Your web browser is outdated and may be insecure

The RCN recommends using an updated browser such as Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome

RCN Foundation 15th Anniversary logo featuring a large star with the number 15 inside, smaller stars surrounding it, and the tagline '15 years of strengthening nursing and midwifery and advancing care'. Make a Donation

Financial support for neurodiverse applicants

Applicants with a form of neurodivergence, such as ADHD or autism, have told us that it can be a challenge managing money and accessing support such as grants and debt advice.

At the RCN Foundation we will aim to support you as much as we can to complete your grant application and to get a longer-term plan in place so that you don’t have to worry so much about money in future. 

Our debt advice partner, PayPlan, have put together some tips:

  • Is there someone who can support you with money management? This could be a friend, partner, or professional, who could look at your bank statements and budget with you
  • Consider a fixed allowance to spend on non-essential items, using cash or an app to help you stick to the limit
  • Think about whether you have any triggers that can result in in spending too much on things you don’t need
  • To avoid priority bills (like rent, mortgage, utilities and council tax) being missed, make sure that they come out the account as close to payday as possible so you know that you only have X to spend after that
  • Think about your goal. Are you motivated by the idea of clearing a particular debt or saving for your children? You can change your phone background to something that will remind you of your financial goal and the reason behind it

Additional resources from other organisations and authors

Contacting PayPlan

The good news is, PayPlan are here to help. You can call them on 0800 072 1206 or visit their website and speak to them via live chat for more information. They're open 8am–8pm Monday to Friday and 9am–3pm on Saturdays.