Special Support Grant and Disability Premium

StudentMoneySaver

I was looking in the Special Support Grant because I have a disability and I am possibly entitled to it (a person at my Uni mentioned it when I was asking about financial support) but I am not sure what the Disability Premium is. I have never heard of it outside of the context of the Special Support Grant so I am not sure if I am entitled to it.

If I do qualify for the Disability Premium, and therefore the Special Support Grant, how do I go about applying for it? My Student Finance application for 10/11 has been completed and I've received my entitlement for next year.

Thanks for the help.

edit - Can it be backdated?

Indie_Kid

Do you claim disability benefits?

StudentMoneySaver

I do, I claim DLA.

It's not as simple as that is it?

Indie_Kid

Yes. I claim DLA and did get the special support grant.

StudentMoneySaver

Excellent. Do you know how I go about claiming it? I've always checked the relevant box on the application but I never received any information.

Do you automatically get the full grant or is it assess like the standard Maintenance grant?

Indie_Kid

You need to send off your award letter. It's means-tested like the maintenence grant.

StudentMoneySaver

So I'm not necessarily going to be awarded more money than the Maintenance grant? I have been awarded roughly £900 of the maintenance grant.

Sorry for the questions and thanks for the help.

Indie_Kid

You'd get the same amount if you got either grant. You'd get maximum loan with special support grant.

StudentMoneySaver

Ah, so its not really worth applying for. Is it aimed mainly at students who do not qualify for the Maintenance grant?

Thanks again for the help.

MrsManda

StudentMoneySaver wrote: »

Ah, so its not really worth applying for. Is it aimed mainly at students who do not qualify for the Maintenance grant?
Thanks again for the help.

It is worth applying for as whereas the amount you get from the maintanence grant reduces the amount you can get in loans, you can get SSG and the maximum loan. - the grant amount doesn't reduce the loan amount

How much do you get? direct.gov

The maximum you can get through either grant in 2010/11 or 2009/10 is £2,906 for the academic year.
The actual amount you receive depends on your household income and other factors - including when you started your course.
If you receive a Maintenance Grant, the amount of Maintenance Loan you can get may be reduced. If you get the Special Support Grant, it won't affect how much you get through the Maintenance Loan.

StudentMoneySaver

Interesting. I may do that then. I'll give Student Finance a call tomorrow and sort it out.

I get £6472 loan. Is there more available or is this the maximum?

The exact figure for my grant is £912 (just for accuracy's sake, it probably doesn't make a difference).