University of Southampton researchers are partnering with the charity Step by Step to shine a light on the financial cliff edge facing care leavers as they turn 18, whilst often still in full-time education.
They are calling for fairer financial support to help young care leavers build independent lives.
Step by Step , the UK's largest Supported Lodgings provider, supports hundreds of young people each year as they move on from care or supported accommodation.
All young people under 25 receive a lower rate of Universal Credit - £316.98 a month if you're single and under 25 compared to £400.14 if you're single and 25 or over. The policy assumes they can rely on family for financial support.
For care leavers, who often have no family to fall back on, this creates a deep unfairness - they face the same rent, bills, and food costs as their peers, but with less money to live on.
Debbie Moreton, CEO of Step by Step, said: "Most young people look forward to their 18th birthday, but for care leavers, it can mark the day everything changes. The safety net disappears overnight. We believe young people deserve the same foundation to thrive, not a cliff edge that pushes them into hardship."
The University of Southampton worked with Step by Step on a research project called Moving Towards Independence , which examined what helps and hinders young people as they move towards adulthood.
Researchers heard from young people about their experiences through video calls, an online message board, in-person meetings, voice notes, and photographs.
The findings revealed four key areas for change: financial fairness, housing access, emotional support, and better information about transitions.
The project recommended that Universal Credit should be paid in full, not at a lower level.
Dr Becky Ward , University of Southampton, who co-led the research, said: "This is a simple and achievable change that could make a lasting difference. Giving care leavers the same Universal Credit rate as those over 25 - an increase of more than £80 a month - would provide stability, reduce crisis interventions, and help young people focus on education, work, and building their futures."
To raise awareness, Step by Step has released a new short film, Eighteen Isn't Cheaper. The film features young people, hosts, and MPs sharing their experiences and insights into how early independence affects care leavers.
Kate, a Step by Step Supported Lodgings Host, said: "When support ends too early, young people are almost cast adrift. They find it difficult to keep studying, to work, even to find somewhere to live. They've already had to do so much on their own, they need more support, not less."
The proposal has already been debated and approved in the House of Lords through a Private Members' Bill earlier this year, but it now needs to progress through the House of Commons to become law. Step by Step is calling on members of the public to take a stand against youth homelessness and urge their local MPs to support a review of Universal Credit for care leavers - ensuring fairness and stability at the very point young people need it most.
Alex Baker MP added: "At 18, it's harder, not easier, to make ends meet. Everything costs the same whatever your age, and young people deserve the best chance of success. Step by Step's work shows the difference that the right support can make."
Debbie Moreton concluded: "We've shown that small, evidence-led changes can make a huge difference. Now it's time for government to act. We're asking MPs and the public to join us in calling for fair Universal Credit for care leavers - because turning 18 shouldn't mean starting from nothing."
