Support to cover study-related costs for students in England with a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition or specific learning difficulty.
Many people who are entitled to support never claim it. Check who qualifies, how much you could get and how to make your claim through the official channel.
The rules depend on where you live in the UK and on your household’s circumstances.
What Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) offers
- Specialist equipment: Covers equipment such as a computer if needed.
- Non-medical helpers: Pays for helpers such as BSL interpreters or note-takers.
- Travel: Taxi costs if you can't use public transport.
- No repayment: DSA is a grant, not a loan.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who can get it | Higher education students in England with a disability, health condition or learning difficulty |
| How much | Up to £27,783 a year for undergraduate and postgraduate students |
| Means test | Not based on household income |
| Repayment | You do not need to pay it back |
| Where | England (similar schemes in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) |
Key points
Specialist equipment: Covers equipment such as a computer if needed.
Non-medical helpers: Pays for helpers such as BSL interpreters or note-takers.
Travel: Taxi costs if you can't use public transport.
About Student Loans Company (for DfE)
Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) is run by Student Loans Company (for DfE). Claims are made free of charge through the official government channel.
We explain the rules independently and then send you to the official page to claim. We are not a government website.
Amounts and rules can change. The decision on your claim is made by Student Loans Company (for DfE).