Paying for a diagnostic assessment Diagnostic assessments for specific learning difficulties (SpLD)
This information is for students who live in the UK. If you live outside of the UK see International students - disability support.
To help you get the support you need for studying, if you have a specific learning difficulty (SpLD), you’ll need a diagnostic assessment. The Open University (OU) can help towards the costs for students who are eligible. It can also be used as evidence when applying for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).
For eligible students, funding is available to pay for an SpLD diagnostic assessment for such things as dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia. Funding is also available for diagnosis of visual stress (also referred to as Irlen Syndrome, Meares-Irlen Syndrome or Scotopic Sensitivity).
We can give you advice and guidance on arranging your diagnostic assessment. There are different kinds of assessment and we can advise you which will be best for you, and explain the process of finding an assessor. If you live in England, contact the Disability Support Team. If you live in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales contact your student support team.
Applying for help to pay for a diagnostic assessment
As an OU student living in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales, you can apply for up to £650 from the Study-related costs fund to help pay for a diagnostic assessment and also claim for travel costs to and from the assessment.
If your application is successful, 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) our funding does not cover the cost for these.
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 list. For further advice contact disability support.
How much of the payment will the fund cover?
You can get funding of up to £650 towards the cost of one diagnostic assessment.
You will receive the full £650 towards the cost, 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 following table shows how much you'll receive depending on your income. If your assessment cost exceeds £650, the maximum amounts available in the table will apply.
| Gross household income | Award amount | Maximum amount available |
|---|---|---|
| £25,000.00 and under | 100% | £650 |
| £25,000.01 - £29,999.99 | 90% | £585 |
| £30,000.00 - £34,999.99 | 80% | £520 |
| £35,000.00 - £39,999.99 | 70% | £455 |
| £40,000.00 - £44,999.99 | 60% | £390 |
| £45,000.00 - £49,999.99 | 50% | £325 |
| £50,000.00 and over | 0% | £0 |
Applying for the Study-related costs fund
You'll find the application form and guidance notes at Funding for study-related costs: UK.
Support for specific learning difficulties
For more information on studying with specific learning difficulties and support available, see our Specific learning difficulties (SpLD) article.
Sending us your diagnostic assessment report
Once you have your diagnostic assessment you can use it to request specialist support. Complete the Disability Support Form and send us your diagnostic assessment report with it. For more information and options for completing the Disability Support Form see Telling the OU about your disability.
