Not sure what kind of benefits you can get as a child or young person in Wales? This blog explores the different types of financial support, grants, and free travel you can claim.*
(*All the figures you see in this blog are correct as of 21st May 2026, but do go to the official websites for more up-to-date information.)
Cash to help you stay in school or college
If you’re between 16 and 18 and have decided to stay in education, you might get some extra cash. The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) gives you £40 every single week. This money is there to help with things like bus fares, school lunches, or school books.
Your parents’ or carers’ income needs to be below a certain amount to get it. You also have to show up to your classes and sign a learning agreement. If you’re eligible, the money goes straight into your bank account every two weeks. It’s a great way to have a bit of financial support while you study.
Support for older students
If you’re over 18 and heading to university or a higher education course, you can look into the Welsh Government Learning Grant. This is money to help you live while you study, and the best part is that you don’t have to pay it back.
The amount you get depends on your family’s income. It can make a huge difference in paying for rent or your food shop. You can apply for this alongside student loans, so it’s worth checking out what you’re eligible for.
Free money to start your own business
Have you ever dreamed of working for yourself? If you’re under 25 and not currently in school or a job, Wales has something called the Young Person’s Start Up Grant.
This scheme can give you up to £2,000 to help you get your business idea off the ground. It doesn’t matter if you want to be a freelancer, open a shop, or start a digital project. You also get a business adviser who will guide you through the steps of setting everything up.
Financial help if you have a disability or illness
If you’re living with a physical disability, a learning difficulty, or a long-term mental health condition, you can get money to help cover the extra costs of daily life.
For children under 16, a parent or carer can claim Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Once you turn 16, you can claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) yourself. This money is not based on how much your family earns, and it doesn’t matter if you have a job or are still in school. It’s paid at different rates depending on how much help you need with moving around or daily tasks like getting dressed.
Help if you’re looking for work
If you’re over 18 and out of work, or if you have a disability that makes it hard to work, you can look into Universal Credit. This is a monthly payment from the government to help with your living costs, like food, bills, or rent.
If you apply because you’re looking for work, you’ll get a work coach who can help you find training courses or jobs that suit your skills. Wales also has Youth Hubs across the country. These hubs bring together job centres, housing advice, and wellbeing support all in one place.
If you have a disability or long-term illness, Universal Credit also has a specific health element. This is designed to give you extra money if a health professional decides you have a limited capability for work. This extra cash helps ensure you can live independently and comfortably. When you apply, you’ll talk to a professional who will help figure out exactly how much extra support you should be getting each month.
Support if you look after someone else
If you spend a lot of your time caring for a family member or friend who is sick or disabled, you’re a young carer. This is a massive responsibility, and there’s financial support out there to help share the load.
If you’re 16 or older and spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone, you might be eligible for Carer’s Allowance. This gives you £86.45 every week to help with your own costs. You can also look into the Carers Support Fund in Wales, which provides grants to help unpaid carers buy essential items or access wellbeing support.
Extra help for young carers under 16
If you’re under 16, you can’t claim Carer’s Allowance yet, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t support for you. You have the right to ask your local council for a Young Carer’s Assessment.
This assessment isn’t a test. It’s just a chat to see how caring affects your schoolwork, your health, and your free time. The council can then offer support, like funding for hobbies, breaks from your caring role, or links to local young carers groups where you can meet people who understand what you’re going through.
Free transport and school essentials
For younger children and teenagers, the Welsh Government offers the School Essentials Grant. This helps families buy school uniforms, PE kits, and bags.
If you’re a bit older and need to travel, you can look into the MyTravelPass scheme. This gives you a discount on bus travel across Wales if you’re between 16 and 21. It makes meeting up with friends or getting to interviews a lot cheaper.
Finding out what you can claim
Everyone’s situation is different, and the rules around money can change. You don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. A great way to start is by using a free, private online tool like the MoneyHelper benefits calculator. This can show you exactly what you might be able to claim in just a few minutes.
You can talk to organisations like Advicelink Cymru. They can look at your life and tell you exactly what you can claim.
Remember, Meic is always here to talk things through if you feel confused.
