If you are ineligible for a mandatory award you can apply for a discretionary award. These vary, ranging from a full award through payment of fees, down to a small book allowance. To find out how much financial support you are likely to require contact the LEA Specialist Careers Officer or the College's Student Service Officer for assistance. They will be able to outline the grants or financial and practical help which might be available for the course you hope to take. Some universities and colleges have their own funds available to assist students with special needs.
Some students unions offer loans in special cases.
To find out more contact the student union president of your chosen college. If you live in Northern Ireland contact the nearest Education and Library Board for further information. In Scotland contact the Student Awards Agency for further information. DSA comes on top of the normal grant, and goes towards covering the cost of using typewriters, word processors, some special equipment, paid helpers and so on. DSA does not cover extra travelling expenses, but travel should be met within the mandatory basic maintenance grant.