DSA Finance in England: A Guide

Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) provide crucial financial support to eligible students in England who have a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition, or specific learning difficulty (SpLD), such as dyslexia. These allowances help to cover the extra costs students may incur during their studies as a direct result of their disability. Unlike student loans, DSAs do not need to be repaid. The primary aim of DSA funding is to level the playing field, enabling disabled students to participate fully and equally in higher education. It is not intended to cover costs that all students face, such as tuition fees or general living expenses. Instead, DSAs address the unique challenges presented by a student’s disability within the academic environment. Who is eligible? To be eligible for DSA, students must: * Be studying an eligible course (usually undergraduate or postgraduate) at a UK higher education provider. * Meet the definition of a disability under the Equality Act 2010, which means having a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. * Provide evidence of their disability, such as a medical report, a diagnostic assessment for a specific learning difficulty, or a letter from a qualified professional. What does DSA cover? DSA funding can cover a range of support, including: * Specialist Equipment: This may include assistive software, ergonomic equipment, or other tools tailored to the student’s specific needs. * Non-Medical Helpers: Examples include study skills tutors, note-takers, mentoring or specialist support assistants. * Travel Costs: DSA can contribute to additional travel expenses incurred as a direct result of the student’s disability, for example, taxi fares if a student is unable to use public transport. * Other Costs: This could cover items such as printer cartridges, photocopying, or other necessary resources related to the student’s studies. How to apply? The application process typically involves: 1. Applying for student finance: Students must first apply for student finance from Student Finance England (SFE). 2. Declaring a disability: During the student finance application, students will be asked if they have a disability. Answering “yes” triggers the DSA application process. 3. Providing evidence: Students will need to provide evidence of their disability. 4. Needs Assessment: Eligible students will be invited to attend a needs assessment. This assessment is conducted by a qualified assessor who will discuss the student’s needs and recommend appropriate support. 5. Receiving Funding: SFE will then review the assessment report and confirm the DSA funding package. Important Considerations: * Students should apply for DSAs as early as possible, even before their course starts, to ensure support is in place from the beginning. * The amount of DSA funding awarded depends on the individual student’s needs and the recommendations made in the needs assessment report. * Students may be required to contribute a portion of the cost towards certain equipment, particularly computers. * DSA funding is reviewed annually, so students need to reapply each year of their course. DSA provides invaluable support, enabling disabled students to access higher education and achieve their academic potential. By understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and types of support available, students can navigate the system and secure the funding they need to thrive.