There is a variety of sources of funding available to Further and Higher Education students. The type of funding available will relate to the circumstances of the individual, including factors such as family income level and childcare responsibilities and the nature of the learning being undertaken.
Students with a disability may be eligible for additional financial support. This may be available from a number of sources.
You may be eligible for a Disabled Students’ Allowance paid in addition to other forms of student support. Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) are paid on top of your other student finance and don’t have to be repaid. How much you get depends on your individual needs – not your household income.
You may be eligible for help from your university or college hardship fund.
Further Education Colleges and Universities support the needs of disabled students by providing equipment specific to need, or possible additional tutoring. Equipment provided may remain the property of the college.
National or local organisations or charities specific to a student’s disability could provide financial support.
Some courses also attract financial support.
(This agency has now become the Education & Skills Funding Agency – I can’t find any specific information for Wales (as the Learning and Skills Council was just for England) or easily find out what funding is available so perhaps it’s better not to mention this?)Transport
Local Education Authorities (LEA) must provide adequate transport for disabled students. LEA’S are encouraged to provide transportation to disabled students until at least the age of 21 and ideally 25.
Local Authority Social Services Departments may be willing to provide support for transport costs.
Benefits
State Benefits may be available in some limited circumstances.
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) may be available to cover some of the extra costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness, or other disability.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP – I can’t find reference to care component now – seems to be ‘daily living’ component but maybe best just to leave it as PIP?) may in special circumstances be paid to residential students at a college/other training facility or Local Authority Boarding School for a limited period.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP, Mobility Component) are possibly more accessible.
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