Are you eligible for Disabled Students' Allowance?

In 2019 / 2020 only 29% of students in higher education with a known disability applied for DSA.*

You don't have to worry about undergoing a long and complicated means test. You just have to spend a few minutes on our online eligibility checker, answering some simple questions. We can then take you through the steps you need to take next.

Our friendly and experienced assessors can assess you remotely and quickly by phone or video chat, no matter where you live in the UK. You can book an assessment online, via email or phone or visit one of our assessment centres - whichever suits you best.

Contact Associates is one of the largest national providers of DSA assessments. We have accredited assessment centres across the UK. Last year we helped more than 15,000 students claim DSAs worth £30m.

Check your eligibility

Thrive while you study

Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is support to cover the study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability. This can be on its own or in addition to any student finance you get.

The type of support and how much you get depends on your individual needs - not your household income. You do not need to pay back DSA.

A wide range of diagnosed conditions qualify for DSA. Examples include:

  • Specific learning difficulties (SpLDs) – for example, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or attention deficit (hyperactivity) disorder (AD(H)D).
  • Mental health difficulties - for example, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar affective disorder, personality disorders, or psychosis.
  • Autism spectrum conditions (ASCs) – including Asperger syndrome (AS) and high-functioning autism (HFA).
  • Sensory impairments - for example, visual or hearing impairment, blindness, or deafness (with or without British Sign Language as a first or preferred language).
  • Mobility difficulties - for example, paralysis, scoliosis, chronic pain, difficulty walking, or using a wheelchair.
  • Ongoing health conditions - for example, arthritis, epilepsy, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, narcolepsy, repetitive strain injury (RSI), cancer, HIV, hepatitis, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, chronic pain, lupus, or chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) or Long Covid.

     
  • DSA is available to students on these higher education courses:
  • first degree, for example BA, BSc or BEd
  • a Foundation Degree
  • a Certificate of Higher Education
  • a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)
  • a Higher National Certificate (HNC)
  • a Higher National Diploma (HND)
  • a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE)
  • a postgraduate course
  • Initial Teacher Training

You must also:

  • be an undergraduate or postgraduate student (including Open University or distance learning)
  • qualify for student finance from Student Finance England
  • be studying on a course that lasts at least a year

Apply at any stage, even before your place is confirmed

You don't have to have a confirmed place at university or college before you apply for your DSA. We recommend that you apply as early as possible, so you have your support in place before your course starts, but you can do it at any point during your studies.

You can also apply for DSA if you've taken other higher education courses in the past. 

Check your eligibility

 

Apply for DSA

1: Check that you’re eligible
You can do this quickly with our online eligibility checker by answering a few simple questions.

 2: Apply
It’s best to apply as early as possible, when you apply for student finance, let the provider know that you want to apply for the DSA too. You can then apply online or download an application form.

Step 3: Book a study needs assessment
If you’re eligible for DSA, you’ll receive an approval letter from your DSA funding provider and you’ll be asked to complete a needs assessment to explore your course requirements and your learning needs. The quickest way to book an assessment is just to contact us directly.

Book online at www.contact-associates.co.uk,  phone 01823 273060 or email admin@contact-associates.co.uk

4.  Your assessment:
You’ll receive confirmation of whether your application is successful within six weeks. You’ll receive a DS2 Entitlement letter, explaining what equipment and support you’ll need for your course and how to get it. The details of your DSA and needs assessment report will be sent to your university or college disability adviser, who will arrange for any support or adjustments that you need.

Book your needs assessment