The DSA (Disability Students Allowance) is for students with a disability or specific learning difficulty and who want to study higher education. These students may be eligible for DSA, an allowance that covers extra disability-related costs while studying.

Four allowances are covering different needs, this includes specialist equipment allowance, non-medical helper allowance, generate and other expenditure allowance, and travel costs. The DSA cannot be paid in a set amount, they are based on each student's specific needs with payments covering the cost of equipment, support worker costs, and travel, with maximum amounts for each of the allowances.

Students studying this academic year can expect a single allowance of up to £25,000, which excludes any travel. It is available to both full and part-time undergraduate and postgraduate students, covering different areas of requirements. The DSA is not for disability-related costs you would have, whether a student or not, such as study costs or personal care. The allowance is designed to help students with various disabilities study higher education.

There are specific awarding authorities, based on where the student lives. In England students must apply to Student Finance England, in Wales, they need to apply to Student Finance Wales and in Scotland, the Student Awards Agency for Scotland. Northern Ireland students can apply to Student Finance NI.

Lauren Gardener, the Director at Access for Students, said “Students on designated higher education courses and are residents in the UK can apply for a DSA. This allowance is not based on income and is available for application from students with disabilities. There are no previous study restrictions and the amount paid is based on your specific needs, though it may depend on what you have received in previous years.”

It is important to note that DSA's are only available to students with disabilities and learning difficulties who ordinarily reside in the United Kingdom. Like abilities that are eligible for DSA include having learning difficulties, such as dyslexia or ADHD, having a mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety, and physical disabilities, from being partially sighted to using a wheelchair. Those with cancer, HIV, and chronic heart disease also qualify for the Disability Student Allowance.

About Us:

Access for Students is a United Kingdom-based DSA assessment specialist, government registered to provide students with an assessment, identifying the equipment and support they may need to complete their studies. The company comprises a friendly and knowledgeable team, offering comprehensive advice for students who are eligible for DSA and have been told by their funding body to get an assessment of their needs. Access for Students does not provide funding. Their service is to help students identify what they need to complete their studies, such as a sign language interpreter or a specialist note-taking. Full details can be found on their information-packed website at https://www.accessforstudents.co.uk.