If there’s anything you’re unsure about with regard to the Disabled Students’ Allowance, or about the application process, take a look at the frequently asked questions below. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, get in touch with us via the contact details here.
 

Areas you may have queries about for the Disabled Students’ Allowance

Icon_Cashstack

Applying for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) and the Needs Assessment Report (NAR)

Data_hand

Assistive technology (AT) equipment

"person on laptop"

Assistive technology (AT) training

Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) applications and the Needs Assessment Report (NAR)

 

Click the + to see the answer to the query:

    How do I know if I’m eligible?

    You’re eligible if you live in the UK, are studying and qualify for support from Student Finance England (SFE) or Student Finance Wales (SFW) and have a diagnosed condition(s) that affects your ability to study, for which you can provide evidence from a medical/qualified professional. 

    Examples of diagnosed conditions are:

    • a specific learning difficulty (such as dyslexia, ADHD or dyspraxia)
    • a mental or physical health condition
    • a long-term illness
    • a sensory impairment

    For more information on DSA eligibility, please visit:
    https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsa/eligibility
    https://www.studentfinancewales.co.uk/

    Why do I require a needs assessment?

    You’ve been asked to attend a needs assessment to work out what support you need to help you during your studies. At your needs assessment, you’ll talk with your needs assessor about the impact your disability has on your studies, your experience of any support you’ve already had and the details of your course. Your needs assessor may also demonstrate equipment or software to you.

    After your needs assessment, your assessor will write a report for Student Finance England (SFE) or Student Finance Wales (SFW) recommending what DSA support you should get. You’ll be given the option to review a draft copy of the report before it’s sent to SFE or SFW, if you wish. Once SFE or SFW have reviewed the report, you’ll be notified of the specific DSA support that’s been approved and how to access it.

    Where does the needs assessment take place?

    Your needs assessment can be completed in person or online by video call. We’ll be able to accommodate whichever option you prefer. You’ll be offered a selection of time slots to choose from.

    Benefits of in-person assessments

    It can be good to attend your needs assessment in person if you:

    • would benefit from a physical demonstration of equipment and software that may be recommended
    • have poor network/broadband coverage
    • would like a session in a private place, free from distractions

    Benefits of online video call assessments

    It can be good to attend your needs assessment online if you:

    • are anxious about travelling
    • feel more comfortable in a place you choose
    • struggle talking about your disability in person


    If you’re not able to use online video calls, you can choose to have your assessment by telephone instead.

    Do I need to pay for anything?

    The fee for the needs assessment will be deducted from your DSA entitlement. This is an inclusive fee and covers the work that may be required for the duration of your course.

    What is ‘consent to share’?

    This is your consent for Student Finance England (SFE) or Student Finance Wales (SFW) to share your information with us.

    During the application process, SFE or SFW will ask you for permission to share information with us that will help progress your DSA application. This will allow us to contact you directly to arrange your needs assessment and support. If you do not provide consent to share, SFE or SFW will not be able to contact us about your DSA application (e.g. if they have questions regarding your support). Instead, they’ll contact you and ask you to get in touch directly.

    What if I don’t agree with the student finance DSA support decision?

    If you’re unhappy with the decision that SFE or SFW has made, you should make an appeal as soon as possible. 

    If you are a SFE student go to - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/appeals-procedure

    If you are a SFW student go to - https://www.studentfinancewales.co.uk/complaints-and-appeals

    Assistive technology (AT) equipment

    What is Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) approved equipment?

    DSA-approved equipment can include the following:

    Software

    Hardware

    • text to speech software
    • speech dictation software
    • notetaking software
    • mental health software
    • task planning/coping strategy software
    • mind mapping software
    • study skills software
    • typing tutors
    • spell check software
    • screen reading and visual assistance software

    • digital voice recorders
    • hearing assistance hardware
    • text support hardware

    Assistive technology (AT) training

    Click the + to see the answer to the query:

      Is the training available in Welsh?

      Every aspect of your customer journey can be conducted in Welsh if required. This will be established during your registration process, and you are free to change your preferences at any time.

      How many hours of AT training will I receive?

      The number of hours of training needed will be determined during your needs assessment.

      How long are the AT training sessions?

      The first session is normally an in-depth full overview and any follow-up sessions will depend on your requirements and the demands of your course.

      What happens if I require more AT training hours?

      Please contact us to raise a request and any extra sessions will need to be authorised by Student Finance England or Student Finance Wales.

      What happens if I miss or cancel a session?

      If you can’t make your session, please inform us at least 24 hours in advance. You will receive reminders before the session. We’re required to capture and record details of all missed and cancelled appointments for reporting purposes. This will be shared with student finance. Your Disabled Students' Allowance may be charged for a maximum of two missed or cancelled appointments if given less than 24 hours’ notice.

      How will I know how many hours I have used?

      We will keep you informed of how many hours that you have used and how many remain.

      Contact us

      If you need advice or support at any stage of the process, please get in touch:

      Online

      Remember, do not provide any personal information, such as your date of birth or home address.

      Online enquiry form

      Phone

      You can call us on 08000 902551 between 9am and 5:30pm, Monday to Friday.

      Email

      You can email our team directly.

      Email us

      PLEASE NOTE: If you were assessed before 26 February 2024, have received your DSA support and have a query, we are still here to support you. Please contact us by email at admin@contact-associates.co.uk.

      For more information about applying for DSA, please visit Student Finance England or Student Finance Wales

       

      Other useful links

      Capita DSA student portal

      This is an online portal where all students who receive DSA services from Capita can track and manage their DSA appointments, orders, training, etc.

      Access the portal

      Log a post assessment query

      If you’ve been assessed and have questions you can log a post-assessment query.

      Log a query
      How to contact Student Finance:

      Student Finance England (SFE)
      Email: dsa_team@slc.co.uk 
      Telephone: 0300 100 0607
      NGT text relay (if you cannot hear/speak on the phone): 18001 then 0300 100 0607
      Website: https://www.gov.uk/contact-student-finance-england

      Student Finance Wales (SFW)
      Email: SFW_DSA_Team@slc.co.uk
      Telephone: 0300 200 4050
      Website: https://www.studentfinancewales.co.uk/contact/