The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office works very closely with the Disabled Students’ Program (DSP) to ensure that students with disabilities receive the support and services they need to achieve their academic goals.
Disabilities Support
Here are some of the ways the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office partners with DSP:
Reduced Courseload
Typically, UC Berkeley expects undergraduate students to attend full-time. However, an exception can be made to allow students with documented disabilities through the campus DSP office to enroll less than full-time (full-time for financial aid purposes is 12 units). If you are receiving a Cal Grant or Pell Grant, a reduced course load may affect these awards. In some cases, depending on your eligibility and fund availability, a reduction to a Cal Grant or Pell Grant award can be replaced with our institutional Berkeley Grant funding.
If you have any questions about the amount of aid you have received, open a case with Cal Student Central. Also, at certain times of the year, the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office partners with the DSP Office to provide direct access to phone advising with a financial aid counselor. Contact DSP for more information.
DSP/TRIO Student Support Services
The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office partners with the DSP office and provides DSP/TRIO Student Support Services and grant funding to assist students with their academic success. Visit the Disabled Student’s Program website and click on the “Programs” tab for more information.
Additional Resources
LOIS I. HOGAN FUND: The Lois I. Hogan Fund makes money available to students with disabilities who have been offered a job opportunity and are in need of financial assistance in order to realistically pursue the work experience. The fund was established in the memory of Lois Hogan. Ms. Hogan was a parent, the mother of UC Berkeley student Brian Hogan. Work experience for students with disabilities is essential to prepare students for the realities of the work world. The UC Berkeley Public Service Center, with the Career Center and Disabled Students’ Program (DSP), provides information about internships, summer jobs, and other work experience. Disability-related needs include transportation, housing attendant care, and interpreter and reader availability. For more information and timelines, contact the Public Service Center Director.
Basic Needs Support: The Basic Needs Center serves as a physical resource hub for basic needs resources and services. The Center also is a space for students to create community and access coordinated support for their basic needs. We are committed to cultivating wellness and belonging in the Basic Needs Center space. Visit the Basic Needs Center.
For more information about financial resources for Disabled Students, please see the Financial Assistance page on the DSP website.