Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)
If you have a disability, you may be entitled to claim extra financial help as a student. This is paid on top of any standard student finance you may receive. Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is a grant to help meet the extra costs of studying that student’s face as a direct result of a disability. They are designed to help disabled students study on an equal basis with other students. The amount a student receives does not depend on your household income. You do not have to repay this help.
Who is eligible?
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, full-time and part-time students with disabilities, (if studying 50% of a full-time course) are entitled to the following support through DSA:
- Specialist Equipment Allowance e.g. computer software, lap top
- Non-Medical Helpers Allowance e.g. note taker, study skills tutor
- General Allowance e.g. photocopying costs
- Travel Allowance e.g. extra costs you have to pay as a result of your disability
Who is not eligible?
International, EU & FE students are not eligible for the DSA. However the Disability Team may be able to offer advice and guidance about other means of support. To discuss your support options please contact the Disability Team.
How to Apply
To apply for DSA you will have to show written proof of your disability to your funding body. This must come from an appropriate medical professional. Please read the information about appropriate Medical Evidence Guidelines to clarify what you need to provide.
If you have a Specific Learning Difficulty you will need to provide a detailed Educational Psychologist report. This will need to be post 16 years of age.
You can pick up a DSA application form from the Disability Office or you can download it here.
How the DSA is paid
You will be asked to have an Assessment of Needs before DSA funding is released by your funding body; this is to establish what support you will need on your course.
The assessment of needs report will be forwarded onto your funding body. Once your funding body has approved your support, the Disability Team can help you to arrange all your support.
The DSA Timeline gives a breakdown of the DSA process and how it works.
The Disability Team can offer you further advice and guidance on DSA and can support you throughout the application process.