The DSA stands for Disabled Students’ Allowance, and it is a grant that covers support and other study-related costs you have because of a mental health condition, long-term illness, or any other disability. You can receive it on its own or in addition to any student finance you get, and you don’t need to pay it back. You can also receive DSA while claiming PIP. DSA provides equipment, resources and 1-2-1 support based on your individual needs assessment. It’s important to remember that the type of support and how much you get depends on your individual needs - not your household income.

Please note that This Student Needs and our DSA Guide are a separate entity from any government body including student finance and are powered by Present Pal. Present Pal is an accessible presentation support app to help disabled students with presentation anxiety and public speaking. You can ask your assessor for this at your needs assessment.

You can apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) if you have a disability that impacts your daily life on a long-term basis and affects your ability to study, such as a:

• Learning difference (for example dyslexia, dyspraxia, or ADHD)

• Mental health condition (for example anxiety or depression)

• Physical disability (for example if you’re partially sighted or have to use crutches)

• Long-term health condition (for example cancer, chronic heart disease, or HIV)

You must also:

• Be an undergraduate or postgraduate student In the UK (including Open University or distance learning, for example, in college or university)

• Qualify for student finance

• Be studying on a full-time or part-time course that lasts at least one year

There are no ‘previous study’ restrictions for DSA, meaning if you’ve already taken a higher education course, you can still qualify for DSA. The amount you receive, however, may be subject to what you have received before. For example, you may not be entitled to new equipment if you already have the same equipment from a previous allowance.

Use our eligibility checker to find out if you can apply for the DSA and meet the criteria.

You can get many different types of study-related support through the Disabled Students’ Allowance, such as:

Assistive technology (software)

For example, if you struggle with anxiety related to presentations the DSA may provide you with Present Pal- a presentation support software designed to help with presentation anxiety.

1-2-1 support

For example, a personal tutor to help you manage your time and workload, or a counselor to help you manage your mental health.

Hardware

Specialist equipment such as a chair, laptop, printer or recording device.

Non-medical support

For example, a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter or specialist note taker.

Travel

Support for travel such as the use of taxis.

Day-to-day costs

Such as photocopying costs.

• Step 1: Find out if you’re eligible and collect the correct evidence

• Step 2: Apply online. You can apply for the DSA at the same time you are applying for Student Finance or fill out a separate application at any point in your studies. Once the DSA receives your application it might take them around 14 weeks to process it. You will then be asked to book a Study Needs Assessment.

• Step 3: Booking and attending your Study Needs Assessment. Your needs assessment is not a test you will simply be asked how you study and what additional support you might need to achieve the best results. Top Tip! Be honest, come prepared, and ready to advocate for yourself!

• Step 4: Arrange the support. Once your support has been approved you can order the equipment through a supplier by following the steps outlined in your DSA 2 letter then start using your new support package!