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Disabled Students’ Allowance Guide

  • Mikaela Bartlett
  • Sep 12
  • 5 min read

Disabled Students' Allowance Guide hero image


Not sure if you need a DSA application or how to apply? You're in the right place.


You've got your head around student finance. Now you need to fill out a disabled student allowance (DSA) application too. Filling out more forms = boooo.


But according to UCAS, over 20% of uni applicants declared a disability on their application, compared to 15% the year before. With this number rising every year, it's more important than ever that you have the right support in place for your studies.


So to make it easier for you guys, we've put together this guide breaking down your DSA application and all the questions around it.


In this guide:


  • What is DSA?

  • How much is DSA?

  • DSA eligibility

  • How to apply for DSA

    • England

    • Wales

    • Scotland

    • Northern Ireland

  • Supplying your evidence for DSA

    • What can I expect from a DSA assessment?

    • Do I have to reapply for DSA every year?



What is DSA?


DSA is Disabled Students' Allowance. It's a government scheme set up to support students with disabilities during their time at university. This means you can get extra funding to cover the cost of equipment (think laptops and printers) and other study aids that can help you get your degree.


This can be given out on its own or in addition to student finance. Unlike student loans, you won't need to pay back DSA. But, the amount and type of support you get depends on your individual needs, not household income.



How much is DSA?


Although the amount of DSA you can receive is dependant on individual needs, but for the academic year 2025/2026 you may be entitled up to:


Where do you live

Maximum DSA funding for 2024/25

England

Single allowance: £27,783

Scotland

Scotland splits their DSA funding into three categories: Basic allowance: £1,725 Equipment, software and accessories: £5,160 Non-medical personal help (for example proofreaders, BSL interpreters): £20,520

Wales

Single allowance: £34,000

Northern Ireland

Single allowance: £25,000


Table showing maximum DSA funding 2025/26 based on country


Something to bear in mind is that any allowance you're given won't normally appear as cash in your bank. You'll usually order through a supplier or have expenses reimbursed.


The amount you'll receive is based on what you might find helpful while studying. This could include:


  • Laptop or PC, voice recognition software, ergonomic equipment

  • Note-takers, BSL interpreters, proofreaders, mental health mentors

  • Braille paper, printers, ink, photocopying costs



DSA eligibility


So, there's a few criteria you need to meet to be eligible for DSA. The guidelines state that you need to:


  • Be a UK resident

  • Be an undergraduate or postgraduate student (on a course at least a year long)

  • Have qualified for student finance

  • Have a disability, medical condition, sensory impairment, mental health condition, neurodiversity or specific learning disability that affects your ability to study


Those who won't be eligible include:



If you don't meet the criteria but need support, reach out to your uni, as they might be able to help with additional support.



How to apply for DSA


If you're ready to go with your DSA application, you can find the form on your student finance account. You can apply online, or you can post your application, depending on which body you're applying to and whether you're a full-time, part-time or postgraduate student.


Feeling super organised? Well, you can actually apply for DSA before you even confirm your university place. And it's a good idea too, as the time it takes for your application to process can vary pretty wildly. It could also take up to 14 weeks for any support to be sorted.


So getting it done as soon as possible is sounding pretty good now, right? Sort it before freshers kicks off, and you'll have one less thing to think about, so you can spend your time getting to know your new normal.


Each country has a different student finance body, so wherever you apply for your student finance will be where you apply for your DSA:



For those getting ahead of the game, watch out when you're applying for DSA online. If you haven't already, get your student finance sorted before your DSA application, as you can't apply for student finance online once you've applied for the DSA. Don't get caught out.


Supplying your evidence for DSA


When you start filling out your application for DSA, you'll be asked to supply evidence of your disability.


But what does that mean? Sounds a bit true crime podcast, but it's not that deep. All it means is that you need to send on either:


  • A copy of a letter or report from your doctor or consultant (or a disability evidence form)

  • A copy of a diagnostic assessment form from a practitioner, psychologist or other specialist teacher


You'll be able to submit digital copies in your student finance account, or you can send copies when you send off a postal application.


When your application is submitted, you can sit and wait to hear back from your student finance body. They'll be able to let you know when to book a study needs assessment.



What can I expect from a DSA assessment?


Once you've heard back from student finance, your details will be passed on to a supplier who will be in touch. There's also the option to contact them yourselves, so you can reach out to arrange your own study needs assessment.


Study needs assessment costs are reimbursed through DSA entitlement. Before your assessment you'll also need to send copies of your evidence that you submitted as part of your application.


But what can you expect from the assessment?


Sounds a bit intense, but really it's an informal chat with an assessor. They'll walk you through types of support that could be available, as well as what you'd find helpful, and how your disability affects your day to day life. It's not a test, just about finding the best support you can get.


Finding out what type of exams or coursework you'll be required to do on your course could help them work out support you might benefit from, like extra time in exams, or note-takers for lectures.


It's a completely confidential process and usually lasts between 1-2 hours. You'll be able to either attend an assessment in person, or do it online via video call, whatever works for you.



Do I have to reapply for DSA every year?


You usually won't have to reapply for DSA every year, especially if you applied for DSA alongside your student finance.


If you're a postgraduate student, or you study part-time, or don't receive student finance, then it's worth checking with student finance to see if you'll need to reapply.


Things can change quickly, but it's worth keeping student finance in the loop if you decide to go part-time, or your circumstances change. If you're diagnosed with an additional condition, or your condition gets worse, you could get more support.



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