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.
7. What support will be given?
When you are preparing to leave care, your responsible authority must give you support and advice to make sure that you can access the payment safely. Your social worker will discuss the payment with you. These conversations may take place during Pathway Planning or may be discussed separately.
You can have another person present during conversations about the payment to support you. You can also ask to have an interpreter at these discussions, if needed.
You can have someone to support you during the Pathway process. This is called a Young Person’s Supporter. You can ask your local authority to suggest someone or pick someone yourself.
If you need advice or support not relating to the payment, sign-posting to other relevant services have been included at point 14 below.
Contact
Email: careleaverpayment@gov.scot