Disabled Students Allowance (DSAs)
As a Higher Education student it is advisable for you to apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). This is a grant to help with extra costs you might have as a direct result of your disability, long-term health condition, mental-health condition or specific learning difficulty. It would provide the funding for any support that you may require to complete your course. It is non-means tested and is not repayable.
Support may involve the provision of a non-medical helper; for example, study skills tuition, access support or mentoring. In addition, it can provide you with access to specialist equipment, additional travel costs that you pay as a direct result of your disability and other costs for things such as photocopying or printer cartridges. Any delay in making your DSA application is likely to cause a delay in the implementation of any support requirements that you may have. The application process can take around 14 weeks to complete so it is vital that you apply early.
As an independent adult learner, it is your responsibility to make an application for DSA, attend the necessary appointments and provide any evidence that is requested. Applications for DSA are available to download here If you require advice on how to complete the form please contact css@ncl-coll.ac.uk
Get help and advice for completing your DSA application