What is it?

‘Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is support to cover the study-related costs students have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability.

This can be on its own or in addition to any student finance.

The type of support and how much depends on individual needs - not your household income.

Students do not need to pay back DSA.’

Source: Department for Education (2021) ‘Help if you’re a student with a learning difficulty, health problem or disability’, Get undergraduate student finance: step by step. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsa/print.

Can I apply?

You are eligible to apply if you are a registered student and have a disability. Click here to find out how to apply.

You will need medical evidence to send with the application, this is important.

Also, it is a good idea to do this as quickly as possible. It can take up to 14 weeks from applying to getting the entitlement as you will need to arrange a needs assessment which takes time.

You can apply for DSA through the Student Finance page. You may have a medical letter or report regarding your disability, if not your GP can be given the attached form to complete.

 

‘What DSA can pay for?

• specialist equipment, for example a computer if you need one because of your disability
• non-medical helpers, for example a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter or specialist note taker

• extra travel to attend your course or placement because of your disability
• other disability-related study support, for example having to print additional copies of documents for proof-reading'

Source: Department for Education (2021) ‘Help if you’re a student with a learning difficulty, health problem or disability’, Get undergraduate student finance: step by step. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsa/print.

Once you have completed an application, you will be contacted with a list of needs assessors to contact to arrange a needs assessment. The needs assessor will then produce a report recommending equipment or adjustments that are needed.