What is the Disabled Students' Allowance for UK Undergraduates?

In the UK, the Equality Act 2010 outlines the rights of people with disabilities. This includes the right to education, which is also protected under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

This means that individuals in the UK who have a disability or condition that impacts their ability to study still have the right to obtain higher education, and that universities and institutions have a responsibility to provide reasonable accommodations that allow students with disabilities to participate in studies and academic activities.

One of these accommodations is supported by the Disabled Students' Allowance. Let's find out more about this allowance.

What is the Disabled Students' Allowance?

The Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) is funding available for UK students who have a disability or who become disabled during their studies. Your disability or condition must have an impact on your ability to study if you are to receive DSA.

There is no age limit for who can receive DSA, and it doesn't depend on household income – what you can receive depends on your individual needs. You don't have to pay it back, and it is not considered income, so it does not impact whether you are entitled to benefits or Tax Credits.

Who is eligible for DSA?

Students can apply for the DSA if they have a disability or condition that impacts their ability to study. For example:

• Mental health conditions like anxiety or depression
• Physical disabilities such as sight or mobility issues
• Long-term health conditions, such as cancer or heart disease
• Learning difficulties, including ADHD or Dyslexia

Eligible students must also:

• Be an undergraduate or postgraduate student at a UK institution
• Have a condition or disability that meets the definitions outlined in the Equality Act 2010 (the condition/disability must also impact your ability to study)
• Qualify for Student Finance from one of the following: England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland
• Be enrolled in an approved UK course of study that lasts at least one year

Students won't be eligible for the DSA if they:'

• Are an EU student or an international student
• Have qualified for tuition fee-only funding
• Qualify for NHS Disabled Students Allowances
• Have equal funding from another allowance, like a bursary or university funding
• Are enrolled in an apprenticeship (higher or degree course)

It's important to note that DSA is available to students receiving student finance support, like loans.

How much will I receive through my DSA?

Students' funding through the DSA depends on their individual needs; it is not impacted by your income or your parents or partner's income.

The UK Government adjusts the maximum payout for DSA for each academic year. You can see what is available for your next year of study on their website.

In most cases, your DSA will not be paid directly to you. Instead, it will be dispersed as necessary to the suppliers or service providers identified in your needs assessment. For example, if you need a non-medical personal helper, their wages will be paid from your DSA via the university or agency that employs them.

What does DSA cover?

The Disabled Students' Allowance will contribute to the costs of the following:

• Specialist equipment recommended from a student needs assessment, such as disability-related software or a computer. For a laptop, students must pay £200 towards the cost.
• Someone to take notes for you or a British Sign Language interpreter. If this service is necessary, your university will arrange for a non-medical personal helper.
• Other costs related to the student's disability, such as printing fees

Your DSA can only cover needs related to your disability or condition, and its impact on your ability to study. For example, it will not cover mobility equipment or supplies that you would need regardless of whether you are enrolled in a course of study.

However, based on your needs assessment, your DSA may be able to cover additional transportation fees needed to get to and from class. For example, if your disability means that you cannot use public transportation, you may be able to use your DSA to cover taxi fare.

How to apply for Disabled Students' Allowance funding?

If you are a full-time student applying for other student finance, such as a Tuition Fee Loan, you can apply for a DSA from the same online account once you've submitted your student finance application.

If you are not applying for any other student finance type, you must complete the DSA1 form. The application process can take up to 14 weeks, so it's wise to apply as early as possible to ensure you have everything you need for the start of your undergraduate program.

What supporting documentation do I need to provide in my DSA application?

DSA is not automatic, and students must provide evidence of their disability or health condition to become eligible for this support.

The documentation you will need to provide will depend on your disability or condition. For example, you may need to submit:

• letters or reports from your doctor or consultant
• a copy of a diagnostic assessment you have received from a psychologist or qualified specialist
• A DSA Disability Evidence form

What is a study needs assessment?

In addition to providing evidence of a disability or condition that impacts your ability to study, you might need a study needs assessment to establish what equipment, accommodations, and support you need for your program.

A needs assessment is an informal meeting with a Needs Assessor to discuss what equipment and support will help you succeed in your studies. A study needs assessment differs from a diagnostic evaluation and is not intended to establish or prove a diagnosis. Instead, your needs assessment will review your situation and determine what accommodations or equipment will be most beneficial in supporting your studies.

For example, if you have difficulty writing or typing, your needs assessment will determine whether a speech-to-text program or a scribe would be more useful to your studies. If you use a wheelchair or mobility equipment, a needs assessment might decide whether you need a non-medical personal helper with you on campus to help you get to class or access materials in the library.

Conclusion

In the UK, universities and higher education institutions are expected to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or conditions that impact their ability to study or participate in academic learning.

The DSA is one such allowance. It exists to ensure that students with disabilities have the services and equipment that they need to learn equitably with their peers and succeed in their studies without unreasonable limitations.

If you have a disability or condition that impacts your ability to study, you can apply for DSA and work with your university to implement solutions that will allow you to have a full and rewarding academic experience.