Funding information
How do I claim DSA (Disabled Students’ Allowance)?
What is DSA?
DSA is Disabled Students’ Allowance. It is an allowance for disabled students to pay for disability related support during the duration of a course. It pays for a range of support including small and large items of equipment as well as support workers. It does not pay for support and services that universities provide to all students routinely.
Your Disability Adviser will provide you with more detailed information about DSA and advise on the appropriateness of making a claim.
What do I need to do to make a DSA claim?
You will need to find out from your funding authority to find out if you are eligible to claim DSA. Eligibility depends on various factors such as the kind of course you are studying at University and whether you have any disability related support requirements.
For students from Scotland the funding authority is SAAS (The Student Awards Agency for Scotland www.saas.gov.uk ); if you are from England it is your LEA and if you are from Northern Ireland it is your local Education & Library Board (ELB).
If you are studying at postgraduate level (including PhD level) you may still be eligible to claim DSA. The organisation you apply to for DSA will be determined by the organisation which is funding your research e.g. if your research is funded by the ESRC then you will need to approach the ESRC regarding a DSA claim.
What do I need to provide?
You will need to provide robust professional evidence of disability which confirms your condition and how it affects you e.g. a letter from a GP or other medical professional. For students with dyslexia an up-to-date assessment from a Chartered Educational Psychologist is required.
If you do not have any professional evidence of disability then you will not be able to claim DSA.
What does the Student Disability Service do to help me make a DSA claim?
When you register with the Disability Service your Disability Adviser can advise you on your eligibility for DSA. If making a DSA claim is appropriate your Student Disability Adviser will carry out a ‘needs assessment’ of your disability support needs.
What if I need to claim equipment and/or software because of my disability?
An evaluation on appropriate equipment and/or software will form part of the ‘needs assessment’. Your Disability Adviser will discuss this with you. The Disability Service has a preferred supplier who will provide itemised quotes for recommended items of equipment. This could include assistive software and/or ergonomic accessories. You will be asked to check the quote to ensure that you are happy with it. There are advantages in using the University’s supplier because of the high level of after sales service. The Disability Service will also arrange for you to have training in using the recommended assistive software.
For students who attend an Access Centre for a DSA needs assessment:
Your funding authority will provide you with information and advice on the ordering of your equipment This may vary from one funding authority to another.
What happens after the Student Disability Service submits my DSA application to my funding authority?
For SAAS students: Your claim will be processed by SAAS within approximately 21 days and SAAS will write to you with the result of your claim. Computing equipment and software in your DSA claim will normally be ordered by the University’s Computing Service once they have received the DSA monies from SAAS.
Please see our leaflet ‘DSA Award – What you need to know’ for further information.
If you have claimed for ‘Small Items’ such as computer consumables, SAAS will post you a cheque to cover the cost claimed for. You will need to pay the cheque into your bank account and send SAAS receipts for items purchased during the course of the academic year.
For support claimed under the ‘Non-Medical Personal Help’ section of DSA such as notetakers, mentors, lab assistants and sign language interpreters, invoices should be submitted to SAAS on an ongoing basis during the academic session.
Do I claim DSA every year of my course?
Certain items – e.g. large items of equipment – can only be claimed for once. However, claims for computer consumables, photocopying costs and the cost of support workers, amongst other things, can be claimed for on an annual basis.
I only found out about DSA in my 2nd year of study? Can I still apply?
Yes, provided that you can provide professional evidence of disability and that you meet other eligibility requirements.
What if the effects of my disability change and I need different and/or more support in the middle of my course?
Your disability related support requirements can be re-assessed in the light of your situation, provided there is up-to-date professional evidence. In such circumstances you should contact the Student Disability Service for a review appointment with your Student Disability Adviser.
What happens to my DSA funded equipment at the end of my course?
The equipment is yours to keep. Any unspent monies do of course need to be repaid to your funding authority and receipts should always be provided for items purchased.