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 can email to our DSA team.
They'll be asked to give evidence of their disability with their completed application form. The application will be delayed if their evidence is missing or incorrect.
Their DSA supplier will also need to see these documents later in the application process. If they give us their consent when they’re applying, we can share their documents with the supplier to save them having to send them again.
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 the student is eligible and they give us permission, we’ll pass their details to one of our two suppliers, Study Tech or Capita. The supplier will arrange the student’s needs assessment. If the student does not give us permission to pass their details on, they’ll be given details of the supplier to contact.
They won't get their DSA unless they attend their needs assessment.
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
If the student gives us consent to share their information, the supplier will contact the student to arrange their equipment and Assistive Technology (AT) training, based on their requirements and approved funding. If no consent is given, the student will need to contact the supplier to arrange this.
The student should arrange their non-medical help and make any purchases they need to help with their course.
They should not buy anything until their funding is confirmed because we can’t pay for 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 – Change of circumstances
Students should discuss any changes to their circumstances with their disability advisor as changes may affect what they can get. If they need to, they should contact us for help.
Step 8 – Continuing into next year
Postgraduate students need to reapply for DSA each year by completing a DSA 1 application form.
