Disabled Student's Allowances (DSA)

If you are deaf or have hearing loss and are a higher education student living in England, you can apply for a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).

 

DSAs will help you pay the extra costs you may have because of your disability and don’t have to be paid back.

 

As a deaf or hearing loss person, you could use a DSA to pay for extra equipment or support, such as a British Sign Language interpreter (NMH Rates QAG 18-19)

TO QUALIFY FOR A DSA, YOU MUST:

 

  • be an undergraduate or postgraduate student (including Open University or distance learning)

  • have a condition that affects your ability to study

  • qualify for student finance from Student Finance England

  • be studying on a course that lasts at least a year

 

 

HOW MUCH DO YOU GET?

 

It will depend on your individual needs - not your household income.

For the 2018 to 2019 academic year you could get:

 

FULL-TIME STUDENTS

  • Specialist equipment allowance up to £5,529 for the whole course

  • Non-medical helper allowance up to £21,987 a year

  • General allowance up to £1,847 a year

 

PART-TIME STUDENTS

  • Specialist equipment allowance up to £5,529 for the whole course

  • Non-medical helper allowance up to £16,489 a year

  • General allowance up to £1,385 a year

 

 

HOW TO APPLY?

 

To apply for DSAs you’ll need to download a form from gov.uk, the government services and information website.

 

 

 

DO YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION?

 

Download gov.uk's A guide to Disabled Students' Allowances.

You can also contact the disability adviser at your university or college if you need further advice about financial help.

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