Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)

Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is an additional allowance that does not affect other student finance that you may have been awarded. It is not based on your household income and does not have to be repaid.

The purpose of DSA is to consider individual study needs that you may have because of your disability and assist with payment of extra costs.

Step 1 – Apply for DSA

Click on the appropriate link below and follow the on screen instructions to apply for DSA:

England
Claiming Disabled Students Allowance – England
Direct Response Line for queries: 0300 1000607

Wales
Claiming Disabled Students Allowance – Wales

Northern Ireland
Claiming Disabled Students Allowance – Northern Ireland

Scotland
Claiming Disabled Students Allowance – Scotland

Step 2 – Study Needs Assessment

You will receive an Eligibility Notification letter from your funding body; this may ask you to arrange a study needs assessment.

This is where you meet with a study needs assessor to consider your individual learning requirements.

Step 3 – After the Study Needs Assessment

The study needs assessor will write a report making recommendations for your support. A copy of the report will be forwarded to you, your university and the appropriate funding body.

Step 4 – Entitlement Agreement

Your funding body will send you a final Entitlement Notification letter; this will confirm your study support and provide guidance about how you can access the support.

Step 5 – Arranging Study Support

Contact the Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) Support Team at the university to arrange your study support.

More information about DSA can be found at:
Disabled Students’ Allowance – What you’ll get