Funding for students with learning difficulties and disabilities

Find information on some of the funding options available to support your next steps after leaving school.

Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)

You may be able to apply for DSA to cover some of the extra costs you have because of mental health problems, long term illness or any other disability. You can get the allowance on top of other student finance. You won’t need to repay DSA. Find out more about Disabled Students’ Allowance on Student Finance Wales.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

PIP can help you financially with extra costs caused by long term ill-health or disability. A health professional will assess you to work out the level of help you can get. Find out more about PIP and how to apply on Gov.uk.

Universal Credit

Universal Credit helps people who do not have enough money to live on. The amount of financial support you will receive will depend on your eligibility. Find out more information about Universal Credit on Gov.uk.

Funding at university

It’s important to make sure you’ve applied for the right funding at University. UCAS gives an overview of the help and financial support available for students with physical or mental health conditions and learning differences.

Welsh Government Learning Grant (Further Education)

The Welsh Government Learning Grant FE is an income-assessed grant of up to £1,500 if studying full-time, or up to £750 if studying part-time. It provides funding to help with the costs of education for those aged 19 and over. Find out more about the Learning Grant on the Student Finance Wales website.

Useful information for parents/carers

Child Benefit when your child turns 16

You can get Child Benefit if your child is under 16, and it can continue up to the age of 19 if they stay in approved education or training. You’ll need to inform the Child Benefit Office of this. Find out more about Child Benefit on Gov.uk.