Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Financial Support for Leaving Care

If, when you reach the age of 16 years, the Local Authority has looked you after for at least 13 weeks during the last two years, the Local Authority will be responsible for your financial support whilst you are 16 and 17 years old i.e. as a 'relevant' young person under the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000.

The Local Authority is your primary source of income.  This means you will not be able to receive Income Support, Job Seeker's Allowance or Housing benefit during this time.

Note:-Lone parents and disabled young people will continue to be eligible for  benefits including Job Seeker's Allowance, Income Support and any other benefits due to them because of their disability or parental status.  However they will not be able to claim Housing Benefit.  The Local Authority will pay their accommodation costs