Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA):

Supporting Students with Disabilities

The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is a government-funded program to support students who have disabilities or health conditions that may affect their ability to study.

This program offers support to help students receive the necessary recommendations and adjustments based on their unique individual needs.

A comprehensive Needs Assessment will be carried out to effectively support you in your studies and to identify needs and the most appropriate support.

Eligibility for the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)

  • Check you’re eligible

    If you live in England and have a disability that affects your ability to study, you may qualify for support. Eligible disabilities include:

    Specific learning difficulties (e.g., dyslexia, dyspraxia)

    Mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression)

    Physical disabilities (e.g., mobility impairments)

    Sensory disabilities (e.g., visual or hearing impairments)

    Long-term health conditions (e.g., chronic illnesses)

  • Further Eligibility Requirements

    You must also:

    Be an undergraduate or postgraduate student

    Qualify for student finance from Student Finance England

    Be enrolled in a course that lasts at least one year

How to Apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA):

  • When applying for student finance, you will be asked if you want to apply for DSA.

    Once you have completed your main application, you can apply online to DSA.

    Alternatively, if you are only applying for DSA, without any student finance, you can apply by completing a DSA1 application form. This can be downloaded here.

  • You will then be asked to submit evidence of your disability to support your application.

  • Your application will then be reviewed by student finance, and if eligible for DSA, your details will be processed with an allocated supplier to arrange a needs assessment.

    Recommendations made by an assessor are then shared with student finance, and you will be contacted and notified if funding has been approved.

  • Based on the assessment, an individualised support plan will be created based on your needs and recommendations made by your Needs Assessor.

    If you give consent, your details will be passed to recommended suppliers for them to arrange support. However, if you do not provide consent, you will need to contact suppliers directly.

What can DSA help with?

Specialist equipment

Such as a computer or ergonomic equipment to assist with studies.

Non-medical helpers

Such as a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, specialist mentor, or specialist tutor.

Travel support

Assistance with attending course lectures or placement due to your disability.

Assistive technology

Various software to support with academic studies due to your disability.

CONNECT WITH US

Strength in Differences, Power in Unity.

Reach out to us and get the support you deserve.