Disabled undergraduate finances

Wheelys

I am a disabled student that has been accepted onto a 4 year Physics with Astrophysics Masters course at the University of Warwick. This is after

However, finances will be a struggle. Although I have a full Tuition loan from Student Finance England, and have some equipment and programmes supplied through DSA, my Maintenance loan does not cover my future accommodation and living costs and I do not qualify for any further support. I also am in receipt of PIP with enhanced rates on both components, but as both my parents work to support the household including myself and my siblings, we do not have any other benefits and therefore I do not qualify for any grants or bursaries that would otherwise be available from the university or government. Does anyone know where I can get some extra support?

poppy12345

Wheelys said:

I am a disabled student that has been accepted onto a 4 year Physics with Astrophysics Masters course at the University of Warwick. This is after

However, finances will be a struggle. Although I have a full Tuition loan from Student Finance England, and have some equipment and programmes supplied through DSA, my Maintenance loan does not cover my future accommodation and living costs and I do not qualify for any further support. I also am in receipt of PIP with enhanced rates on both components, but as both my parents work to support the household including myself and my siblings, we do not have any other benefits and therefore I do not qualify for any grants or bursaries that would otherwise be available from the university or government. Does anyone know where I can get some extra support?

Universal Credit is the only benefit and students can only usually claim this in very specific circumstances. Firstly you need to be assessed with a work capability assessment and have limited capability for work to be able to claim UC.  Even if you were assessed your student loan will be counted as income and reduce your UC . Whether you would be entitled to anything after the deductions would totally depend on how much your rent will be and exactly how much maintenance loan you'll be receiving. I assume you'll be living away from home while you study?

New style ESA would be possible but you won't be paid any money for this if you haven't work and paid the correct amount of NI contributions in the previous 2 tax years. Although you won't be paid anything you will be assessed with the work capability assessment eventually. If awarded at least limited capability for work then you can claim UC.

Students and benefits are a very complex area. https://askcpag.org.uk/content/201400/coronavirus-and-universal-credit-for-students

It maybe helpful to ring the disabled students helpline, if you can get through to them and ask them for some advice.

https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/how-we-can-help/helplines/disabled-students-helpline

Brie

Does the uni have any special funds available?  Or perhaps a charity/organisation that is associated to your type of disability?

Savvy_Sue

Definitely worth speaking to the university - where have you asked so far? They'll have a disabled student adviser / student support service / something like that. And approaching the student union welfare office too. 

Would you be able to do any part-time work? That's what many students do, although I realise it may not be an option for you (but I wouldn't want to assume it's not!)