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Am I Eligible for Care Leavers Bursary?

Care leavers could be eligible to a £3000 grant while completing an apprenticeship.

The bursary provides £3,000 to eligible apprentices who started their apprenticeship on or after 1 August 2023. It is intended to support care leavers who may be living independently and without family support.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, you must:

  • Be under 25 at the start of your apprenticeship.
  • Be recognised as one of the following:
    • An Eligible Child (aged 16–17, looked after for at least 13 weeks since age 14, and still in care).
    • A Relevant Child (aged 16–17, left care after age 16).
    • A Former Relevant Child (under 25, previously an eligible or relevant child before turning 18).

How is the Bursary Paid?

The bursary is paid in three instalments via your training provider:

  • £1,000 after approximately 3 months (once you’ve completed 60 days of your apprenticeship).
  • £1,000 after approximately 6 months.
  • £1,000 within 12 months of starting your apprenticeship.

Your training provider will receive the funds and pass them directly to you. The bursary is not taxable, does not affect Universal Credit, and can be used at your discretion.

How to Apply

If you believe you are eligible and wish to apply:

  1. Obtain written confirmation of your care leaver status from your local authority (an email is acceptable).
  2. Provide this confirmation to your training provider.
  3. Notify support@skillsedge.co.uk as soon as possible to begin the application process.

If you have any questions or require assistance, please do not hesitate to get in touch.