Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)

What is the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)?

DSAs help pay for the extra costs associated with studying that are incurred as a direct result of a disability (for example, mobility impairment, sensory impairment, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, AD(H)D, mental health difficulty, effects of disabling illness or conditions) or specific learning difficulty. The Allowance can help to pay for a non-medical personal helper, items of specialist equipment, assistive software, travel and other course-related costs. The allowance is neither means-tested nor repayable.  DSAs are provided by Student Finance England (SFE) or their equivalent.  For postgraduate students, DSAs are provided by funding bodies such as the NHS Bursaries Unit, General Social Care Council, ESRC, BBSRC or AHRC.     

How do I apply?

For most undergraduate students and self-funding postgraduate students, Student Finance England (SFE) will provide the Disabled Students' Allowance.  The SFE application form is available on line.   Scroll down the page until you see the heading 'Application Forms for 2010/11'.

Students funded by an NHS bursary will need to complete the NHS DSA form.  

Students funded by a Social Work bursary will need complete a Social Work DSA form.

You could alternatively collect a paper copy from the AccessAbility Centre. 

When do I apply? 

Apply as soon as possible because the process can take a few months.  You can also apply at any time after your course has begun.