Disability Student Finance England

Disability Student Finance in England

Students with disabilities in England are entitled to the same financial support as other students, but they may also be eligible for additional funding to help with the extra costs they incur as a result of their disability. This support comes primarily through Student Finance England (SFE) and is designed to ensure that disabled students have equal access to higher education.

The core financial support includes tuition fee loans and maintenance loans. Tuition fee loans cover the full cost of tuition fees, regardless of household income. Maintenance loans, designed to help with living costs, are income-assessed. This means the amount received depends on household income. Students with disabilities may qualify for a higher maintenance loan due to increased living expenses.

Beyond these standard loans, the key source of support for disabled students is the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). DSA is non-repayable grant designed to cover disability-related study costs that a student incurs. It doesn’t depend on household income. It is intended to provide support beyond what the university is already obligated to provide as reasonable adjustments. The DSA can cover a wide range of support, including:

• Specialist equipment: This might include a computer with adapted software, ergonomic furniture, or assistive listening devices.
• Non-medical helpers: This can include specialist tutors, mentors, note-takers, or study skills support workers who understand the student’s disability.
• Travel costs: Extra travel expenses incurred because of a disability can be covered.
• Other costs: This can include printing costs for accessible materials or other disability-related expenses.

To apply for DSA, students must first apply for student finance. Once their application is processed, they can apply for DSA. They will need to provide evidence of their disability, such as a medical report or a letter from a doctor or specialist. A needs assessment is usually required to determine the specific support the student needs. This assessment is carried out by a qualified assessor, and the recommendations are then used to determine the level of DSA funding.

It’s important to start the application process early as the needs assessment and approval process can take several weeks. Students should also contact their university’s disability services team for advice and support. Universities have a duty to provide reasonable adjustments for disabled students, and the disability services team can help navigate what support is available from both the university and Student Finance England.

While DSA is a valuable resource, it’s important to note that it doesn’t cover all disability-related costs. Students may need to budget for additional expenses or seek support from other sources, such as charities or local authorities. However, DSA significantly reduces the financial burden of studying with a disability, making higher education more accessible for many.