Hi,
I have managed to get taxis covered for a student with a motability car
because he cannot drive very far at one time so still has a need for
transport support to university.
There might be scope for a similar thing with this student if they are not
always mentally fit to drive or are anxious about driving in traffic (in
our uni area there is ALWAYS a lot of traffic).
I spotted this request for DLA/PIP info in the 2014-15 DSA forms
immediately and was quite wary of what they were asking for and why. It
was a bit of a sneaky add-on as I hadn't even realised the new year's DSA
guidelines were out.
Natalya
> Yesterday I received a query from SFE about a taxi allowance being
> recommended (for a student with complex mental health and ASD) -
>
> "I am unable to accept the recommendation which has been made in
> relation to travel allowance for this student, as this student is brand
> new for the academic year 2014/15 we would need to know if they are in
> receipt of the high rate mobility allowance in order to review the
> travel recommendation. Please can I ask that further information is also
> received in respect of this recommendation and once received we can
> review the report again. "
>
> I must admit this new guidance passed me by completely! The guidance
> states:-
>
> ‘Students may be receiving funding for travel assistance from other
> Government agencies as well as help with travel costs through DSAs. It
> is the Department’s view that to duplicate this provision may in some
> circumstances constitute double funding. From AY 2014/15 SFE will ask
> DSA students to indicate on their DSA application form whether they are
> in receipt of any form of support towards travel costs from other
> government agencies or their local authority. This information would
> then be used by the needs assessor and SFE in order to assess what
> additional help towards travel costs the student needs. Receipt of
> another means of support does not preclude a student from receiving
> DSAs, however it informs the decision as to what additional help the
> student might require.
>
> (See paragraph 32 on calculating travel costs for the use of Motability
> cars.)’
>
> Then -
>
> Paragraph 32
>
> ‘Generally, where the student has opted to use a mobility element of
> their Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment
> (PIP) to lease a Motability car, they will be expected to use that car
> to attend their institution and travel costs will be calculated using
> the AA motoring costs of 29p per mile (as above). Suitable parking
> facilities should be arranged by the HEI.’
>
> Best wishes
> Ian Francis
>
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