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Money & financial support

When you leave school, you may choose to go to college, start training, do an apprenticeship, or get a job. You may be able to get money to help with things like travel, equipment, learning, or living more independently.

The type of support available will depend on your circumstances and the pathway you choose. You may be able to receive help through the 16-19 Bursary Fund, benefits, personal budgets, direct payments or other sources of financial support.

This section will help you explore the financial support available when moving into: 

  • Further education and sixth form 
  • Apprenticeships and training 
  • Employment and supported employment 
  • Independent living

The information on Help You Choose is about money you might be able to get to help with your options after school. We have also included links to other organisations that might help with budgeting, banking, benefits, saving money or managing your finances. 

Remember, it is always a good idea to get advice before making decisions that could affect any benefits you or your family receive.

Watch a video 🎬

The Learning Disability Helpline from Mencap gives free information and advice to people in England with a learning disability which includes budgeting and money worries. The video below provides a good introduction to this service.  

The Money section is a good place to start. 

It includes information about the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund. If you stay in education or training after school, you may be able to get help with costs such as: 

  • Travel 
  • Meals 
  • Books 
  • Equipment 
  • Other essential items 

This support can help you continue with your learning.

There is also a Financial Help Post-16 section. This includes links to organisations, charities and trusts that may be able to help if you need extra financial support.

This Norfolk SEND Local Offer page explains SEN funding for post-16 education. It includes information about funding for the extra support you may need to help you take part in education or training after age 16.

Many young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) will have talked about their post-16 education and funding options before Year 11. 

If you do not have an EHCP but think you may need one, you can find out more from Norfolk SENDIASS. 

SENDIASS provides: 

  • Short online training videos 
  • Information pages 
  • Frequently asked questions (FAQs) 
  • Useful links about EHCPs 

These resources can help you understand what an EHCP is, who can get one, and how to request an assessment.

Access to Work can help you get or stay in work if you have a physical or mental health condition or disability. The support you get will depend on your needs. The support from Access to Work includes money to pay for communication support at job interviews

>My money

The SEND Local Offer for Children and Young People  has a My Money section. It provides information, advice and support about money for young people with SEND.

>Money and financial help

There is a Money and Financial Help page on the Norfolk SEND Local Offer that you may find useful.

It includes information about benefits, financial support and other ways to get help with money.

>Disability Rights UK - Guidance & Resources

Disability Rights UK provides information and advice for disabled people. 

Their guides explain topics such as: 

  • Benefits 
  • Money and financial support 
  • Social care 
  • Disability-related services 

The information is designed to help disabled young people, families and professionals understand the support that may be available to them. If you have questions about money, benefits or other support, these guides are a good place to start.

>Adult Social Care

Some young people with SEND may have support from Adult Social Care as they move into adult life. 

This support can help them take part in things that are important to them, such as going to college, starting training, doing a supported internship, finding a job, or living more independently. 

If you have a Care Act assessment and are eligible for support, Adult Social Care will work with you to create a care and support plan. 

The plan will explain the support you need and may include a personal budget to help meet your eligible care and support needs. 

A personal budget can help some young people access the support they need to take part in education, training, work and everyday life. 

If you are not eligible for support, Adult Social Care may be able to signpost you to other organisations, charities and local services that can help.