Disabled Students' Allowances

Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs) provide extra financial help if you have a disability or a specific learning difficulty like dyslexia. They are paid on top of the standard student finance package and don't have to be repaid.

What are DSAs?

DSAs are grants to help meet the extra costs of studying that students face as a direct result of a disability or specific learning difficulty. They are designed to help disabled students study on an equal basis with other students.

The allowances provide help for full-time, part-time and postgraduate students. The amount you can get does not depend on your household income. You do not have to repay this help.

What can you use them for?

DSAs cover:

• specialist equipment you need for studying - for example, computer software
• a non-medical helper, such as a note-taker or reader
• extra travel costs you have to pay because of your disability
• other costs - for example, tapes or Braille paper 

Further information can be found in our Handbook and on the Directgov site.