Navigating Disabled Students Allowance: Tips for Maximising Your Support

There are many challenges that you face as a student moving away to university, and for those of you who have a disability, it is good to know that there is support out there to help you overcome these challenges and maximise the support that you are entitled to. What every student needs is a fair, strong foundation from which they can build their new life, and focus on studying and engaging with new people, in a new environment. With the Disabled Students Allowance, you have the chance to do just that.

This is a guide on how to maximise the support that you are entitled to, helping to shape your university experience in the most positive way possible and supporting with extra costs that are essential to your needs. There are many different types of disabilities, and we are keen to do our bit to help break the stigma around disabilities, aiming to provide as much information as possible to students across the country.

What is the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)?

The Disabled Students Allowance is financial support to help with any additional essential costs that you may have that are a result of a disability, mental health condition, long-term health issues, or a specific learning difficulty.

What is the difference between DLA/PIP and DSA?

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) has been replaced by Personal Independent Payment (PIP) for those people who are between the ages of 16 and State Pension age in the UK. It is a benefit for those people who need assistance with mobility issues or daily activities due to a disability or long-term health condition. It isn’t means tested and is instead based on an assessment of each individual and their needs. This is different to DSA, which does not cover any disability-related support outside of higher educational needs.

What is available through the DSA?

For the academic year 2024-2025, there is support available to full-time and part-time students, both undergraduate and postgraduate. The total amount that can be awarded in support is £26,948, depending on the individual applicant’s situation. It is an allowance and not a loan, so you are not expected to pay back the funds, and you can get help with the following:

• Any day-to-day costs that help you with your studies, such as photocopying costs if you are physically unable to perform such tasks
• Costs to purchase specialist equipment, hardware and software, such as disability-related software*
• The cost of a non-medical helper (it cannot be a friend or family member in the role), such as a British Sign Language interpreter
• Additional travel costs to help you attend university, college, or a placement that your disability prevents you from reaching

*Any equipment that you qualify for must have been included in the Study Needs Assessment report and you will be expected to pay towards some equipment (for example £200 towards a specialist computer or laptop

How to apply for DSA

If you would like to apply for your Disabled Students Allowance, it is simple to do so. After your application you will be told what evidence is required as part of your assessment, and the entire process takes around 14 weeks, meaning it is essential that you apply as early as possible once you know that you are heading off to university, or if your needs change during your course.

What is the Study Needs Assessment?

If you are eligible for DSA and have given consent, you will be contacted by a supplier to arrange a needs assessment. If you have not given consent, the relevant Student Finance body will tell you the supplier to contact in order to arrange an assessment. This is paid for through your DSA entitlement and is an informal meeting to discuss your personal needs and the type of support and equipment you need to maximise your studies. You should have all relevant documentation and disability evidence for this assessment.

What evidence do I need?

Depending on the type of condition, disability, or long-term health condition you have, the evidence required will differ slightly:

1. For a disability or long-term health condition, you will need a copy of a letter or report from your doctor or consultant (this can be a disability evidence form filled out by a medical professional)
2. For a mental health condition, you will need a copy of a report or letter from your doctor or consultant (this can be a disability evidence form filled out by a medical professional)
3. For a learning difficulty, you will need a copy of a diagnostic assessment made by a psychologist, practitioner, or qualified specialist teacher

 

What are the eligibility criteria for DSA?

Household income isn’t taken into consideration when looking at the eligibility criteria for the DSA, instead it is focused on the individual needs of each applicant.

Disabilities that are included for DSA are:

• Long-term health conditions (such as chronic heart disease, cancer, or HIV)
• A mental health condition (such as depression or severe anxiety)
• Learning difficulties (such as ADHD, dyslexia, or dyspraxia for example)
• A physical disability (if you need to use crutches for mobility issues or are partially sighted)

Eligibility also includes the following:

• The applicant must be an undergraduate or postgraduate student (this does include Open University and distance learning qualifications)
• The applicant must be studying for at least one year on a full-time or part-time course. Students must be studying for at least 25% of the full-time equivalent in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, this must be 50%
• The applicant must qualify for student finance from the relevant body in the country the student is studying in
• There is no age limit for applicants to the DSA

What are the circumstances where I can’t get DSA?

There are a few situations that mean a person cannot claim DSA, including:

• If you are only eligible for a Tuition Fee Loan
• You are eligible for an NHS Disabled Students Allowance, which is a separate scheme
• You are receiving the same level of support from another funding source, which could be a social work bursary or from the university that you are studying at
• Making the most of university is a goal for all students, but overcoming challenges as a neurodivergent student, a student suffering from mental health problems, long-term health conditions, or a disability, makes those challenges that little bit more difficult.

Hopefully, this guide will help those of you with disabilities to find the support you need through the Disabled Students Allowance.

If you are looking for student accommodation for the next year, you are in the right place. Visit our Homes for Students website and browse through a range of properties that cater to every need.