UK Government - Disabled Student Allowance

What the Disabled Students' Allowance gives you

You will receive up to £27,783 per year (about 32,000 EUR) to cover the additional study costs arising from your disability, mental health condition or long-term illness. This is a grant from the UK organisation ‘Student Finance England’, which you will never have to repay. There is no fixed monthly amount. The amount is based on your individual needs, which are assessed as part of a means test, and your family’s income does not play a role in this. Most of the money goes directly to the people or organisations supporting you, rather than into your bank account. This can be used to pay for specialist equipment such as a computer or assistive software, support staff such as a British Sign Language interpreter or a note-taker, taxi journeys to your place of study if you are unable to use public transport, as well as other study-related costs such as additional printing costs. If you receive a new computer, you will pay the first £200 (approximately 230 EUR) yourself.

Who can apply

• Where you live: You live in England.
• Your condition: You have a disability that affects your studies, such as dyslexia, ADHD, anxiety disorders or depression, a physical disability, a sensory impairment such as deafness or visual impairment, or a long-term illness such as cancer, chronic heart disease or HIV.
• How long it lasts: Your condition has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months, or for life.
• Your student finance: You are entitled to both a loan to cover your tuition fees and a loan to cover your full living costs from Student Finance England. A loan that covers tuition fees only is not sufficient.
• Your course: You are undertaking a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programme lasting at least one year, or a course of study under the new right to lifelong learning worth at least 30 credits.
• Proof: You may submit a medical certificate regarding your condition or a diagnostic report on a specific learning disability.
• When you cannot claim: You already get the same help from your university or another source, you qualify for the separate NHS scheme, or you are on a higher or degree apprenticeship.

How to apply

You can apply for funding via your online account with Student Finance England or, if you do not yet have an account, by completing a DSA1 form. There is no deadline, so you can apply at any time. Student Finance England will let you know within 4 weeks whether you are eligible. You will then take part in an informal needs assessment to determine exactly what support you will receive.