Student Finance England - Disabled Students’ Allowance

Benefit

You will receive up to about EUR 32,000 per year (up to £27,783) to cover the additional study costs you incur as a result of a disability, a mental health condition or a long-term illness. This is not a loan, so you will never have to repay the amount. The money will mainly be used for the specific support you require:

• Specialist equipment, such as a computer.
• Non-medical support staff, such as a British Sign Language interpreter or a specialist minute-taker.
• A taxi journey to your course or work placement, if you are unable to use public transport due to your disability.
• Other costs arising from a disability, such as additional printing costs.

How much you receive depends on your own needs, not on your parents’ income. If it is decided that you need a new computer, you will pay the first £200 yourself. Most payments go directly to the suppliers, not to you. The money comes from Student Finance England.

Eligibility

• Where you live: They live in England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each run their own programmes.
• Disability: You have a condition that affects your ability to learn. These include learning difficulties such as dyslexia or ADHD, mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, physical or sensory disabilities, and long-term illnesses such as cancer, chronic heart disease or HIV.
• Course: You are studying for a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the UK that lasts at least one year, or you are earning at least 30 credits as part of the ‘Lifelong Learning Entitlement’.
• Student finance link: 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.
• Field of study: All compartments are open.
• Not eligible: You are not eligible for this grant if you are already receiving equivalent support elsewhere, for example from your university or the NHS. You are also not eligible if you are undertaking a work-study programme.

How to apply

First, obtain proof of your disability, such as a doctor’s certificate or a diagnostic report. You can then apply for the grant via your ‘Student Finance England’ account or using form DSA1. You do not need to submit a written application for assessment. Once you have received your approval notice, a service provider will arrange an appointment for a needs assessment – this is an interview, not a test. You should allow for a processing time of around four weeks for the approval letter and up to 14 weeks for your support to be fully set up.

How realistic are your chances?

This is a means-tested entitlement, not a selection process. There is no fixed budget that could be exhausted, nor is there a ranking system comparing you with other applicants. If you live in England, meet the eligibility criteria for the necessary student loans and can demonstrate a disability that affects your studies, you should receive support tailored to your needs. Apply for this support well in advance, as the assessment and set-up process can take up to 14 weeks.