Getting help

[Jenny]

I'm not sure whether or what I'm eligible to. I'm living with my Mum and studying at college. I'm sure college do grants. I'm not sure I'm 'bad' enough to be eligible. Interested in what other people get and what for?

[gen]

Hi ,don't know if you mean just through college or in general ,your college should have a Welfare officer(may go under a different name ask at the office) they can advise whats availible local to you, most colleges have an 'access' fund this is to make it possible for people to study who would otherwise find it hard because of circumstances (like lack of money for course books or busses) or extra needs for disability etc. you could also try your county council over grants , and the careers office to check for any allowances while at college. good luck.

[suzannehorne]

This may not help you because I live in Scotland but there may be something similar. I have applied for the disabled students allowance. About two months ago, Iwas given an assessment about my needs and what help I feel would be beenficial or help that I had in the past. As a result I got a letter yesterday saying that the SAAS (which is our funding body), will fund me money to get a lightweight lap (Acer Notebook 3002wtmi), an adapter so that I can gain access to the internet/intranet throught the university Hot Spots, a document holder, gel wrist rest, gel mouse pad, posturite chair,a new printer, minidisc recorder and money for consumable expenses each year (e.g. spare colour/black ink cartridfes, A4 copier paper, sony mini discs). I would advise you to apply because up until 4 months ago I was sure that I was not bad enough to apply, but the disability advisor at the university said that if i was disadvantaged in anyway at all I was entitled to apply.

[Sez]

If you mean help in general, it's worth discussing it with your GP - they're the best person to advise you.

Everyone is entitled to an Occupational Therapist's assessment, so if this is the sort of help you mean(i.e. help in the home), you can just stop in your local Social Services Department (Adult Services, now) and ask if you can speak to someone about an OT and possible benefits.

The fact that you live with your mother shouldn't really affect the help you can have, but it might have an impact on monetary benefits as the government thinks "family should support you" (this is family you live with, not just family in general!)... a couple of years ago, my hubby was unemployed and I was earning less than £8,000 p.a., and he was told he couldn't claim Jobseekers, help with the rent, council tax or anything because I should be supporting him! And paying the bills! And because we were under 25 and had no kids, we weren't entitled to working tax credits or income support...

[Jenny]

get a lightweight lap (Acer Notebook 3002wtmi), an adapter so that I can gain access to the internet/intranet throught the university Hot Spots, a document holder, gel wrist rest, gel mouse pad, posturite chair,a new printer, minidisc recorder and money for consumable expenses each year (e.g. spare colour/black ink cartridfes, A4 copier paper, sony mini discs). I would advise you to apply because up until 4 months ago I was sure that I was not bad enough to apply, but the disability advisor at the university said that if i was disadvantaged in anyway at all I was entitled to apply.

See they are the type of things I need, hmmm... I'm going to go see my welfare officer (I work with her doing ambassador stuff anyway so I know her) on Tuesday. I will also speak to my consultant about any help/funding I could recieve on Monday. Thank you people, you've given me a starting point and some courage!

[jo-jo]

Hiya Jenny
Another good place to go for for good advice is connexions, i got trasport prodived through them when i went to college. It would be worth going along for a chat.
What helped me though was that i was statemented , but its worth a try.
((((((((((((( painfree hugz )))))))))
Xxxxx em xxxX

[Jenny]

After visiting the welfare officer and recieving a letter from my consultant confirming my need for help in writing I have now been offered an Alpha Smart from college.

http://www2.alphasmart.com/products/index.html

They suggested this as I have a pc at home and it is a lot lighter than a laptop.

I go to pick it up on Monday, so I will let you know how it all goes!