A guide to the Disabled Students’ Allowance

The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is financial support for UK university students who have a disability or specific learning difficulty. To be eligible for the DSA, you must study an undergraduate, postgraduate, foundation, or equivalent degree. This article will explain the different DSA allowances across the UK, the type of support available, and how you can access this funding.

The following allowances are one-off, single payments. They aren't dependent on family or personal income. You should look at the allowance for where you currently live, rather than where you’re going for university.

England
• Up to £26,948 excluding travel (2024/2025 figures)
• Applications are managed by Student Finance England
• For NHS-funded courses, you need to apply through NHS Student Bursaries.

Wales
• Up to £33,460 excluding travel (2024/2025 figures)
• Applications are managed by Student Finance Wales
• For NHS-funded courses, you need to apply through your university’s disability service.

Scotland
• Up to £27,405 (2024/2025 figures)
• Support is split between basic allowance, large items allowance, and non-medical personal help allowance. Each has its own maximum allowance.
• For all courses, applications are managed by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland.

Northern Ireland
• Up to £25,000 excluding travel (2024/2025 figures)
• Applications for all courses are managed by Student Finance Northern Ireland.

If you find that your DSA allowance doesn't cover all your requirements, your university’s disability adviser will help you apply for additional funding from other sources, if available.

The DSA support can be split into four main areas: specialist equipment, non-medical, general and travel. The DSA covers the extra disability-related costs or expenses you have while studying. These are over and above those provided by a university.

The types of support covered by the DSA can include:

• computers, printers, and scanners. In England, you are required to pay £200 towards the cost of a new computer
• specialist software, such as voice recognition, mind mapping, or screen reading software, including any training required
• specialist furniture, such as chairs, tables, or back support
• non-medical support, such as sighted guides, specialist mentors, mobility trainers, communication support workers, or British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters
• specialist tuition, such as study skills support for dyslexic students
• travel, such as private taxis to attend study.

It’s important to note that the DSA doesn't cover any support outside of your studies, such as personal assistance at home.

If you’re applying for student finance through your relevant loans company, there’ll be an option for you to select that you would also like to apply for the DSA. You can do this after you’ve completed your main application.

If you’re only applying for the DSA, you’ll need to make sure you complete the DSA1 form. You'll get confirmation of whether your application is successful within 6 weeks. It can take another 14 weeks to get your support in place. As such, it’s important to apply as soon as you’ve submitted your UCAS application.

Applying in good time will ensure that your support is organised before your summer holidays and you'll receive any necessary equipment before you start your studies. You may also receive requests for additional information, such as your needs assessment.

It can be helpful to speak to a disability adviser at your school, college, or chosen university before you apply to receive personalised advice about your needs, and support with filling in the DSA application.

You’ll need to provide evidence alongside your form, which can include one of the following:

• a diagnostic assessment of your disability or specific learning difficulty
• a disability evidence form from your student loans company
• evidence from a qualified medical professional.

Support can look different for every student, so research is critical. Use the links provided in this article for more information about the allowances in your country. Good luck with your application!