Application process
Step 1 – Apply online
Students should sign into their online account and apply for student finance.
They’ll be asked if they want to apply for DSA when completing their student finance application.
At the end of the online application they can download a DSA1 application form, which they’ll need to can email to our DSA team.
They’ll be asked to give evidence of their disability with their application form. The application will be delayed if their evidence is missing or incorrect.
Step 2 – We review their application
We’ll review the application and supporting evidence. It can take up to 14 weeks to process an application so they should apply as soon as possible to make sure they get their support in place for the start of their course.
If they’re eligible for DSA, we’ll send them a letter with details of their supplier to arrange their needs assessment. If they give permission, we’ll pass their details directly to the supplier who’ll be in touch to arrange this.
They won't get their DSA unless they attend.
Step 3 – We receive a report
Once they attend an assessment, we’ll receive a report detailing the student’s needs and the assessor's recommendations.
Step 4 – We review the report
We’ll contact the student and if they’ve given consent, the disability adviser and needs assessor, to let them know if their funding has been approved.
Step 5 – Arranging support
Based on their requirements and approved funding, the supplier will contact the student to arrange their equipment and Assistive Technology (AT) training. The student should arrange their non-medical help and make any purchases they need to help with their course.
They shouldn’t buy any equipment until their funding is confirmed because we can’t reimburse any purchases made before the date their entitlement letter is sent.
Step 6 – We’ll make payment
Suppliers should invoice us directly. The student can submit receipts to us to claim for costs covered by their DSA. There’s more information about this included in their entitlement letter.
Step 7 – Changes of Circumstances
Students should discuss any changes to their circumstances with their disability adviser as changes may affect what they can get. If they need to, they should contact us for help.
Step 8 – Continuing into next year
Part-time undergraduate students need to reapply for DSA each year by completing a DSA1 application form.
