What is Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA)?
DSA pays for any additional costs related to your disability or Specific Learning Difficulty that are needed to enable you to benefit fully from your course. These are usually administered by your funding body ( eg. NHS or Student Finance England).
Who is eligible to apply for the DSA?
Most full-time and part-time students who satisfy the eligibility criteria for obtaining a student loan should be able to apply for the DSA. If you are part-time student you must be studying at least 50% of a full time course load. Some postgraduate students are also eligible for DSA. You will need to provide evidence of your disability e.g. doctor's letter, diagnostic assessment. of specific learning difficulty
What can I use the DSA for?
The DSA can assist with funding for specific items only; it is not a cash grant. The DSA can assist with requirements in the following four categories:
How to apply?
Complete a DSA form and send it to your funding body, with evidence of your disability. There is information on UEL Plus, Student Services Activities, to help and advise you with your application for the DSA. If you do need further help please contact us for more information.
If you are disabled, your funding body will require medical or other evidence of your disability e.g. a Doctor's letter or report. If you have a SpLD such as dyslexia then your funding body will need an up-to-date diagnostic assessment from a Chartered Psychologist or suitably qualified specialist teacher (they should hold a Practising Certificate from the British Psychological Society or PATOSS)
Your funding body will also require you to have a DSA needs assessment which is carried out by an approved Access Centre (view contact details of London based Centres). We have an Access Centre at our Stratford campus.
The Department of Business, Innovations and Skills (BIS) has produced a leaflet "Bridging the Gap" which gives full information about the DSA. You can pick up a copy of this leaflet from the Student Services Centre.
For further information and to download the DSA Application Form visit the government's direct.gov website.
Important Note : The figures quoted are maximum allowances. The amount that you receive is linked to the support that a qualified Needs Assessor recommends.
Continuing Students : You need to complete a form, to let your funding body know you will need DSA for the forthcoming year, at direct.gov.uk.
Are you an international/EU student with disabilities? Find out how we can help.
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