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.
10. Will I get the payment if I have been adopted?
If you have been adopted before the age of 16 you will not be able to get the payment. This is because you were not looked after by a local authority on or after your 16th birthday.
If your adoption has broken-down and you become looked after by your local authority again and remain looked after on or after your 16th birthday (under section 17(6) of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995), then you will get the payment when you leave care or continuing care.
If you have been adopted after the age of 16 but were looked after by your local authority (under section 17(6) of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 before being adopted and on or after your 16th birthday, then you will be able to get the payment.
Contact
Email: careleaverpayment@gov.scot