Money Matters FAQs

Approximately six months before a persons 16th birthday they should receive a letter inviting them to apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and to inform them their Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is about to stop. It is very important this invitation is followed up. Do not wait for the DLA to stop. Provided you apply for PIP in time your DLA payments can continue until your PIP claim is processed and paid. If DLA has already stopped, a new claim to PIP will need to be made and payments will not start until it is processed.

You can contact the Nottinghamshire County Council Benefits Team via the Customer Service Centre (Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5pm and 8:30am to 4.30pm on Friday):

Tel: 0300 500 80 80

Text relay: If you are Deaf or can’t speak on the phone, contact us using  Relay UK.  Download the Relay UK app or using your existing text phone prefix our dedicated text Relay number with the Relay UK code (18001) 

Contact us using Relay UK: 18001 01623 434 993

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

A young person might be able to apply for Personal Independence Payment when they reach 16. If they have been receiving Disability Living Allowance prior to that they will asked to migrate over to PIP.

Eligibility is not affected by any income or savings a claimant might have.

To start a claim phone 0800 9172222.

Universal Credit

A young person over 18 (16 and 17-year olds in certain restricted circumstances) must now apply for Universal Credit. The claimant must have below £16,000 in savings.

Universal Credit is a benefit that can be claimed by people who are not able to work and by those who are working. A person’s wages will be taken into account. The value of Personal Independence Payment is ignored.

Applications are made online. Go to the Government website. 

It is important to seek advice on how to go about applying.  

Dependent on what benefits are claimed you might be able to get help with the cost of your rent lease. Seek advice for details:

You can contact the Nottinghamshire County Council Benefits Team via the Customer Service Centre (Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm):

Tel: 0300 500 80 80

Text relay: If you are Deaf or can’t speak on the phone, contact us using  Relay UK.  Download the Relay UK app or using your existing text phone prefix our dedicated text Relay number with the Relay UK code (18001) 

Contact us using Relay UK: 18001 01623 434 993

Sometimes you may need help to make a decision on how to spend or save your money. These people may be able to help you:

• Parents or your relations;
• Trusted friends;
• An appointed person. This is a person you trust. You must tell your bank or building society that they can speak to your appointed person about your money.

You can find out information on opening your own bank account by watching the videos under the 'Bank account and money skills' drop down section on the SEND Local Offer website.

According to the Mental Capacity Act (2005), anyone over 16 must be presumed able to make decisions for themselves, with support if needed, unless it can be shown otherwise. This includes decisions about managing money and bank accounts.

A lot will depend on the young persons ability to manage their own financial affairs. If a person is unable to manage their affairs because of their disability then someone else, a parent, carer etc can become their official appointee.

There are different options for finding a way into paid employment. You can find out more on the SEND Local Offer website Routes to Work section.

The Charity Step Change can provide a range of advice and support if you require emergency help with money and food. You can call for FREE on 0800 138 1111 (Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm, Saturday 8am-4pm). You can also visit the Step Change Website, which provides details on what help you can get.

Nottinghamshire County Council has a dedicated 'Cost of Living Support' page, which includes information on support to pay your bills and food support. Please visit the Nottinghamshire County Council website

Most people who work are entitled to get paid at least the National Minimum Wage. This includes casual workers, people on zero hours contracts and agency workers.

There is also a higher rate called the National Living Wage. You should be paid this if you’re 25 or older and you’re entitled to the National Minimum Wage.

If your employer fires you or alters your work so they don't have to pay you the National Minimum Wage or the National Living Wage, you might be able to challenge this. Find out how you can deal with a problem at work on the Citizens Advice website.

If you think your employer has fired you or changed your job to get around the minimum wage, it's worth getting advice by contacting Citizens Advice.

If someone has stolen your money this is illegal.

Contact your bank or building society straight away if you're worried someone might have access to your account. They can take action straight away to protect your account so no more money can be taken. For example, they might cancel your cards and send you a replacement.

You should also report the crime to the police through Action Fraud. They'll log it and give you a crime reference number.

Action Fraud
Telephone: 0300 123 2040
Textphone: 0300 123 2050
Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm

Website: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

Learning about the importance of saving and only buying things which you can afford is an important part of adult life. Whether this means putting aside a small amount every week for purchases such as a pair of new shoes, or longer-term planning for a larger purchase.

By saving money it can help you to reach your long-term goals such as:

• buying a car
• going to university, or
• buying a home

Learning to save is a vital skill and can also help you to avoid getting into debt, where you owe money.