Once you have paid for the essentials you will still want money for other things like:

• Take-aways
  
• Holidays
• Videos
• Nights out
• Presents
• CDs
• TV rent
• Emergencies
• Cigarettes
• Alcohol

Work out how much you spend on these things.

Try to be realistic and honest with yourself.

Budgeting

Health on a budget

The first place to visit when you are planning your move is your local Careers Scotland Office who will help with employment, training and financial matters.

If you cannot find work you will be put on one of the following:

• Skillseeker's Allowance - if you are 16 or 17 and unemployed you get a weekly allowance if you take a place on a Skillseeker's training programme.
  
  
• Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) - if you are unemployed, and 18 or over, you can claim this. You have to be actively looking for work and be able to prove this, otherwise you could get your benefits cut.
  
  
• New Deal - if you have been on JSA for any length of time you will have to take part in New Deal. You will either get a training allowance or a wage if an employer takes you on as a trainee.

Benefits

Sally, 19

• Student Bursaries - you can apply for grants and bursaries from colleges, universities and the Government. Contact the Scottish Student Awards Agency on 0131 476 8212 or speak to your college. You may be eligible for a loan from the Student Loan Company on 0800 405 010.
  
  
• Income Support - you can get this if you are unable to work because you are ill, have children, are disabled, look after someone else or are pregnant. It can also be a top up for those on low wages. The amount you get depends on your circumstances. It's difficult to get Income Support if you are under 18.
  
  
• Severe Hardship Payments - these are for 16 and 17 year olds with no other source of income.
  
  

Benefits

• Bank Savings - if you can afford to save some money you should look into a savings account. This is a complicated area so get advice from your local Citizens' Advice Bureau before deciding.
  
  
• Rent Deposit Schemes - these give help when you need to pay a deposit on a flat but can't afford it. They guarantee the deposit to your landlord so that you can move in. You then pay the deposit to the scheme in instalments. Some rent deposit schemes need you to be over 25. Ask your Council Housing Department if there is one in your area.
  
  
• Credit Unions - these are like community banks. You can save very small amounts with them. If you save regularly with them they will give you low interest loans for things like furniture, a TV or a holiday. Call the Association of British Credit Unions Ltd on 0161 832 3694 to find your nearest one.

It's often useful to talk through budgeting and money issues with someone. Your local Citizens' Advice Bureau can offer you financial advice.

• Housing Benefit - if you have no income, a low income or are on benefits, the Council may pay some or all of your rent, but no other living costs. It takes a while for the first payment to come through so you may have to pay the first 4 weeks if you rent from a private landlord (you will get it back when your benefit comes through). Students cannot normally get Housing Benefit.
  
  
• Council Tax Rebate - this means you pay less Council Tax than normal. You will probably only get a discount if you are on benefits or on a very low income. Students and under 18s do not have to pay Council Tax. If you get Housing Benefit you will get Council Tax rebate.

Rent deposit schemes	Housing Benefit in a private rented place
Benefits

You can apply for these at your local Jobcentre Plus . Unfortunately there is no guarantee you will get them.

• Community Care Grant - you can apply for this if you are on Income Support or Jobseeker's Allowance. For example, if you are leaving care or have been in homeless accommodation. It does not need to be paid back.
  
  
• Budgeting Loan - you can apply for this if, for example, you are leaving care. You have to have been on Jobseeker's Allowance or Income Support for at least 26 weeks. It can help, for instance, towards rent in advance and household items. It must be paid back - payments are usually taken back via your benefits.
  
  
• Crisis Loan - you can apply for this loan if you have no other money. It must be paid back.
  
  

Applying for Social Fund money