Disabled Students' Allowance

All you need to know about how to start the DSA process and an insight into what's involved.

If you have any questions and if you haven’t already chatted about your support needs with Hartpury, please contact the Achievement and Success Centre (ASC) team as soon as possible: asc@hartpury.ac.uk

What is it?

You may not have heard about Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) or may think that it is not for you? It is essentially a fund from the Government to create an even playing field for students in Higher Education who have additional support needs. To be eligible to apply you will need evidence e.g. a diagnostic assessment report, medical evidence letter etc.

Common reasons to apply for the DSA include:

Learning difference (for example dyslexia, dyspraxia, or ADHD)
Mental health condition (for example anxiety or depression)
Physical disability (for example if you have to use crutches)
Long-term health condition (for example cancer, chronic heart disease, or HIV)

What support can I get?

They can supply a number of different support strategies including, but not limited to:

1:1 mentoring (remote or in person)
Study skills workshops
Taxi allowance
Printer allowance
Equipment (ergonomic chairs, computers, phones etc.)
Computer software

The Process:

1

Apply

2

DSA assessment

3

Confirmation

4

Take up support

How do I apply and when should I?

We recommend applying as early as possible in your University journey, around about the same time as you apply for your student finance (if you are applying for this). You can apply on the same portal as your student finance application or on the government website link here, you will also need to use this link to apply using the full form if you are self-funding/on a post graduate course.

Ok, I have applied – what happens next?

They may take some time to process your application (hence we recommend that you apply asap). You will get an email (keep checking your junk inbox as the responses can sometimes head there) confirming your eligibility/letting you know about booking your needs assessment/asking for more evidence.

I am eligible – they have asked me to a needs assessment – what is that?

It sounds like a lot but it will be a chat with an advisor looking at your evidence and thinking about what might support you to access your studies best.

I am not eligible – I need more evidence – what can I do?

Contact ASC – we can chat about potential further assessment/how to collate the evidence that you need.

I have had my needs assessment – what now?

Once you have had your needs assessment you will then get a DSA2 letter/email confirming what support they are going to fund you for – again keep a look out in your junk inbox for this.

International students: Whilst DSA is not available to international students, you can contact ASC about support that you might be eligible for from Hartpury: asc@hartpury.ac.uk.