Find information on some of the funding options available to support your next steps if you have learning difficulties and disabilities.
Discover more about the other funding options available to all students on Funding for college and 6th form and Funding for university.
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)
DSA supports study-related costs as a full-time undergraduate student. 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. Claiming loans and grants to live and study does not usually affect PIP. Find out more about PIP and how to apply on Gov.uk.
Universal Credit (UC)
Universal Credit is a payment to help with living costs. You may be able to get it if you're on a low income, out of work or you cannot work. You could claim UC as a full-time student if you meet certain criteria. The amount of financial support you will receive will depend on your eligibility. Find out more information about Universal Credit and Universal Credit and students 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 scholarships, grants, and bursaries for disabled students. You can also find out more about the support on offer on students with physical or mental health conditions and learning differences.
You could get a tuition fee loan to cover your course cost. This loan will depend on your household income and will be paid back, with interest, once you've finished or left your course. Grants are also available to help you with living costs in university.
Find out more about tuition fee loans and grants on the what's available page on the Student Finance Wales site.
Information for parents and carers
Child Benefit when your child turns 16
You can get Child Benefit if you are responsible for bringing up a child who is under 16 or up to and including the age of 20 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.
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Funding options for 6th form and college, including Education Maintenance Allowance, Welsh Government Learning Grant and Financial Contingency Fund.
University funding, including loans and grants from Student Finance Wales for tuition fees and living costs, how to apply and repayment.
Find out about the support available to help you into work if you are disabled or have a health condition.