# Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) explained > Students & young adults · Last updated 4 July 2026 Canonical HTML: https://moneyguide.org.uk/students/disabled-students-allowance/ Markdown mirror: https://moneyguide.org.uk/students/disabled-students-allowance.md ## Quick answer DSA helps UK higher-education students with the extra costs of disability — specialist equipment, non-medical helpers and travel — and does not depend on household income or reduce other student finance. Disabled Students' Allowance is often overlooked because it is not a cash loan and does not appear in the main student finance headline figures. It reimburses or pays for disability-related study costs that would exist even without being a student. This guide explains who can claim and what it covers. ## Key facts - Available to undergraduates and postgraduates with a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition or specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia - Not means-tested — household income does not affect the amount - Does not need to be repaid and does not reduce tuition or maintenance loans - England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland run separate DSA schemes with different caps ## What DSA pays for Specialist equipment such as assistive software, ergonomic chairs, recording devices or a computer if you need one solely because of your disability. You may pay the first £200 toward a computer in England — rules differ in other nations. Non-medical helpers include note-takers, specialist study skills tutors, mentors for mental health conditions and British Sign Language interpreters. Hours are agreed in a needs assessment. General allowance covers extra printing, books and consumables. Travel costs can include taxi fares to placement if public transport is impractical because of your condition. ## How to apply Apply through your student finance body — Student Finance England, SAAS, Student Finance Wales or Student Finance NI — alongside your main student finance application. You will need evidence such as a doctor's letter or educational psychologist report for specific learning difficulties. If approved, you attend a needs assessment at an access centre (often online) to agree a support package. Equipment is usually ordered for you; helpers are arranged through approved providers. Apply as early as possible before your course starts — equipment lead times can delay support if you wait until term begins. ## Common misconceptions DSA is not a cash benefit paid into your bank account each month — it funds agreed support and equipment directly or by reimbursement. A diagnosis alone does not guarantee funding — the test is whether you incur extra study costs because of your condition. Mild difficulties managed without extra cost may not qualify for large awards. DSA continues on postgraduate courses and some professional courses, but rules differ — check your nation's guidance for Master's and PhD funding. ## Frequently asked questions ### Does DSA affect my maintenance loan? No. DSA is separate and does not reduce tuition or maintenance loans. ### Can I get DSA for dyslexia? Yes, if you have a diagnostic assessment showing it affects your study. Many students receive software and specialist study skills support. ### What if I am already at university? You can apply in any year of your course — submit evidence and book a needs assessment as soon as you realise you need support. ## Primary source https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowances-dsas ## Related - [Student finance explained](https://moneyguide.org.uk/students/student-finance-explained/) - [Personal Independence Payment (PIP)](https://moneyguide.org.uk/benefits-tax/personal-independence-payment/) - [Students guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk/students/) --- Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.