University life – a whirlwind of exciting opportunities and intellectual challenges. But for students with disabilities, there are often additional hurdles to overcome.
| What is DSA? |
A UK government-funded program providing financial assistance and support services for disabled students in higher education. It is not a cash lump sum. |
| Eligibility |
You must be a UK undergraduate or postgraduate student with a disability or long-term condition that affects your ability to study, and you must qualify for student finance. |
| How to apply |
Apply online through your regional student finance body (e.g., Student Finance England) as early as possible—ideally in February or March—even if you haven't been accepted to a university yet. |
| Key steps |
- Gather medical evidence
- Submit the application
- Attend a needs assessment
|
What is the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)?
The Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) is a government-funded program that provides financial assistance for UK students with disabilities in higher education.
DSA is designed to help level the playing field by covering the cost of various support services and specialist equipment tailored to your specific needs. Importantly, it is not a lump sum of cash that is paid directly to you.
The funding covers several categories of support to ensure everyone has the tools needed to succeed in their studies.
What kinds of support does the DSA offer?
The DSA offers support across four main categories, including specialist equipment, non-medical help, general disability-related costs, and travel. This comprehensive support is designed to address the specific challenges a disability may pose to a student's ability to learn and attend university.
The DSA is a government funded program that provides financial assistance for students with disabilities in higher education. It's not a lump sum of cash but funds various support services tailored to your specific needs which could include:
Specialist equipment allowance
This covers items that make studying more efficient, such as ergonomic furniture and assistive technology (e.g., screen readers or voice-to-text software). It also includes funding for training to help you get the best out of your new equipment and software.
Non-medical helper allowance
This allowance covers one-on-one support from a qualified professional who can assist with various aspects of student life. Examples include:
- Specialist study skills support (tutors): They help you identify how you learn best and develop effective strategies for handling study challenges
- Specialist mentoring: These experts help you develop strategies for managing your mental health and focusing on your academic workload
- British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter: They ensure clear communication in lectures and discussions between spoken English and BSL
- Specialist notetaker: They capture the key points of lectures and discussions, allowing you to focus on understanding the material
- Specialist support professional (SSP): Specifically for students with sensory impairment, they assist with accessing information, managing workload, and preparing for tests.
Other disability-related student support
This includes funding for everyday stationery costs, such as printing, paper, and ink.
Travel allowance
This allowance helps cover the cost of travel to university if you struggle to use public transport, such as funding for taxi fares or car mileage.
Who is eligible for the disabled students' allowance (DSA)?
You can apply for the DSA if you live in England and have a disability, long-term health condition, or learning difficulty that affects your ability to study. The DSA covers a wide range of conditions, ensuring broad accessibility to support.
What specific conditions qualify for DSA?
A specific learning difficulty, a mental health condition, a physical or sensory disability, or a long-term health condition can all qualify you for the DSA. Examples of qualifying conditions include:
- Specific learning difficulties (e.g. Dyslexia or ADHD)
- Mental health conditions (e.g. Anxiety or depression)
- Physical disabilities (e.g. conditions requiring the use of a wheelchair, crutches, or specialist equipment)
- Sensory disabilities (e.g. visual impairment, deafness, or a hearing impairment)
- Long-term health conditions (e.g. cancer, chronic heart disease, or HIV).
What are the student eligibility requirements for DSA?
To be eligible, you must be a UK-based undergraduate or postgraduate student studying a course that lasts at least a year and qualify for student finance from your regional funding body. This includes students on Open University or distance learning courses.
When is a student not eligible for DSA?
You are not eligible for the DSA if you are only eligible for tuition-free funding, are on a higher or degree apprenticeship course, or are receiving equivalent support from another source. This also includes students who are eligible for the separate NHS Disabled Students’ Allowances scheme.
How do you apply for the disabled students' allowance (DSA)?
You apply for the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) online through the student finance website for your specific region (England, Wales, Northern Ireland, or Scotland). The application process involves gathering evidence, submitting your application, and attending a subsequent needs assessment.
What are the steps before submitting the DSA application?
The crucial step before applying is gathering evidence, which means securing documentation from a medical professional that outlines your disability and its impact on your studies. This evidence will be used to determine your eligibility and the specific support you need.
What information is required to complete the DSA application?
The application requires detailed information about your personal, course, and disability status, including medical evidence. Gathering the following information beforehand will ensure the application is completed smoothly:
- Personal and course details: Name, contact information, and details about your preferred course and institution (you can update this later if your choice changes)
- Disability information: The type of disability and the supporting evidence, which is typically a report or letter from a medical professional or a diagnostic assessment
- Financial and support history: Details of any previous DSA applications, other financial support received (like scholarships), and consent to share your information with your university.
What is the most important tip for a smooth application?
The most important tip is to apply as early as possible—ideally as soon as your funding body's applications open (usually February or March)—because the process can take up to 100 days. You do not need to wait until you have been accepted by a university before you start the funding application process.
What happens after the DSA application is accepted?
Once your application is accepted, you will be contacted to arrange a needs assessment, which is a confidential meeting to determine the specific support you require. Following the assessment, you will receive a funding allocation, and approved providers will then contact you to arrange the equipment or support services you are entitled to.
How can you maximise your DSA application success?
You can maximise your DSA application success by being proactive, thorough with documentation, and maintaining clear records throughout the process. Taking these steps ensures your needs are clearly communicated and speeds up the delivery of your support.
Be thorough with evidence
The evidence you submit is critical. Work with your medical professional to ensure your reports clearly detail your disability and its impact on your studies, as this helps the assessor recommend the most appropriate assistance.
Follow up and ask questions
If you haven't heard back within the expected timeframe, contact your funding body. Do not hesitate to ask the DSA team or your needs assessor questions if any part of the process is unclear.
Maintain clear records
Keep copies of all DSA-related documents, including your medical evidence, communication, and the final needs assessment report. This record system will be vital if you need to refer to specific information later.
Where can you find additional resources for DSA support?
You can find additional resources through official Government Guidance, UCAS, and your chosen university's Disability Support Office. These resources are there to help you navigate the process.
- Government guidance (Search for "Disabled Students' Allowance" on the UK government website).
UCAS – Disabled Students' Allowance section.
- Student finance websites (England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland) – Use your region's dedicated website for application forms and guidance.
- University disability support advisor – Contact the disability support office at your chosen university for personalised guidance.
Remember: you are supported!
You are not alone in this journey - your university is ready to help you succeed through its disability support services and advisors.
By understanding the DSA and taking proactive steps, you can confidently access the support you deserve and unlock your full potential. Don't hesitate to contact your disability advisor at your chosen university for guidance throughout your application and studies. With the right tools and resources, you can conquer your studies and achieve the academic success you're aiming for.
