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The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is a government bursary that can fund additional support for your studies because of a mental health problem, long term illness, a learning difficulty or any other disability. DSA can provide support to help you study more independently. The entire process can take up to four months, so you need to apply as early as possible. Please note that DSA money is not paid to you directly.
Eligibility
You can apply got DSA if you have a disability that affects your ability to study. You must also:
Be an undergraduate or posgraduate student
Qualify for student finance from Student Finance England
Be studying on a full-time or part time course that lasts at least one year.
You cannot get DSA if you're
Only eligible to get a Tuition Fee Loan
Eligible for an NHS Disabled Students' Allowance (seperate scheme)
Getting equivalent support from another funding source, from unversity or social work bursary
What can DSA pay for?
You can get help with the cost of:
Equipment: printers, ergonomic equipment, audio recording devices or a computer (you’ll need to pay the first £200)
Specialist software and assistive technology: mind mapping, screen readers, computer readers, text to speech softwares
Travel allowances: taxi allowance (this covers the differene between public transport and the type of transport you need because of your disability)
Non – medical helpers: specialist mentors, note takers, 1:1 study skills tutors, assisstive technology trainers
General allowance: printing and photocopying materials
How do I apply for DSA?
These are the steps you can expect to take when applying for DSA.
Fill in the DSA application (you will usually apply online via your Student Finance account)
Provide evidence of your disability
Physical disabilities: a disability evidence form or photocopy of a report/letter from your doctor or consultant.
Mental health: a medical letter from your doctor or consultant
Specific learning difficulty: a photocopy of a diagnostic assessment.
You can also download a DSA evidence form from your Student Finance funding body to give to your doctor to fill out.
Book and attend a Study Needs Assessment once application has been approved (an informal discussion with a Needs Assessor regarding the type of support you would benefit from during your studies).
The Needs Assessor will write a report containing their recommendation which will be shared with you, Student Finance and University Centre Leeds.
Once the recommendations have been approved, an 'entitlement letter' will be sent to you, containing a list of suppliers for your support and information about accessing it. Please note you will need to contact each supplier directly to arrange support.
Contact us
For further support or queries, please get in touch with our HE Learning Support Officers at HEstudentsupport@ucleeds.ac.uk
Further information
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