disabled students' allowances

This is also known as a Notification of Entitlement letter. This is confirmation from the Disabled Students’ Allowances funding body of what equipment and support they have funded.

This letter is crucial for you to start accessing the DSA funding, as it details what support and equipment has been approved and includes contact details for suppliers. Without this letter of confirmation, you cannot receive support. Use this link to view an example DSA2 letter.

Your first session will be relaxed and informative. Here's what we’ll cover to help you feel comfortable and get the most out of your support.

Session Overview:

We’ll explain how your DSA support works and what you can expect from your sessions going forward. This is your chance to ask any questions, too. We'll also discuss and create your Individual Learning Plan (ILP).

Session Availability and Cancellations

How to book or reschedule your sessions

What to do if you need to cancel

How often sessions can take place

This helps us make sure you get the right support when you need it.

Recap and To-Do List:

A quick recap of what we’ve discussed

A to-do list to help you keep track of key actions

These tools are there to support your learning and keep things manageable.

Follow-Up and Email Info:

All of the key information from this session including cancellation policies, session details, and next steps is also included in your welcome email, so you can refer to it anytime.

We offer both daytime and evening sessions, this can be between the hours of 8am – 10pm and some of our team offer weekends.

We have a small, dedicated team of tutors / mentors which gives us greater flexibility in the availability of sessions.

We will try to pair you with a tutor / mentor that works with the study or work pattern that you specify in your support request.

Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA) is a financial grant that covers study-related costs for students in higher education who have a disability or a mental health condition.

If you are starting your studies and need support, you should begin the process of applying for your DSA as soon as possible as the process can take a number of months to complete.

For more information about how and when to apply:

England: www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowances-dsas

Scotland: www.saas.gov.uk

Wales: www.studentfinancewales.co.uk

Northern Ireland: www.studentfinanceni.co.uk

Most university and higher education students who have a disability that impacts learning, including those studying health and social care courses with placements.

Your course needs to have a minimum number of credits and a minimum length to qualify for DSA.

There are some Masters courses particularly in healthcare that do not meet this criteria.

Some ACCESS courses are also eligible for DSA.

Your PhD may be eligible.

Doctoral studies may not be eligible if it’s financed by a private entity, organisation or sponsor. You need to check with your institution.

If you are studying an apprenticeship, unfortunately this is not covered by DSA, and you will need to seek support from your education provider (e.g. the university or college you are studying at).

Always check with the organisation or funding body (SFNI, SFE, SFW, SAAS) if the course you are studying is eligible.

Through this funding, you can get help with the costs of:

Specialist equipment, for example a computer if you need one because of your disability

Non Medical Helper (NMH) support such as specialist study skills or a mentor

Printer and ink costs

Extra travel costs

Ergonomic equipment – table, chair, keyboard, mice, headphones

Both are government-funded programmes that provide support for disabled people and those who have a mental health condition.

DSA is for those in higher education whereas Access to Work is for those in employment.

If you are studying and an employee or self-employed, you may be eligible for both.