What is Disabled Students’ Allowance ? Eligibility, Benefits, and How to Apply

Pursuing higher education can be an enriching experience, but it can also come with unique challenges, especially for students with disabilities. Fortunately, the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) exists to provide essential support for students with disabilities, long-term health conditions, mental health difficulties, or specific learning differences, such as dyslexia. This financial aid helps students access the resources and services they need to fully engage with their studies.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what DSA is, who is eligible, the benefits it offers, and how you can apply for it. Whether you’re an undergraduate or postgraduate student, this guide will help you understand the process and ensure you get the assistance you need to succeed in your academic journey.

What is Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)?

Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is a form of financial support provided by the UK government to help cover the additional costs that students might incur due to a disability, long-term health condition, mental health issue, or specific learning difficulty. Unlike a typical student loan, DSA is non-repayable, meaning you don’t have to pay it back, making it a valuable resource for students who may require extra assistance during their studies.

DSA is not intended to cover costs that every student might incur, such as tuition fees or general living expenses. Instead, it focuses on providing support that is specific to the needs of the individual. This can include funding for specialist equipment, software, non-medical helpers, and travel expenses related to your disability.

Who is Eligible for DSA?

To qualify for DSA, there are specific eligibility criteria you must meet. Here’s a breakdown of the requirements:

1. Residency Status

You must be a UK student or meet the residency criteria. This means you must be a UK national or have ‘settled status.’ Students from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, as well as other international students, may also be eligible depending on their residency status and how long they have been living in the UK.

2. Course Requirements

DSA is available for full-time or part-time students studying at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The course you’re enrolled in must be:

• A full-time or part-time undergraduate course (e.g., BA, BSc).
• A postgraduate course (e.g., MA, MSc, PhD) that lasts at least one year.
• An Open University or distance learning course.

3. Disability Criteria

You must have a disability, long-term health condition, mental health issue, or specific learning difficulty that affects your ability to study. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Physical disabilities: Such as mobility impairments or visual/hearing impairments.
• Mental health conditions: Including anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
• Specific learning difficulties: Such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, or ADHD.
• Long-term health conditions: Including chronic illnesses like diabetes or Crohn’s disease.

You must provide medical evidence, such as a letter from your doctor, specialist, or a diagnostic assessment for specific learning difficulties to support your application.

4. Previous Study and Age

There is no upper age limit for applying for DSA. However, you won’t be eligible if you’re already receiving equivalent support through another funding body, such as the NHS or a social work bursary. Previous study or having a student loan does not affect your eligibility for DSA.

5. Part-Time and Distance Learning

Students studying part-time or through distance learning can also apply for DSA, provided that their course intensity is at least 25% of a full-time course. This flexibility ensures that support is accessible to students who may need to study around their health conditions.

What Does DSA Cover?

DSA is tailored to meet your individual needs and can cover a variety of costs. Here’s what DSA can help with:

1. Specialist Equipment and Software

DSA can fund specialist equipment and software that you may need due to your disability or learning difficulty. This might include:

• Computers, laptops, and tablets.
• Assistive software (e.g., text-to-speech software, mind mapping tools).
• Ergonomic equipment, such as adjustable desks, chairs, and keyboards.
• Recording devices for lectures.

Note: DSA will typically not cover standard equipment such as laptops unless it is specifically recommended in your needs assessment. A contribution of up to £200 is often required if you need a new computer.

2. Non-Medical Helper Allowance

This allowance covers the cost of support workers, such as:

• Note-takers and scribes.
• British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters.
• Specialist mentors for mental health conditions.
• Study skills tutors for specific learning difficulties.

This type of support is designed to assist you with managing your studies and accessing your course materials effectively.

3. General Allowance

The general allowance is designed to cover other disability-related costs that aren’t included in the specialist equipment or non-medical helper allowances. This might include costs like printing, additional photocopying, or additional books and stationery.

4. Travel Allowance

DSA can provide financial assistance with travel costs if your disability prevents you from using standard public transport. This allowance can cover taxi fares or additional costs for driving to and from university. It’s important to note that DSA only covers the additional travel costs you incur as a direct result of your disability.

How to Apply for DSA: A Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for DSA can seem daunting, but breaking it down into manageable steps can make the process much smoother. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before applying, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria outlined above. Gather any necessary evidence of your disability, such as a letter from your GP or a diagnostic assessment for specific learning difficulties.

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

The application process varies slightly depending on where you’re studying in the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland). Here’s how to apply based on your location:

• England: Apply online through Student Finance England’s website or complete the DSA1 application form.
• Scotland: Apply through the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) website.
• Wales: Apply through Student Finance Wales.
• Northern Ireland: Apply through Student Finance Northern Ireland.

If you’re applying as part of your student finance application, you can indicate that you want to apply for DSA at the same time. Alternatively, you can apply separately if you’re not applying for other student finance.

Step 3: Submit Supporting Evidence

You’ll need to provide evidence of your disability or health condition. This could be a recent letter from your doctor or a specialist, or an assessment report if you have a specific learning difficulty. Make sure that the evidence clearly outlines your condition and its impact on your ability to study.

Step 4: Attend a Needs Assessment

If your initial application is approved, you’ll be asked to attend a needs assessment at an approved assessment centre. During this assessment, you’ll discuss your specific needs, challenges, and the support you require. The assessor will recommend appropriate equipment, software, and support services that will help you succeed in your studies.

Step 5: Receive a Report and Approval

After the needs assessment, you’ll receive a report outlining the recommended support and equipment. This report is sent to your funding body for approval. Once approved, you’ll receive a confirmation letter detailing what will be funded and how to access the support.

Step 6: Access Your Support

Once your DSA support is approved, you can order any recommended equipment or arrange for support services, such as a mentor or study skills tutor. The funding body will provide instructions on how to access your support and cover the costs directly with suppliers.

Step 7: Keep Records and Review

It’s important to keep records of any support you receive, as you may need to provide evidence for any reimbursements or future applications. If your needs change during your course, you can request a review of your DSA support at any time.

The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is a valuable resource that can significantly enhance your learning experience and help you succeed in your studies. Whether it’s providing specialist equipment, support workers, or covering additional travel costs, DSA ensures that students with disabilities have equal opportunities to excel in their academic pursuits.

If you’re eligible, don’t hesitate to apply for DSA and take advantage of the support available to you. Understanding your needs and seeking assistance is a positive step towards achieving your educational goals and making the most of your time at university. By ensuring you have the right resources and support in place, you can focus on what matters most—your learning and personal growth.