Help with money
Money helps you to pay your bills and buy the things you need or want in life. It comes from having a job or receiving benefits.
Use this page to learn more about:
16-19 Bursary Fund →
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) →
Benefits →
Changing from DLA to PIP →
Help to manage your money →
Financial help if you’re disabled →
16-19 Bursary Fund
The 16-19 Bursary Fund is a Government bursary that can help you with educational costs such as travel, books, meals or clothing if you are studying at a school or college or on a training course (including unpaid work experience).
If you have an EHC plan you may be eligible for the bursary if you are over the age of 19.
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is support to cover the study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long-term illness or any other disability.
This can be on its own or in addition to any student finance you get.
The type of support and how much you get depends on your individual needs – not your household income.
You do not need to pay back DSA.
Benefits
The Government websites provides detials of the benefits and financial support available if you’re disabled or have a health condition.
If you currently receive DLA, scroll down to learn more about hanging from DLA to PIP.
Changing from DLA to PIP
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is being replaced by Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for most adults.
If your parents claim DLA for you, you will move from DLA to PIP when you turn 16.
Shortly after your 16th birthday, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will send you a letter inviting you to apply for PIP by a certain date. Once you receive the letter, to apply you must:
- Call to start the PIP claim
- Complete and return the form within 28 days of calling
You may need to have an assessment if more information is needed. When you apply, your DLA payments will continue until a decision is made about their PIP claim. If you do not apply by the date in the letter, their DLA payments will stop. It takes an average of 24 weeks to get a PIP decision, but it can take longer.
Help to manage your money
Having an appointee
If you feel unable to manage your benefits someone can become an appointee on your behalf.
The appointee can apply to deal with your benefits for you if you are struggling with it. They can be a friend or relative, or an organisation like a solicitors or your local council.
Only 1 appointee can act on behalf of someone who is entitled to benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Having a deputy
If you ‘lack the mental capacity’ to make decisions. It is possible for a deputy to make decisions on your behalf.
‘Lacking mental capacity’ means that you cannot make a decision for yourself at the time it needs to be made. You may still be able to make decisions for yourself at certain times.
Financial help if you’re disabled
The GOV.UK website provides a range of advice and help about disability-related financial support, including benefits, tax credits, payments, grants and concessions.