Dialyis @ University

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eddowie
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Jun 17, 2004 3:41 pm

Dialyis @ University

Post by eddowie »

Hi. I'm a haemodialysis patient aged 26 and I shall be going to University in Leicester in September. I am a little concerned about my monetary situation when I go away. I was wondering how people in a similar situation have got on. Have you managed to get benefits? Is there any help available? Thanks in advance if anyone has any information. Ed
Sueleic
Posts: 163
Joined: Fri Apr 23, 2004 10:52 am
Location: Leicestershire England

Post by Sueleic »

Hi eddowie
I’m not a dialysis patient but was my husbands career
I would just like to welcome you to Leicester in September
The haemo unit is a nice one with some friendly staff and patients please PM if you want
Sue
In Leicester
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Hal
Posts: 617
Joined: Wed Apr 21, 2004 9:56 am
Location: Liverpool, UK

Post by Hal »

Hi Ed,

I'm 22 and studying at the University of Liverpool. My circumstances are slightly different because I am now a PD patient and also live at home.

I found that there are some benefits available, but be careful because some depend on the amount of hours your study a week. I think it you had more than 14 hours of formal study (e.g. lectures, tutorials), you are not elligible for Incapacity Benefit.

I am unaware of how it works with the full spectrum of benefits e.g. Income Support, Disability Livining Allowance (DLA). I have always been told if you apply for DLA, you do it on your worst day.

I recommend talking to a Citizens Advice Bureau or a Renal Social Worker if your current unit has one. There are often also local Disability Associations who can help.

In addition to these, Universitys are now very aware of the rights of Disabled students and there is often help available. There is a government grant available called the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). They will help with fees and books and computers etc that you may need. It is not dependant on income of your family and you do not have to pay it back.

Please see: http://www.dfes.gov.uk/studentsupport/f ... ides.shtml

Universities also often have Hardship Loans for students.

I'd just also like to say that most of the stuff I've mentioned classes me/you/us as Disabled. Personally, I've never really though of myself as disabled - always just as ill - but thats how things are classed!

Take Care, feel free to PM me or ask more questions,

Hal
JMan
Posts: 3471
Joined: Fri Apr 23, 2004 10:21 am
Location: Lives in a slightly weird bit of Shropshire called Telford!

Post by JMan »

Hi Ed,

As Hal says go for DSA.. its worth the cash as a student for books PC, and printer, consumables and any help you need for STUDY eg a note taker etc. You can also get extra time if you need in exams.. For this you need to speak to your course tutor.
You need to talk with the Uni's support person about this (usually called special needs or something, but they are the ppl to speak with).

I also, after some pressing and witholding of cheques threatening further action, managed to reduce my bill for food and board as they were not providing much food in the canteen that was a renal diet and also terms were cut short by several weeks in some cases (paying for 12 weeks getting 10 etc).

I found I ended up doing nights on a Friday, and afternoons rest of the time as this fitted round lectures best..

PM me if you want Ed ..

Cheers
"Dialysis! What is this? The dark ages!"
L. 'Bones' McCoy, ST"
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