Money Support for Young Carers

Information, links and support to help with money worries now and in the future.

Information about money and bills

Where to find helpful resources

Being a young carer often means taking on adult responsibilities earlier than most — including thinking about money. This might involve managing day-to-day household costs, planning for college or university, or feeling unsure where to find reliable information.

This page brings together clear information and trusted links to organisations that can help reduce financial pressure, build confidence with money, and support next steps in education or independence. While we do not offer financial advice or direct financial assistance, these resources are intended to be explored by young carers and can also support conversations with parents, mentors, or other trusted adults.

For carers

For Young Carers

Local grants for young people (Wiltshire & Swindon)

Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation offers grants to support young people living in Wiltshire or Swindon. Funding can help with education, training and other essential costs, depending on individual circumstances.

For Young Carers

Cancer support

Macmillan Cancer Support provides information about benefits and financial support for people affected by cancer. This resource explains the types of help available and how to access it if you or someone you care for is dealing with cancer-related costs.

For Young Carers

Carers UK – help and advice

Carers UK provides a wide range of practical information and guidance for carers. Their help and advice covers topics such as benefits, support services, rights at work, and everyday caring challenges.

For Young Carers

Mental Health & Money Advice

Mental Health & Money Advice offers information specifically for carers, combining money-related guidance with wellbeing support. This resource can help you understand how financial pressure and mental health can interact, and where to find practical help.

For Young Carers

Your local carers service

You can use Carers.org to find your local carers service. Local carers services can offer information about benefits and other support you may be eligible for, help you understand application forms, and signpost to additional local charities or services.

Education, college & university costs

Don’t forget to contact your school, college or university directly.
Many education providers offer their own financial support, which isn’t always widely advertised. This can include hardship funds, bursaries, help with travel or equipment costs, fee reductions, or additional support for young carers.

It’s always worth speaking to student services, welfare teams or your tutor to explain your situation and ask what support may be available to you. Even small amounts of help can make a real difference.

Education, college & university costs

Education, college & university costs UCAS & Education Guidance

Scholarships, bursaries and grants (UCAS)

This UCAS tool helps you search for scholarships, bursaries and grants offered by universities and colleges across the UK, including funding to support tuition fees, accommodation, travel and living costs.

Education, college & university costs

UCAS – Carer support

UCAS offers information specifically for students with caring responsibilities, including how being a young carer can affect university applications and what support may be available.

Education, college & university costs

Studying and financial support (16+)

Turn2Us provides information for people aged 16 and over who are studying, including how study can affect benefits and what financial support you may be able to access.

Education, college & university costs

UCAS – student finance

UCAS offers comprehensive information about student finance in the UK, including how to apply for loans, grants and other financial support for college or university.

Household bills & essentials

Help to pay your water bill

Wessex Water offers a range of support schemes to help customers who are finding it difficult to manage their water bills, whether you’re behind on payments or struggling with ongoing costs. Support is available for households across Dorset, Somerset and Bristol, most of Wiltshire, and parts of Gloucestershire and Hampshire.

Household bills & essentials

Help with bills

This Carers UK leaflet offers practical information about energy bills, including ways to understand charges and find help with energy costs. It’s designed for carers looking for straightforward guidance on managing household energy expenses.

Household bills & essentials

Heating and energy costs

This Carers Trust page explains extra help that may be available from energy suppliers, including schemes and concessions that could reduce your household heating and energy costs.

Household bills & essentials

Energy efficiency advice

Carers Trust, in partnership with the Energy Saving Trust, offers free online energy efficiency advice for unpaid carers. The interactive modules can be completed at your own pace and cover ways to make your home more energy efficient, safer and cheaper to run.

Managing money & planning ahead

Financial Education

MoneySavingExpert’s financial education hub offers straightforward guides and tips to help you learn about money — from budgeting and saving to understanding how financial decisions work.

Managing money & planning ahead

Budget Planner

MoneySavingExpert provides trusted UK information and tools for budgeting, helping you plan income and outgoings and organise your finances.

Work, income & benefits basics

Income Support

This Carers UK page explains Income Support for working-age carers, including who may qualify and how it works. It’s a helpful place to start if you’re exploring what benefits might be available when caring affects your ability to work.

Work, income & benefits basics

Turn2us Benefits Calculator

Use the Turn2Us benefits calculator to see what benefits you or your family might be entitled to. This free online tool can help you check eligibility and estimate amounts quickly and confidentially.

Debt & financial pressure

Cost of living

This Citizens Advice page provides practical information on how to get help with the rising cost of living, including accessing support with everyday expenses and essential bills.

Debt & financial pressure

Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice provides trusted information on debt and money matters, including how to manage bills, understand your rights, and find help if you’re struggling financially.

Debt & financial pressure

Housing

Shelter is a UK charity that provides practical information and guidance on housing and homelessness, including your rights as a tenant, help with problems at home, and where to get further support.

Helping Young Carers to build brighter futures

Contact Form

info@ycdt.org.uk 07368 366660

Young Carers Development Trust,
14 Queen Square,
Bath
BA1 2HN

The Young Carers Development Trust is a charity (1150197) and a company limited by guarantee (England and Wales No. 07771110)