation to supplement your driving package.