MA Social Work

LL30

Hiya,

I've just found out that I have got in at my local Uni to do my MA in Social Work and I was just wondering if anyone who has already done this or is in the same position could tell me if I'm on the right tracks in terms of funding.

I am applying for the NHS bursary to pay my fees and towards my living costs. I have a 19 month old, so I will be claiming towards her childcare costs also. I have heard that you can apply for a student loan from the SLC also - but there seems to be some confusion over this, can anyone clarify. Obviously I'll be applying for HB and won't have to pay council tax either. Is there anything I've missed there? (I'm writing my list of people to ring tomorrow)

The other grey area is that I am newly diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis - about to start methotrexate tomorrow (yum!). I have been advised that I could apply for the disabled students allowance, but a) I'm not sure what qualifies you for this and b) I'm unsure that any money will help me anyway (I just want the damn thing to go away!). Does anyone have a quick breakdown that I could peruse on this?

Any input appreciated

kittycatface

http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/825.aspx yes you will be eligible for the disability allowance on top. And you definitely cannot apply for student loan company funding or a career development loan on top (asked both when i applied!) The amounts you will get (childcare and disability) are calculated by the NHSBA after you have provided your info but everyone gets the basic/maintenance grant, and fees are paid up to I think £3,750. good luck!

LL30

Thanks The student loan thing was being bandied about in dif forums with everyone saying dif things - I didn't think I would be able to.

Urgh, going to speak to the student disability team and see whether they can help me - I'm going into uncharted water here..

Are you a QSW? x

devildog

First off congratulations
Re the disabled student's allowance no-one can simply get it because they have x.y or z as a condition. Usually on your application for funding it will ask if you have a disability(proof will be required at this stage) You will then be asked to attend an assessment at a disability centre where they will go through your disability and what issues you have and what help could be given to you to enable you to be in the same position as a non-disabled student. It is not based on your condition but on your needs.

LL30

Thanks devildog! I rang the disability co-ordinator who was lovely and helped me to think about things in slightly different terms which has definitely helped. I don't consider my self disabled, but the University do (well pending a letter from my consultant) - very strange to have that label attributed to myself, but I can see that they will help me. Like you said it's very much about having my needs met (eg library helper) something small like that is going to help me conserve my energy for essential things such as placements. I am so pleased that it's not about having money thrown at me (money's great, but it's not going to do a lot on it's own is it?!)

Feeling very daunted by it all, and it feels surreal, but I'm definitely walking the right path in terms of ensuring that I have the things I need in place to enable me to do the course. Thanks for the help x