Overview
Extra financial support to help with the costs of further and higher education may be available from a trust fund. Some of them require applications to be made by a third party. It should be noted that all grants are discretionary and subject to available funding. Grants can be awarded for materials, resources and services that are not available through statutory funding. Examples include computer equipment, books and childcare.
Funding sources
Scottish International Education Trust
Provides grants to Scottish people who wish to take their studies or training further in order to start a career. Preference is given to postgraduates.
Lawrence Atwell’s Charity
Offer grants towards vocational training and ‘first step’ qualifications to help young people from low-income backgrounds become qualified for work.
The Student Health Association Assistance Fund
Helps students with disabilities to keep up with their studies. The maximum amount of each award is £500 and students must be involved in higher education on a full-time or nearly full-time basis.
Linking Education and Disability (Lead) Scotland
LEAD is a charity that can provide computer equipment, training and a volunteer tutor to help link you to a suitable course and support you on your learning journey.
The Snowdon Trust
Provide grants to physically disabled and sensory impaired students studying in further or higher education in the UK. They can offer financial support for items that statutory funding will not cover, such as: human help – sign language interpreters; computer equipment; adapted or additional accommodation; travel costs.
Kidney Care UK
Offer one-off grants to help with the cost of university or college fees, or the cost of materials and equipment. The grants are given to people with kidney disease of UK nationality. Applications should be submitted by a third party such as a renal social worker or member of the patient’s renal team.
Dyslexia Action Learning Fund
Provides grants to pay for specialist tuition at Dyslexia Action Centres for those with specific learning and literacy difficulties.
NACC Crohn’s and Colitis UK
Offers grants of up to £500 to people between 16 and 25 years old with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) that have additional support needs relating to their education. Funding is available for course related resources and materials and additional cost of university or college such as an en suite room.
Holywood Trust
Provides grants to young people aged between 15 and 25, who are resident in Dumfries and Galloway. Preference is given to people with health conditions or experiencing social disadvantage and can include a financial assistance towards college or university expenses.
Tel: 01387 269 176
Email: funds@holywood-trust.org.uk
Miss Gertrude Muriel Pattullo Advancement Award Scheme
Offers support to people with a physical impairment between the ages of 16 and 25 residing in Dundee and Angus.
Tel: 01382 229 222
Email: toni.mcnicoll@blackadders.co.uk
Webster and Davidson Mortification for the Blind
Offers financial assistance to blind and partially sighted people to support their learning and appreciation of music.
Tel: 01382 229 111
Email: gfulton@thorntons-law.co.uk
Information last updated on 4 March 2021. Please note that information may be subject to change. All information is provided in good faith but Disability Information Scotland does not endorse any product or service referred to within this resource.
If you would like this information guide in another version then please contact us and we will post or email you a copy.
Education, Training and Employment, Money, Benefits and Grants:Frequently Asked Questions
Through our helpline we receive enquiries spanning a wide range of different topics. Here is a selection of those most asked:
Can I get a reduction of Vehicle Excise Duty?
If you are disabled you may be entitled to a reduction or exemption of vehicle tax. The vehicle must be registered in your name or a specific driver’s name and must only be used for your personal needs.
You can apply for exemption if you get the:
- higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- enhanced rate mobility component of Adult Disability Payment – mygov.scot
- War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
You can get a 50% reduction in vehicle tax if you get the Personal Independence Payment or Adult Disability Payment standard rate mobility component Adult Disability Payment – mygov.scot
You can find out more here Vehicles exempt from vehicle tax – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
What help is there with energy costs?
Energy costs used to be a worry in winter but now bills can be a challenge all year round.
The good news is there are different grants and schemes available to help people improve the heating in their homes and keep heating costs down.
Home Energy Scotland is a free energy advice service funded by the Scottish Government to help people save money and keep their homes warmer. They offer simple energy saving tips, and know about funding schemes and how to access them.
Their website Home Energy Scotland offers help with finding funding, reducing your bills, making your home warmer and living a greener life. You can call them on 0808 808 2282
Education, Training and Employment, Money, Benefits and Grants:Search for Local Organisations
Our quick search tool can connect you to over 3000 service providers, suppliers and organisations supporting people across Scotland. To find support near you, simply enter your search term and select your local authority.
| Organisation | Description |
|---|---|
| Aberdeen Action on Disability Ltd | Promote the integration of all disabled people into the community |
| Aberdeen Citizens Advice Bureau | Provide information to people living in the local area |
| Aberdeenshire South Foodbank | Services provided: The area covered by the ASFB extends from the edge of Aberdeen City west to Braemar and from Strathdon to Portlethen, Stonehaven and Inverbervie. To obtain a food parcel from the Foodbank you must have been referred to them by a fron… |
| Aberdeenshire Support and Advice Team (ASAT) | Provide welfare rights advice |
| AbilityNet | Works with people with all disabilities and of all ages, helping them to use computers and the internet to improve their lives at home, at work and in education |
| About purchasing zero-rated adapted vehicles | Guidance on what you need to know about purchasing adapted vehicles free of VAT if you are disabled |
| ACAS (Scotland) | Impartial advice and information on employment relationships |
| ACCESS Angus | ACCESS Angus is the way for Angus citizens to access council services |
| Access to Elected Office Fund | Providing financial support for disabled people standing in Local Authority and Scottish Parliament elections to address impairment-related barriers and disadvantages. |
| ACOSVO | ACOSVO is a growing membership organisation of over 750 voluntary sector Chief Executives, senior leaders, Chairs and Vice Chairs across Scotland, all committed to the vision of: ‘Excellent Voluntary Sector Leadership in Scotland.’ Our members range fr… |
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