A new Care Leaver Payment has been introduced across Scotland from 1 April 2026, providing a one‑off £2,000 payment to eligible young people leaving care. The payment is intended to help reduce financial barriers as young people move into independent living and to promote more consistent support across local authorities.
Who is eligible?
A young person will be entitled to the Care Leaver Payment if they:
- Were looked after by a local authority on or after their 16th birthday, and
- Left care on or after 1 April 2026, or
- Were in continuing care and stopped receiving it on or after 1 April 2026.
Only one Care Leaver Payment can be made to an individual, regardless of how many times they may leave and re‑enter care.
How and when it is paid
- The payment is £2,000, usually paid as a single lump sum.
- Where appropriate and agreed with the young person, it may instead be paid:
- In two instalments,
- Partly or wholly as vouchers, or
- Directly to a provider of goods or services.
- Local authorities may choose non‑cash payment methods where there is a risk of financial abuse, but must take the young person’s views into account.
The payment should be made as soon as practicable after the young person leaves care or continuing care.
No application required
Young people do not need to apply. Local authorities are responsible for:
- Identifying eligible care leavers,
- Making the payment, and
- Notifying the young person of their entitlement and how the payment will be delivered.
Where a young person believes they have been missed, they can request an entitlement determination, and local authorities must provide information about review rights.
Adviser role and good practice
The practitioner guidance emphasises that the payment should be accompanied by appropriate advice and support, including:
- Help with budgeting and financial planning,
- Discussion about safe ways to receive and use the payment,
- Ongoing throughcare and aftercare support where needed.
Advisers should also be aware that the payment is intended to support, not replace, other financial assistance or benefits a young person may be entitled to.
Further information
Full guidance for practitioners is available here: Care Leaver Payment – guidance for practitioners (gov.scot)