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Disabled Students Allowance

How do I apply for the Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA)?

To apply for the DSA, you should first contact your Funding Authority, to show that you are interested (usually your Local Education Authority (LEA or LA), Student Loans Company (SLC), or the NHS Student Grants Unit (NHS-SGU) in Blackpool if you are receiving an NHS bursary). This can be done by one of the following:

  • If you are applying for student loans and fees support using form PN1 (form PR1 if you are a continuing student), your application form asks if you have a disability ; by answering this you should automatically be sent information and forms to help you apply for the DSA

  • During your course at any time you can contact your Funding Authority requesting information and a DSA application form (DSA1). · Alternatively you can apply, or download the forms on-line at the Student Finance Direct web site.

    What will I need?

    You will be asked to provide medical proof of your disability , such as a letter from your doctor or an appropriate specialist. If you have a specific learning difference, such as dyslexia, you will need to provide a full diagnostic report from an Educational Psychologist; if the original report was carried out before the age of 16 you will usually be asked for an updated report, check with your Funding Authority.

    Once your funding authority has confirmed your eligibility for the DSA, they will usually ask you to have a DSA assessment or ‘assessment of course related needs’. Your DSA assessor will write a report for you and your Funding Authority with advice and recommendations for DSA funding. If your application is successful, your Funding Authority will let you know what help you can have from the DSA.