Support for disabled students including post graduates

Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) - Higher Education

This allowance is not assessed on household income.

This allowance does not form part of your loan and does not have to be repaid. Brief details of the financial assistance available are set out below. The allowances quoted below are for the 2008/2009 academic year and relate to full time students. Part time students may be eligible for a reduced allowance.

The DSA can also be applied for by students attending full time or part time postgraduate courses.

Full details of the scheme are included with the application form. Further information can be obtained in advance from the Student Finance Service.

Details of the allowances

Specialist Equipment Allowance
This allowance can be used for the purchase of computer equipment, specialist software, support chairs, Braille machines, etc. It is payable at any time during your course, in one or more instalments, up to a maximum of £5,030.

Non-medical Helper’s Allowance
This allowance can be used to employ sign language interpreters, note takers, specialist dyslexia tuition, proof readers, etc. It is payable at any time during your course, in one or more instalments, up to a maximum of £20,000 a year. The maximum available if you are studying part-time is £15,000.

General Allowance
This allowance can be used for equipment insurance, the purchase of books, photocopying, etc. It may also be used to supplement the other two allowances if necessary. It is payable at any time during your course, up to a maximum of £1,680 a year. The maximum available if you are studying part-time is £1,260.

Travel expenses
You may also claim to have your travel costs reimbursed if, because of your disability, you incur additional expenditure.

How to apply
If you want to apply for the DSA, and you are an undergraduate, make sure you tick the box on the PN1, PR1 or PTG1 application form and provide evidence of your disability.

You will be asked to attend an assessment centre where specialist assessors will discuss your needs and make recommendations to help us decide what help you should receive.

More details can be found in the Department for innovation, universities and skills booklet 'Bridging the Gap'.

Postgraduate applicants

Postgraduate applicants need to complete form DSA1. A copy of the form can be obtained from Call Derbyshire or the Student Finance Service or downloaded from the DirectGov (opens in a new window) website.

If you want to discuss your eligibility first please contact the Student Finance Service.

You may also like to find out about other financial help available for education, benefits you may be entitled to and our other services for adults with disabilities or children with disabilities.