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Disabled Students Allowance

Overview
 

If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty and are studying in higher education, you may be eligible for Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs). These allowances cover extra disability-related costs or expenses you have while studying.

You can apply for a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) if you have a disability, including:

 

  • Long-term health condition

  • Mental health condition

  • Specific learning difficulty, eg dyslexia
What is covered                                                                         Awarding Bodies

There are four allowances to cover different areas of need.

 

  • Specialist equipment allowance

  • Non-medical helper’s allowance

  • General and other expenditure allowance

  • Travel costs

 

Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) are paid on top of your other student finance. They help you pay the extra costs you may have because of your disability. They don’t have to be repaid.

 

How much you get depends on your individual needs - not your household income. If you’re a part-time student your ‘course intensity’ can affect how much you get.

Depending on where you currently live, you should apply to one of the following agencies for your DSAs:

 

In England apply to Student Finance England. You can apply at the same time as making your online UCAS application. For NHS-funded courses, you need to apply to NHS Student Bursaries for your DSAs.

 

In Wales apply to Student Finance Wales, or NHS Wales Student Awards Unit for NHS funded courses.

 

In Scotland apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for any course.

 

In Northern Ireland apply to Student Finance England or your local Education and Library Board (ELB). For NHS-funded courses contact the Bursary Administration Unit.

Specific Learning Difficulty                                                       How we can help

If you have a specific learning disability such as dyslexia you will need to send your dyslexia diagnostic assessment – which tells you about your own learning profile. The assessment needs to have been carried out after your 16th birthday by a chartered psychologist or specialist teacher holding a current Assessment Practising Certificate.

Once you have sent the form and evidence of your disability, Student Finance will write and/or email you to confirm that you are eligible for DSAs. If you have ticked the ‘consent to share’ box, a copy will be sent to Disability Services at your first choice university or college.

If you are dyslexic or have other specific learning difficulties you may be eligible for Disabled Students’ Allowances [DSA] to help you with extra study related costs. To apply you will need to supply evidence of your disability.

You need to provide a full diagnostic report written after you were 16 from either a chartered psychologist or a specialist teacher holding a current Assessment Practising Certificate

The report should use the format and tests recommended in the SpLDs Working Group’s Guidelines.

To arrange an assessment just contact us for a mutually convenient date and time.

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