Action for M.E.

Financial support

In order to survive further education you will need money for your tuition fees; your living costs and any extra costs you have because of your M.E. You will need to think about these costs and how you are going to fund them long before you start your course. To ensure you get the best up to date information contact:

The learning support co-ordinator or disability officer at the college. Local FE colleges receive funding from the learning and skills council to pay for additional support needed by students with disabilities or learning difficulties.
Your local education authority (LEA) to discuss tuition fees. LEAs provide allowances such as the disabled students allowance or funding for equipment e.g. computers.
Your jobcentre plus or benefits office to find out about current allowances or benefits you may be entitled to.
Voluntary Sectors organisations such as Skill to get an overall picture of the support, grants and bursaries available. Information includes:

Applying to Further Education: Guidance for Disabled People
Funding for Disabled Students in Further Education

Skill can also be contacted by phone or email for advice and further information.

Talk to your students advice centre in the students union.
Your Citizen's Advice Bureau if you have any queries or information you do not understand.

Make sure you make a note of the person and the date at each organisation you speak to, as it will be easier to follow up any information. If you do not understand the advice you have been given, make sure you ask the person to go over it again until it makes sense.

If you are a member of Action for M.E. you can contact our welfare rights helpline for further information.

Information produced February 2004