Legislation
Payment increase to the apprenticeships care leavers' bursary
Date
Effective 1 August 2023
Summary
The apprenticeship care leavers bursary payment has increased from £1,000 to £3000 for new starters. This increase is intended to keep up with the rising costs of living and incentivise apprenticeship take up among young care leavers who are currently eligible for the bursary. It will be paid in instalments across the first year of their apprenticeship.
The bursary is available to individuals who have been in the care of a local authority anywhere in the UK, providing the apprenticeship they enter into is based in England.
The Department for Education (DfE) stated that it recognises care leavers face higher living costs than their peers as they live independently at a younger age and may not have a wider family network for support. The increased rate will help those in care and care leavers access and complete apprenticeships, providing them with a great route into sustainable employment. The payment will not affect the care leaver’s entitlement to claim tax credits.
Employers and training providers will continue to receive an additional £1,000 in funding for every apprentice who is a care leaver aged 16 to 24.
