PfA Independent Living

This booklet was created by young people to help you think about what keeps you healthy, happy and well.

Easy to access tips for young people aged 16-25 moving into independent living – How2Adult Booklet

The Decision Making Toolkit produced by the Council For Disabled Children is a practical guide to support:

When you are 18, you will be responsible for paying your own bills, how much you pay depends on whether you are in education, employment or looking for work. These are some organisations that can help advice you:

• Citizens Advice Halton
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA) claim form/information for children under 16
• DLA for adults
• Ultimate Disability Living Allowance Guide
• DWP Disability Living Allowance video’s
• Disability Service Centre – benefits helpline
• Carer’s Allowance
• Benefits and financial support for families
• Attendance Allowance
• Contact for families with disabled children
• DWP Benefit Checker
• Benefit Calculator
• Understanding Universal Credit – making a new claim
• Universal Credit 
• Access To Work Fund
• Benefits and Welfare Advice
• Council Tax and Benefits
• Household Support Fund
• GOV.uk
• Family Fund
• Family Fund – are you eligible to apply for a grant?
• Entitled To
• From Child to Adult
• Citizens Advice Bureau
• Christians Against Poverty
• Money Advice Service
• (PIP) Personal Independence Payment

Provides help and advice on moving from benefits to work, work experience/volunteering, starting your own business and support available when you start working.

• NEW DWP Benefit Checker provides a quick idea of what you may be able to claim
• Benefit Calculator gives a more detailed picture of what you may be entitled to
• Understanding Universal Credit – making a new claim is another way to access the Benefit Checker

The cost of living crisis is affecting more and more people. If you need help or advice about money, debt and other issues, there are organisations in Halton who can help.

• Citizens Advice Halton can help with a range of issues, not just around debt and finances but also housing, legal issues and much more Tel: 08082 787 956
• Energy Projects Plus (EPP) provide a Save Energy Advice Line for free and impartial advice on reducing your energy bills and keeping warm at home Tel: 0800 043 0151
• Mental Health Info Point can also provide more details of help and support for money worries

Everyday Banking Easy Read Guide

Easy Read Guides about how to use a mobile phone

Our Local Offer Transport section has lots of information to help you get around

The team work with colleagues and partners across Social Care, Health and Education to support young people aged 14-18 with complex needs going through transition.

If you have any problems referring, please email Transition.team@halton.gov.uk with all the relevant information regarding the young person.

Useful Documents

• Transition Team leaflet
• Transition Protocol 2022
• Halton My Transition Plan FINAL
• Transition Supported Assessment Questionnaire
• Transition Outcome Focused Review
• What does ‘Transition’ mean?

Easy Read Guide about a TV Licence

• Housing and Adaptations
• Housing and Homeless Advice

Equipment in the Home, Community and for Education

• Halton Children and Young People Safeguarding Partnership
• Halton Adults Safeguarding Board

Are you worried about a friend, child or family member?

If you suspect a child is being abused and you are a child, parent or member of the general public, Children’s Social Care can help and advise you on:

• 0151 907 8305 (Mon-Thurs 9 am – 5 pm, Fri 9 am – 4.30 pm)
• 0345 050 0148 (out of office hours and throughout weekends)