The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) supports care leavers through various initiatives, ensuring a smoother transition to independence:

– Preparing Universal Credit Claims: Care leavers can prepare their claim up to 28 days before their 18th birthday with pre-claim Jobcentre appointments, supported by Personal Advisers.
– DWP Youth Offer: Care leavers aged 16–24 can access intensive work coach support, including Sector-based Work Academy Programmes, work experience, apprenticeships, and Youth Employability Coaches for overcoming barriers like homelessness or addiction. Youth Hubs offer additional partner services.
– Single Point of Contact (SPOC): Each Jobcentre has a SPOC to assist care leavers and liaise with Local Authority Leaving Care teams.
Employment Opportunities: DWP provides roles through the Civil Service care leaver internship scheme.
– Work & Health Programme: Early access is available to prevent long-term unemployment (England & Wales).
– Second Chance Learning: Care leavers up to 21 can catch up on missed secondary education.
– Housing Support: Care leavers in ‘Staying Put’ or equivalent arrangements can claim benefits for personal needs until age 21, and are exempt from the Shared Accommodation Rate up to 25.
– Tailored Benefit Support: Claimant commitments are customized, with personal budgeting support and advance payments available. Managed housing cost payments or more frequent benefit payments can be arranged.
– Transition Support: Close relationships with Local Authority Leaving Care teams ensure smooth transitions and compliance with benefit requirements. – Work coaches must consult SPOCs before considering sanctions.
– Financial Assistance: Care leavers on low incomes can access Universal Credit as an in-and-out-of-work benefit, including recoverable hardship payments if sanctioned.

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