Applying for funding

If you have a disability, specific learning difficulty, or other additional needs such as a long term medical condition, you may be eligible for the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA).

Student Finance England are responsible for assessing whether you are eligible for DSA, and how much you will receive.

If agreed, your DSA can fund the support required to enable you to better access your course, as a direct result of your additional needs. The allowance might help with the costs of specialist equipment, non-medical helpers, specialist tuition, mentoring and other costs as recommended.

Requirements

  • Undergraduate and post-graduate students must be studying at least 50% of a full time course
  • Evidence of your additional needs and/or medical condition such as a letter from your GP or a hospital consultant's letter. If you have Dyslexia, you will need to provide post-16 evidence of this condition from a suitably qualified Educational Psychologist
  • You must have UK residence status, i.e. you must have been born in the UK or have lived here for three years and have "leave to enter or remain" documentation from the Home Office

Applying

You should send completed forms and evidence to Student Finance England, PO Box 210, Darlington, DL1 9HJ

It is recommended that you apply for this allowance as soon as possible. This will help to ensure the support you require can be funded at the commencement of your course. Further information and the DSA application form can be found at https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowances-dsas

You can apply through us by booking an appointment to discuss your requirements. We can help you with any queries that you may have, complete the DSA form with you and send it to Student Finance England. Please contact us to book an appointment..

Or if you prefer, you can apply yourself at Student Finance England where you can access information and download the DSA application forms or telephone them on 0845 300 5090 (textphone 0845 604 4434) for an application form.

Students for 2012/13 can apply for Disabled Students' Allowances now ... please see the Student Finance website for details

Link to claim forms for reimbursement of costs through DSA 2011/12

Link to claim forms for reimbursement of costs through DSA 2012/13

Link to DSA application forms for the academic year 2012/13

Link to DSA application forms for the academic year 2013/14