Applying for Disabled Student Allowance
What support is available for students at university?
If you have needed support with your learning prior to university, here are some of Bridge's top tips on how to navigate accessing the support you need:
1. Disability and Wellbeing Support Services
Before attending university, you may want to explore the disability and wellbeing support services that are available to you at your institution.
The disability team usually assists you with the implementation of reasonable adjustments and accommodations that will facilitate accessing your course, this is usually where you organise to meet and develop an individual support/learning plan. The disability team would be the best place to start to ensure your learning needs are understood and your university is aware of them (in advance) of the commencement of your studies.
2. Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)
DSA is a source of funding that is awarded to you to facilitate access to your learning.
If you have applied via UCAS, once your place has been confirmed you can then apply for DSA.
If you are applying, but currently attend university, you can still apply as long as you are in attendance of your current course and registered with your university and Student Finance.
You will need to provide medical evidence of your disability - this can include: a copy of a report or letter from your doctor or consultant. *Student Finance England also accepts a disability evidence form.
*There may also be other forms of medical evidence that can be used. If you are unsure as to whether you have the correct evidence, it is best to check with your specific DSA provider. See below for useful links to home student DSA providers.*
Click on the four links below to find out more about applying for DSA and details on the application to the award process.
Navigating DSA
How to Apply
Assessment Process
Assessment Process
If you are a home student applying in the following countries, you need to search for:
England - DSA Student Finance England
Here's a link: https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsa
Scotland - Students Awards Agency for Scotland.
Here's a link: https://www.saas.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance
Wales - Student Finance Wales
Here's a l
If you are a home student applying in the following countries, you need to search for:
England - DSA Student Finance England
Here's a link: https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsa
Scotland - Students Awards Agency for Scotland.
Here's a link: https://www.saas.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance
Wales - Student Finance Wales
Northern Ireland - Student Finance Northern Ireland
Here's a link: https://www.studentfinanceni.co.uk/
Other Sources of funding:
NHS - DSA
Here's a link: https://www.gov.uk/nhs-bursaries/further-information
Ireland - Fund for Students with Disabilities Irleand
Here's a link: https://hea.ie/funding-governance-performance/funding/student-finance/fund-for-students-with-disabilities/
Research Council - DSA
Assessment Process
Assessment Process
Assessment Process
So, what's involved in the assessment process?
1. Student finance will contact you and provide you with instructions on how to arrange your DSA needs assessment.
*In the case where you have already had a needs assessment (usually because you have already been assessed in higher education). You may find that DSA signpost you back to the ori
So, what's involved in the assessment process?
1. Student finance will contact you and provide you with instructions on how to arrange your DSA needs assessment.
*In the case where you have already had a needs assessment (usually because you have already been assessed in higher education). You may find that DSA signpost you back to the original needs assessor for the next needs assessment to be completed, it's nothing to worry about - this is sometimes referred to as a needs review.*
Then, you are invited to attend your needs assessment. It is important to remember that you are not being tested, this is an opportunity to let your university and DSA know about your diagnosis and how it affects you and your ability to access learning.
Your assessor will then provide you with a written report outlining what support they have recommended on your behalf to receive. Your needs assessor will then send the report to your Student Finance provider.
Confirmation of Application
Confirmation of Application
Confirmation of Application
Once you have had your needs assessment report submitted, Student Finance will then send you an email confirmation which will indicate what support has been awarded to you.
There are usually instructions with these email with details of how to access your awarded support and/or resources.
Accessing your Support
Confirmation of Application
Confirmation of Application
Once you have received your confirmation email, and your funding has been confirmed by Student Finance you should contact the approved providers of your support and/or resources.
If your support is awarded with us, email us at: admin@bridgementoring.co.uk
Or, alternatively, call us on:
07539 042310
or
075390 42636
You can enquire with us here: