UK Government - The Disabled Students' Allowance

The Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)

You will receive up to about EUR 32,000 per year (up to £27,783) to cover the additional study costs arising from a disability, mental health issues, learning difficulties or a long-term illness. This is state support from Student Finance England and is not a loan, so you will never have to pay the amount back. How much you receive depends on your individual needs, not on your or your family’s income. The money is not paid out in cash. It is used for specific items, such as a computer or specialised software, a British Sign Language interpreter, a note-taker or a tutor in learning techniques, ergonomic furniture, or taxi journeys to your place of study if you are unable to use public transport due to your disability. There is no limit on travel costs. The support applies for the entire duration of your studies, but you will usually need to submit a new application each year. Any equipment you receive remains your property after you finish your studies.

Who can apply

• Where you live: You live in the UK. This offer does not apply to international students.
• Your condition: You have a disability that affects your studies, for example a learning difficulty (dyslexia, ADHD), a mental health condition (anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder), a physical or sensory disability, autism or a chronic condition such as cancer, multiple sclerosis or sickle cell anaemia.
• Your course: You are studying for a bachelor’s or master’s degree programme lasting at least one year, either full-time or part-time.
• Student finance link: You are entitled to a loan to cover your tuition fees and a loan to cover your living costs from Student Finance England.
• Money: Your household income is irrelevant. There is no means test.
• Field of study: All compartments are open.
• Not eligible: You are not eligible for this if you are only entitled to a loan to cover your tuition fees, are undertaking higher education or a qualification-based course, are entitled to the separate NHS DSA, or are already receiving equivalent support from another source.

How to apply

You should submit your application to ‘Student Finance England’ or the relevant body in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, ideally before you start your course. You will need to provide medical or diagnostic evidence of your disability. You will then take part in an informal needs assessment – an online or face-to-face interview to determine what support you will receive. At De Montfort University, the Disability Support Team can help you with this process.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not a selection process with a limited number of places. Anyone who meets the criteria and can provide evidence of the relevant requirements will receive support; it is therefore not a matter of outshining other applicants. The biggest hurdles are the paperwork and getting the timing right. If you provide the necessary medical or diagnostic evidence and submit your application in good time before the course starts, your chances are good. Starting early also helps to prevent delays in setting up the equipment.