Paying for a diagnostic assessment in England, Northern Ireland or Wales Diagnostic assessments for specific learning difficulties (SpLD)
The OU can provide support if you’re studying with a specific learning difficulty, such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, or dysgraphia. Having a diagnostic assessment will help identify the right support for you. It can also be used as evidence when applying for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).
We can give you advice and guidance on arranging your diagnostic assessment. There are different kinds of diagnostic assessment and we can advise you on what kind of assessment will be best for you and explain the process of finding an assessor. If you live in England, call the Disability Support Team. If you live in Northern Ireland or Wales call your student support team.
Applying for help to pay for a diagnostic assessment
If you're an OU student living in England, Northern Ireland or Wales, you can apply for the study-related costs fund to help pay for a diagnostic assessment and also claim for travel costs for the assessment.
If your application is successful, the fund payment will be made to you after your assessment has taken place.
Funding not available for medical diagnoses of ADHD and autism
As diagnoses for ADHD and autism are available through the National Health Service (NHS), the study-related costs fund does not cover the cost for these diagnoses.
If you experience a delay in getting a diagnosis for ADHD and autism through the NHS, you may still be able to apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) once you have a referral from your doctor onto the NHS waiting lists. For further advice contact the Disability Support Team.
How much of the payment will the fund cover?
The amount awarded from the fund depends on your income.
The fund will cover the full cost of the diagnostic assessment if you receive one of the following benefits.
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit (including Local Housing Allowance)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Universal Credit
- A reduction under the Council Tax Reduction Scheme (students in Wales only).
If your income does not include one of these benefits the amount you receive towards the cost of the assessment will depend on your gross household income. The table below breaks down how much you will receive depending on your income.
| Gross household income | Percentage of payment covered by fund |
|---|---|
| £25,000.00 and under | 100% |
| £25,000.01 - £29,999.99 | 90% |
| £30,000.00 - £34,999.99 | 80% |
| £35,000.00 - £39,999.99 | 70% |
| £40,000.00 - £44,999.99 | 60% |
| £45,000.00 - £49,999.99 | 50% |
| £50,000.00 and over | 0% |
Applying for the study-related costs fund
You'll find the application form and guidance notes at Funding for study-related costs: England, Northern Ireland and Wales.
Support for specific learning difficulties
For more information on studying with specific learning difficulties and support available see our Specific learning difficulties (SpLD) article.
