Scope is the UK's leading disability equality charity.
All our online advice and support is independently researched by our specialist team.
Scope is the UK's leading disability equality charity.
All our online advice and support is independently researched by our specialist team.
Scope is the UK's leading disability equality charity.
All our online advice and support is independently researched by our specialist team.
This information applies to England and Wales.
When you are disabled and moving onto higher education, it is important to manage your finances so you have enough money to live on without having too much debt.
You may find that you have to pay more than other students. For example, you might need to:
There are various free budget calculators available online.
Student budget calculators (Save the Student)
Before you can set yourself a budget, find out what student funding you can get and make sure you apply for it on time.
Student finance calculator (GOV.UK)
You can then work out a budget that reflects your income and all your costs.
Student Finance can change which benefits you get and how much. Use the Better Off Calculator to check.
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) can help with the extra disability-related study costs or expenses you incur.
You can get DSA support on top of other student loans. You will not have to pay it back. DSA only covers study-related costs. It can fund support like equipment and non medical help. It does not cover personal care or daily living costs.
When you go to university, your local authority where you live permanently should fund your care package. For most students this will be the local authority where you:
You can ask for an assessment of your care and support needs. This covers personal care, accommodation, education and transport.
Getting a social care needs assessment
If you are eligible for support, you will have the option of a personal budget. In Wales, the budget for social care is managed through Direct Payments.
For advice on ways of managing the money, call Disability Rights UK’s personal budgets helpline.
If you are finding it difficult to manage your finances, you can get advice from your student disability adviser or student money advice team at your college or university.
They will be able to advise you on money management, help you stick to your budget and let you know if extra sources of income are available.
You could also try:
Disabled Students Helpline (Disability Rights UK)
They can provide advice on many aspects of student life, including financial assistance.
Student and graduate money (MoneyHelper)
They also offer money advice over the phone, via WhatsApp messages or web chats.
Student health and wellbeing support services (ucas.com)
These can help if you need emotional support with money management or adjusting to university life.
Last reviewed by Scope on: 14/10/2026
Was this page helpful?
Great!
Tell us how it helpedWe're sorry to hear that.
Tell us how we can improve it