State benefits

You may be eligible to apply for some state benefits while studying if:

  • you have a disability
  • you have dependents

Dyslexia does not normally make you eligible for these benefits.

Available benefits

Benefits can be split into two broad categories:

  • Means-tested – your income affects how much money you can receive. Means-tested benefits include Income Support, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and help with healthcare costs.

  • Non means-tested – your income does not affect how much money you can receive. Benefits include the Disability Living Allowance (payable at a number of different rates, depending upon the nature and severity of your disability) and Employment and Support Allowance.

If you would like to find out more about the benefits you may be entitled to, please contact the Student Funding Service or your local Jobcentre Plus.