Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)

What is DSA? 

DSA stands for Disabled Students’ Allowance. 

This is a non-repayable grant for students who have a disability, specific learning difficulty, mental health condition or long-term illness that affects their ability to study. 

The aim of the grant is to help students with the cost of any extra essential equipment or support they may need as a direct result of their disability/condition. 

Students will need to meet the criteria for DSA, including providing the required evidence: 

• A report or letter from a consultant or doctor is needed for a medical or mental health condition. 
• A diagnostic assessment report is needed for a specific learning difficulty. 
• A post-16 EHCP can also be used as evidence (please be aware the education aspect of an EHCP ceases upon entry into higher education) 

For more information about eligibility, please see www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsa/eligibility 

What can DSA pay for? 

• Hardware technology, e.g. laptop, printer/scanner, noise cancelling headphones, microphone. 
• Assistive technology, e.g. audio reader software, mind-mapping software, dictation software. 
• Specialist non-medical helpers. e.g. study skills tutor, mentor, notetaker, British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter. 
• Support towards travel costs (due to your disability). 
• Support towards printing costs. 
• Ergonomic equipment. 

What else should I know about DSA? 

Students will not receive any money directly via DSA. This is paid directly to the companies providing the designated equipment or support required by the student.  

The equipment and support a student needs will be determined during a Needs Assessment. This is an opportunity to meet with a Needs Assessor who will demonstrate different technology and go through all the different support options in relation to the student’s disability.  

If it is decided that the student requires a new laptop, the student will be expected to contribute £200 towards this. Contact your HE Student Services team to see if this can be reimbursed.  

The type of support and how much a student receives depends on their individual needs rather than their household income.

Personal Care Support 

The University and DSA do not provide or fund support with daily living tasks, therefore you will need to think carefully about any non-academic, disability-related support requirements you may have, e.g. assistance with shopping, cooking, cleaning, laundry or personal care. Funding for care support is via your own Social Services.  If you need this type of support you will need to liaise with your existing Social Services department to put support in place. This can take time and early contact with them around your needs is essential. 

International and EU students with a disability 

You are unable to access DSA support from Student Finance England if you are an EU or International student. If you have a disability please contact our team to discuss your individual needs and any reasonable adjustments you may need. 

How to apply for DSA 

To apply for DSA, students will need to log on to their Student Finance account. There will be an option to apply and upload supporting evidence.  

Alternatively there are paper forms available at https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsa/how-to-claim