Disabled Students’ Allowance – DSA
This allowance is to help cover the extra costs that you incur on your income because of your disability or learning difficulty, such as specialised computer equipment, note-takers, or extra tutorial support. There are four allowances for 2008-9, these are:
- Specialist Equipment – up to £5,030 for the whole of your course is available for full and part time undergraduate students.
- Non-medical helper’s allowance – for any helper, such as readers, note takers, or sign language interpreters. Up to £20,000 a year is available for full time undergraduates. This is given as a percentage for part time students, i.e. 50% of a full time course – up to £10,000 a year.
- General Disabled Students Allowance – for other disability-related costs, such as tapes or Braille paper, or to top up the first two allowances. Up to £1,680 a year is available for full time undergraduates and up to £1,260 a year for part time students.
- Extra Travel Costs – any additional costs you must pay to attend University because of your disability.
- Post graduate students, both full-time and part-time can claim for one allowance up to £10,000 to cover all costs.
How do I apply?
Your LEA will assess your needs and how much it will cost. Documentary evidence and a ‘needs assessment’ are required to identify your support needs relating to your course. The assessment must be carried out at an Independent Assessment Centre or the Disability Co-ordinator may be able to arrange to do this at the University.
When should I apply?
It is advisable to start the application process as soon as possible before beginning your course. It is important to check first with the LEA as it can differ from region to region.
Can I claim benefits?
Most full-time students are not entitled to benefits; however, students with disabilities may be able to receive Income Support and/or Housing benefit. You will not get Housing Benefit for living in University Accommodation. To be entitled for both these forms of support you must qualify for a disability premium or if you have been incapable of work for a continuous period of at least 28 weeks. For more information visit: www.skill.org.uk
