Disabled Students' Allowance: a grant up to £27,783 you don't repay

Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) is a grant for higher education students who have a disability, long-term illness, mental health condition or learning difficulty. The key difference from a student loan: DSA does not have to be repaid and is not means-tested — it does not depend on your household income. It is paid on top of ordinary student finance, or on its own.

How much can you get?

Both undergraduate and postgraduate students can receive up to £27,783 a year. The exact amount depends not on income but on your individual needs, worked out by a needs assessment.

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What does it pay for?

DSA covers disability-related study costs: specialist equipment (such as a computer, if your condition requires one), non-medical helpers (British Sign Language interpreters or specialist note takers), extra travel costs (taxis to your course if your condition stops you using public transport), and other support such as printing extra copies for proofreading. It does not cover costs you would have without studying, or costs any student might have. For a new computer you pay the first £200 yourself.

How do you apply?

Once you receive your DSA eligibility letter, a supplier (Study Tech or Capita) contacts you to arrange a needs assessment — you do not need to chase them. The assessment is not a test but an informal meeting, in person or remote. Afterwards you get a recommendations report and an entitlement letter. Do not buy equipment before the assessment, as you will not be reimbursed. Most payments go directly to suppliers; your letter says if any allowance is paid to you.

Why it matters

DSA is often overlooked because students assume help depends on income. It does not: the grant is available even to those on a high income. If you have a documented condition that affects your studying, apply for it alongside your student finance.