Leaving care at 18 usually means doing at once what most people do over a decade — finding somewhere to live, paying a deposit, and funding an education. The supports below exist for exactly that, and the one people most often miss is the last.
Care leavers are not on the reduced under-25 jobseeker rate. They get the full rate.
Quick facts
- Aftercare allowance
- €300 a week in education or training, up to 23
- Aftercare grant
- First month's rent, deposit and moving costs
- SUSI
- Paid at the higher rate for care leavers
- Jobseeker's Allowance
- The FULL rate, not the reduced young person's rate
- Who
- You turned 18 in Tusla's care
- Also needed
- 12 months in care between your 13th and 18th birthday
Who aftercare is for
"Have been in alternative care services for 12 months between your 13th and 18th birthday"
"Aftercare services are usually for people between 18 years to 21 years. This can be extended if you are in full-time education up to the age of 23."
"You need a referral to access aftercare services." You can refer yourself by going to a drop-in clinic, or be referred by a social work department or a family or foster family member.
And one door that is always open: "There are no eligibility or age restrictions for attending a drop-in service."
The aftercare allowance — €300 a week
"If you are doing a qualifying educational course or a training programme, you may be able to receive an aftercare allowance of €300 per week. This is available to care leavers up to the age of 23."
Note that it covers training programmes as well as courses, and runs to 23 rather than stopping at 21.
The full Jobseeker's Allowance — the one people miss
"If you are not in education and not working, you are eligible for full Jobseeker’s Allowance, if you were in the care of Tusla for 12 months before your 18th birthday."
This matters enormously. Jobseeker's Allowance is normally paid at a reduced rate to people aged 18 to 24. A care leaver who meets the 12-month condition is on the full personal rate instead, which is a large difference every week of the year.
If you are a care leaver already signing on at the young person's rate, this is the single most valuable paragraph on this page. Raise it with your Intreo office. Our Jobseeker's Allowance guide sets out the rates.
The aftercare grant — rent, deposit and moving costs
"You may also be entitled to an aftercare grant . This is a once-off payment to help with the first month of rent and a deposit. The grant can also include start-up costs associated with initial moving home expenses."
"To be eligible you must be a young person who turned 18 in the care of the Tusla."
"The application to get this grant is made through the aftercare worker or a drop-in clinic service (pdf) ." If you do not have an aftercare worker, the drop-in clinic is the route — and it has no eligibility restrictions to get through the door.
Education: SUSI at the higher rate, and the Bursary
"You may also be entitled to other financial supports for education which include the SUSI Grant (which is payable at the higher rate for care leavers) and the Bursary Scheme ."
That bracket is doing a lot of work. The SUSI higher rate is worth thousands a year more than the standard band, and a care leaver does not have to fight for it on household income grounds.
The Bursary Scheme for young people with care experience runs alongside it.
You can change your mind
"Aftercare is a voluntary service, and it requires your willing engagement."
"If you choose not to engage now, you can change your mind up until you turn 21 years old."
Turning it down at 18 is common and it is not final. If you walked away at 18 and things are harder now, the door is open until 21.
Common questions
How much is the aftercare allowance?
€300 per week if you are doing a qualifying educational course or a training programme. It is available to care leavers up to the age of 23.
Do care leavers get the full Jobseeker's Allowance?
Yes. If you are not in education and not working, you are eligible for full Jobseeker's Allowance if you were in the care of Tusla for 12 months before your 18th birthday — rather than the reduced rate paid to other people aged 18 to 24.
What is the aftercare grant?
A once-off payment to help with the first month of rent and a deposit, which can also include start-up costs associated with initial moving home expenses. You must have turned 18 in Tusla's care.
Who can get aftercare services?
Young people who turn 18 in care and have been in alternative care services for 12 months between their 13th and 18th birthday. Services usually run from 18 to 21, extended to 23 if you are in full-time education.
Is SUSI different for care leavers?
Yes. The SUSI grant is payable at the higher rate for care leavers, and the Bursary Scheme is available alongside it.
I said no to aftercare at 18. Is it too late?
No. Aftercare is voluntary, and if you choose not to engage you can change your mind up until you turn 21.
How do I get a referral?
You can refer yourself by going to a drop-in service clinic, or be referred by a social work department or a family or foster family member. There are no eligibility or age restrictions for attending a drop-in service.