UK Students with on-going health conditions, disabilities, mental health or specific learning difficulties (e.g. dyslexia) can usually apply for funding through the Disabled Students Allowances (DSAs) to pay for disability specific study related services and equipment.

DSAs are awarded to eligible disabled students in addition to the standard student funding package and do not have to be repaid (as long as you complete the course).

For more information about DSAs Eligibility and the application process please visit Your DSA

Note: When submitting your DSA application, please note the consent to share at the end of the form. If this section is not fully completed and consent given, Student Finance will not be able to discuss your application with us or process queries or invoices relating to your support from the selected supplier. This could result in support delays and you could be held liable for costs incurred by suppliers. 

Note: Part time and Post graduate students are required to complete a full DSA application form  for each year of study. Applications for the following year should be submitted to student finance before the end of the current academic year to ensure continuous support.

Needs Assessment

If your Funding Body accept your application for the DSAs, they will request that you arrange Needs Assessment to explore your disability related requirements with a specialist Needs Assessor. You can find details of all registered access centers at:

• NNAC
• https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowances-assessment-centre

When your Needs Assessment report is finalised, a copy will be sent to Student Finance, who will consider the recommendations and write to you directly to inform you of the outcome. Once you have received your final report, please book an appointment with a Disability Adviser to discuss putting the recommended support in place.

Note: your DSA support package is likely to include a variety of goods and services which will be provided by a number of different suppliers (Student Finance will decide which suppliers are approved to provide each item and will notify you in writing). Selected suppliers will not be notified by Student Finance that they have been authorised to provide support.

It is your responsibility to liaise with the selected suppliers to initiate and manage your support. USW is in no way responsible for DSA funded support provided by external suppliers.