Care Leaver Payment – Guidance for Recipients
The Scottish Government introduced the Care Leaver Payment on 1 April 2026 to help young people overcome financial barriers as they leave care and move into independent living. This guidance document is designed for young people who will get the payment.
9. Will I get the payment if I am an unaccompanied asylum seeker?
Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children are ‘looked after’ children and have the same entitlements as other ‘care leavers’. As long as you are looked after on or after your 16th birthday you will be able to get the payment as soon as possible after you leave care or continuing care.
If you do not have a bank account that the payment can be made to, you can ask to get the payment in vouchers or your social worker can buy goods and services on your behalf.
If you have an Independent Child Trafficking Guardian, they can be involved in any discussions about the payment if that would be helpful for you.
You can ask for a translator in any discussions about the payment with your social worker if that would be helpful for you.
Contact
Email: careleaverpayment@gov.scot