Introduction

The Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) is a UK government-funded support mechanism designed to help disabled students access higher education on an equal footing with their peers. It provides financial assistance to cover the extra costs a student might incur due to their disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition, or specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia. The DSA is available to both full-time and part-time students who are undertaking undergraduate or postgraduate courses. Unlike other student finance, the DSA is not means-tested, meaning it does not depend on the household income of the student. The primary aim of the DSA is to ensure that students with disabilities have the necessary resources and support to succeed in their studies.

Steps to Apply for the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)

1. Check Your Eligibility

Before applying for DSA, it is crucial to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. You must:

• Have a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition, or specific learning difficulty.
• Be an undergraduate or postgraduate student in the UK (including Open University or distance learning courses).
• Be eligible for student finance from Student Finance England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland.
• Be studying a course that lasts at least one year.

Note: You are not eligible for DSA if you are receiving funding from the NHS (for specific healthcare courses), are an EU student with only 'Tuition Fee Loan' eligibility, or if you are studying as an apprentice.

For further details on eligibility, you can visit the official government page:

• Eligibility for DSA (England)

2. Complete Your Student Finance Application

To apply for DSA, you must first complete your student finance application, even if you don’t require other forms of student finance like a tuition fee loan or maintenance loan. If you've already applied for student finance, you can apply for DSA separately. The application form for DSA is available on the Student Finance England website or your respective regional student finance body.

If you are not applying for student finance, you can still apply for DSA by completing a standalone DSA application form.

Application Links:

• Student Finance England
• Student Finance Wales
• Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS)
• Student Finance Northern Ireland

3. Provide Evidence of Your Disability

You will need to provide evidence of your disability or condition as part of your DSA application. This evidence should be recent and from a qualified professional, such as:

• A letter or report from your doctor or specialist if you have a physical disability or long-term health condition.
• A diagnostic assessment from a psychologist or specialist teacher if you have a specific learning difficulty (such as dyslexia).

Make sure your evidence is up-to-date and clearly outlines how your disability or condition affects your ability to study.

4. Attend a Needs Assessment

Once your application has been reviewed and the evidence accepted, you will be invited to attend a needs assessment. This is not a test but a meeting with a qualified assessor to discuss the support and equipment you might need for your studies. The assessment will consider all aspects of your academic work, including lectures, seminars, private study, and exams.

The assessor will then produce a report outlining the recommended support, which may include:

• Specialist equipment (e.g., a computer with assistive software).
• Non-medical helpers (e.g., a note-taker or mentor).
• Travel costs if you have difficulty using public transport.
• General allowance for printing, books, or other disability-related costs.

To book your needs assessment, you can search for an assessment centre using the following link:

• Search for a Needs Assessment Centre

5. Receive Your DSA Entitlement Letter

After your needs assessment, your student finance body will review the recommendations and send you a DSA entitlement letter. This letter will confirm the support and funding you are entitled to receive. It will also provide instructions on how to order equipment or arrange services.

It is important to follow the instructions carefully and keep copies of all communications for your records. If there is any delay in receiving your DSA support, contact your student finance body for assistance.

6. Arrange Your Support

Once you have your DSA entitlement letter, you can start arranging the recommended support. This might involve:

• Ordering and setting up any specialist equipment.
• Contacting the recommended service providers to arrange for non-medical helpers.
• Claiming back any approved expenses.

Your university or college's disability support service can often help with these arrangements and provide additional guidance on using your DSA effectively.

7. Review and Update Your Support

Your needs might change during your studies, and the DSA can be adjusted to reflect these changes. If you find that your current support is not meeting your needs, you can request a review. This may involve a follow-up needs assessment.

Keep in touch with your disability support service throughout your course to ensure that your DSA provisions remain adequate.

Conclusion

The Disabled Students' Allowance is a vital resource for disabled students, helping to remove barriers to higher education and ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can navigate the DSA application process smoothly and access the support you need. Remember to apply early and seek assistance from your university or college if needed.

For more detailed information, please visit the official DSA pages:

• Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) Overview
• How to Apply for DSA