Students Applying for Disabled Student AllowancesIf you are dyslexic or have other specific learning difficulties you may be eligible for Disabled Students' Allowances [DSA] to help you with extra study related costs. "Don't wait until you have a confirmed place or until you start your course to apply for the Disabled Students Allowances (DSAs), apply now to make sure your support is in place for the start of term." It takes, on average, over 14 weeks from applying for DSAs to receiving support. Applying for DSAs early means students can get their support in place before the start of term. See this website for more information https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsa. Tools and resources for practitionersThere are a range of tools, videos and guides for you to help students apply for DSAs, available at www.practitioners.slc.co.uk/resources. Below are some tips for disabled students. New Students
Don't wait until you have a confirmed place or until you start your course to apply for DSAs, apply to make sure your support is in place for the start of term. https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/student-finance/disabled-students-allowance-how-to-apply
Postgraduate students will need to apply using a paper application form. You should apply as soon as possible to make sure your funding is in place for starting your course. If you've already applied for your main loans and grants, you can still apply for DSAs, download a form now from www.gov.uk/student-finance-forms. Remember we accept photocopies of disability evidence - you don't need to send originals. If you've applied for DSAs and been told to book your assessment appointment, book it now. As soon as you've had your assessment you can get your equipment in place, ready for the start of term. Continuing StudentsYour DSA support will automatically be in place for next year. Just indicate on your main online student finance application that you want the support to continue. If you are receiving DSAs only, part-time or post-graduate you will need to re-apply each year.If you haven't already applied for your main loans and grants, apply now online at www.yourdsa.com/dsa/what-are-dsas/ to make sure you have all your money in place by the start of term in the autumn. Tools and resources for StudentsStudents can find a range of tools, videos and guides to help you apply quickly and successfully for your DSAs by visiting www.thestudentroom.co.uk/studentfinance.
To apply you will need to supply evidence of your disability.Evidence of dyslexia or other specific learning difficulties You need to provide a full diagnostic report produced by a qualified assessor who holds an approved qualification and is either:- A specialist teacher assessor holding a current SpLD Assessment Practising Certificate [APC].
or
- A practitioner psychologist registered with the HCPC
The report should use the format and tests recommended in the SpLD Working Group's Guidelines and Assessment Guidance
What to do nextContact your school, or the Disability Advisor at your university or college may be able to help arrange this. orContact one of the organisations below. The following organisations issue Assessment Practising Certificates to specialist teacher assessors and have lists of qualified assessors:or- The Health Care Professions Council [HCPC] for psychologists HCPC register.
- The British Psychological Society [BPS] Directory of Chartered Psychologists BPS Directory
You will need to pay for your diagnostic report. To check if a Specialist Teacher Assessor holds a current Assessment Practising Certificate (APC) see the listing on this SASC website: Assessors Page Tools and resources for practitionersThere are a range of tools, videos and guides for you to help students apply for DSAs, available at www.practitioners.slc.co.uk. |