Student Finance & Pupil Benefits
These allowances are to assist students with disabilities to benefit as fully as possible from their course. They cover special equipment, non-medical helpers and other general expenses. Allowances are not for expenditure, which would have been incurred irrespective of, whether you were a student.
Payable under the Education (Student Support) Regulations and therefore available ONLY to students following courses of higher education eligible for support under these Regulations.
Special Equipment Allowance:
For items of equipment, the need because of a disability and to enable a student to benefit fully from the course. It is payable at any time during the course, but may not exceed the maximum prescribed limit of £4680 for the course. Disabled students may find AbilityNet an external site providing impartial, expert advice about computer technology for people with disabilities of use.
Non-Medical Personal Helper's Allowance:
This allowance reimburses students up to a maximum of £11840 per annum for expenditure on personal helpers (e.g. note takers, non-medical carers) needed to benefit fully from the course. Expenses must be in respect the student's disability arising as a direct consequence of attendance on the course. Local Social Services have a duty to provide assistance towards personal care costs needed irrespective of a student's attendance on a course.
General Disability Allowance:
This allowance of up to £1565 per annum may be used for miscellaneous expenditure not covered by the specific allowances and to supplement expenditure on non-medical helpers and/or special equipment in excess of the maxima of those allowances.
Travel for Disabled Students:
Travel expenses may be claimed if, because of your disability, you incur additional expenditure. You will be asked to show how your disability incurs additional cost, and to provide medical evidence if necessary.
Notes On Claiming A Disabled Students' Allowance:
These allowances are not means-tested. Items purchased under this provision become your own property. If you withdraw from your course you may be asked to repay part of the cost.
Suitable insurance (which we can reimburse) should be obtained as in the case of theft or damage (however caused) we will not contribute towards the cost of repairs or replacement.
You should discuss your needs with your College Disability Officer. You must provide confirmation of your disability (such as a report from an Educational Psychologist in the case of dyslexia). The cost of this medical assessment cannot be met from the Disabled Students' Allowance. We will ask you to attend an independent Access Centre for an assessment of your disability related needs. The cost of the Access Centre assessment will be met from the disabled students' allowance.
Eligibility
Eligible to receive assistance under the Education (Student Support) Regulations, and provide confirmation of a disability that will affect attendance on the specific course attended.
Required Customer Information
Confirmation of disability (Chartered Educational Psychologist’s report or equivalent for dyslexia); completed application form.
Service Level Agreement and Turnaround
None at present – the service aims for a rapid turnaround of applications for assistance.
More information about this service
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