It’s essential that students are aware of the
support available to them while they’re studying
at university, especially if their lives are impacted
by a disability.
Alongside Student Finance funding, and the in-
house pastoral and accessibility-based support
that universities provide, the government also
offers the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).
The DSA is intended to provide support for
students who have a physical or mental-health
related disability.
Unlike the Student Finance arrangements, the
DSA is not income-assessed. It is based on the
individual’s specific disability and does not need
to be repaid.
The DSA can help with many different expenses,
but it is important to note that it only covers costs
associated with a student’s studies. For example:
• specialist equipment, for example, a
computer if necessary because of a
disability
• non-medical helpers, for example, a British
Sign Language (BSL) interpreter or specialist
note-taker
• extra travel to attend course or placements
• other disability-related study support, for
example, having to print additional copies of
documents for proof-reading.
Students who are going to study at undergraduate
or postgraduate level; who qualify for student
finance loans in the UK; and who are going to
study on a course that lasts at least one year may
be able to apply for the DSA.
A student is eligible for DSA if they have a:
• specific learning difficulty, for example,
dyslexia or ADHD
• mental health condition, for example,
anxiety or depression
• physical disability, for example, they use
crutches, a wheelchair or a special keyboard
• sensory disability, for example, they are
visually impaired, deaf or have a hearing
impairment
• long-term health condition, for example,
cancer, chronic heart disease or HIV.
There is a separate disability allowance for NHS
students.
The DSA application is available as part of the Student Finance England application. If students have not completed an online finance application and are applying by post, DSA application forms can be downloaded here. If a student wishes to apply solely for DSA (and not Student Finance) they can do so using the form DSA1 from the web link above.
For both physical and mental health related
disabilities, a report or letter from a relevant
doctor or consultant may be required. Students
can complete and submit their evidence on the
gov.uk website, using this link.
For specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia,
a copy of a diagnostic assessment from a
practitioner, psychologist or suitably qualified
specialist teacher will be needed.
Once the application is complete and evidence
has been provided, Student Finance will assess
whether the student is eligible and, in some
cases, contact them about an assessment.
Students will be made aware of what they’re
eligible for and whether their allowance will
be paid directly to them, or to their education
provider to cover the cost of their specialist
equipment or support.
It is important that new applicants do not buy any
equipment until they’ve received their payment,
as they cannot be reimbursed for any purchases
made before they’ve received a decision from
SFE.
Check out the One in Five Podcast. A resource by disabled students and for disabled students considering university. In episode 3, the DSA is discussed.
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