DSA Step-by-Step Guidance
Your Path to DSA Success
The Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) is a UK government grant that empowers students with disabilities, including neurodivergent conditions like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, to access higher education by funding study-related costs.
This interactive guide provides a comprehensive roadmap for navigating DSA in the 2025/2026 academic year, with step-by-step guidance, progress tracking, and expert insights from Calling All Minds.
Introduction
The Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) is a UK government grant that empowers students with disabilities, including neurodivergent conditions like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, to access higher education by funding study-related costs. From assistive technology (AT) like text-to-speech software to non-medical helpers or travel support, DSA ensures you have the tools to succeed at university. This step-by-step guide, created by Calling All Minds Ltd, a UK leader in neurodiversity support, provides a comprehensive roadmap for neurodivergent students, DEI professionals, and educators to navigate DSA in the 2025/2026 academic year.
With over a decade of collective experience, Calling All Minds' team offers tailored AT training and DSA application support to maximize your funding benefits. Whether you're a student with ADHD needing organisational tools or an autistic learner requiring sensory aids, this guide equips you with clear steps and practical tips. Use the interactive progress tracker, search bar, or filter panel below to find the information you need.
Last updated: 13th June 2025
What is DSA?
The Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) is a non-repayable grant to cover extra study-related costs for higher education students with disabilities, including neurodivergent conditions, mental health issues, or physical/sensory impairments. Administered by Student Finance bodies (e.g., Student Finance England, Student Awards Agency Scotland), DSA is not means-tested and does not affect other student finance or benefits.
🔑Key Features
💡 Purpose
Funds support like specialist equipment (e.g., text-to-speech software), non-medical helpers (e.g., note-takers), travel costs, or general expenses (e.g., printing) due to your disability.
✅ Eligibility
Students with a disability under the Equality Act 2010 (e.g., autism, ADHD, dyslexia) studying a UK undergraduate or postgraduate course lasting at least a year.
💰 Non-Repayable
No repayment required, unlike student loans.
💳 Payments
Most funds are paid directly to suppliers (e.g., AT providers like Study Tech or Capita), but general allowances or travel costs may be reimbursed to you.
💷 Funding Amounts (2025/2026)
*Plus £5,160 for equipment and £1,725 for consumables
🛠️Supported Costs
💻 Specialist Equipment
Computers (£200 student contribution required), software (e.g., Read&Write, £100–£200), or ergonomic tools.
👥 Non-Medical Helpers
British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters, note-takers, or study mentors.
🚗 Travel Costs
Extra costs due to disability (e.g., taxis for autistic students avoiding public transport). No cap applies.
📄 General Allowances
Printing, photocopying, or stationery for neurodivergent needs (e.g., proof-reading for dyslexia).
Your DSA Journey Progress
Check Eligibility
15 minutes
Gather Evidence
1-4 weeks
Apply for DSA
30-60 minutes
Await Approval
Up to 14 weeks
Attend Needs Assessment
2 hours + booking time
Receive DSA2 Letter
2-4 weeks after assessment
Set Up Support
2-6 weeks
Monitor & Update
Ongoing
What is DSA?
The Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) is a non-repayable grant to cover extra study-related costs for higher education students with disabilities, including neurodivergent conditions, mental health issues, or physical/sensory impairments. Administered by Student Finance bodies, DSA is not means-tested and does not affect other student finance or benefits.
💰Funding Amounts
💻Equipment
- Computers (£200 contribution)
- Software (e.g., Read&Write)
- Ergonomic tools
- Assistive technology
👥Helpers
- BSL interpreters
- Note-takers
- Study mentors
- Personal assistants
🚗Other Support
- Travel costs
- Printing/photocopying
- Stationery
- General allowances
Detailed Step-by-Step Process
Check Eligibility
Confirm you meet DSA criteria
🎯 Main Action Required
Verify you have a disability affecting your studies and are on a qualifying UK course
Gather Evidence
Collect documentation proving your disability
🎯 Main Action Required
Obtain diagnostic reports, healthcare letters, or educational psychologist assessments
Apply for DSA
Submit your application through Student Finance
🎯 Main Action Required
Complete DSA application online or submit DSA1 Full Form for DSA-only applications
Await Approval
Student Finance reviews your application
🎯 Main Action Required
Monitor your application status and respond to any requests for additional information
Attend Needs Assessment
Professional evaluation of your support needs
🎯 Main Action Required
Book and attend assessment with approved centre to discuss your course and disability needs
Receive DSA2 Letter
Get your entitlement letter with approved support
🎯 Main Action Required
Review your DSA2 Entitlement Letter detailing approved equipment, helpers, and travel support
Set Up Support
Arrange equipment delivery and training
🎯 Main Action Required
Coordinate with suppliers for equipment delivery, software installation, and training sessions
Monitor & Update
Review support annually and update as needed
🎯 Main Action Required
Monitor support effectiveness and request reassessments for changes in circumstances
Needs Assessment Guide
The needs assessment is a pivotal step to tailor DSA support to your neurodivergent needs. Conducted by a skilled assessor (in-person or remote, ~2 hours), it's an informal discussion about your course, disability, and study challenges.
🔍 What to Expect
- Discussion about how your condition affects studying
- Recommendations for assistive technology and support
- Needs Assessment Report sent to Student Finance
- Cost covered by DSA (£100–£200)
📝 How to Prepare
- List specific study challenges
- Bring course details and timetables
- Note preferred support options
- Request accessibility accommodations
✅ After Assessment
- Review the report in your DSA2 letter
- Contact centre to amend any errors
- Arrange equipment/training via suppliers
- Begin using your approved support
Challenges & Solutions
Application Delays
Challenge: Processing can take 14 weeks, delaying support for course start
Solution: Apply early (spring 2025 for September starts). Check status regularly and contact Student Finance if delays exceed 14 weeks.
Evidence Barriers
Challenge: Obtaining diagnostic reports can be costly or time-consuming
Solution: Request funding for diagnostic assessments via Student Finance. Use existing reports to avoid new costs.
Application Complexity
Challenge: Neurodivergent students may find forms overwhelming
Solution: Seek support from university disability advisors or Calling All Minds. Request accessible formats.
Equipment Costs
Challenge: Students must contribute £200 for computers/laptops
Solution: Discuss contribution waivers with Student Finance. Use free/low-cost alternatives while awaiting funding.
Calling All Minds Support
Calling All Minds is your partner in navigating DSA and maximizing its benefits for neurodivergent students. Our team, with over a decade of collective experience, offers:
📋DSA Application Guidance
Support with forms, evidence, and needs assessments to streamline your application (£100–£300, often DSA-funded).
🎓AT Training
Workshops to master DSA-funded tools like Read&Write, Time Timer, or Proloquo2Go, tailored for autism, ADHD, or dyslexia (£200–£1,000).
🔍Needs Assessment Preparation
Coaching to articulate study challenges and secure appropriate support.
🤝Ongoing Support
Follow-ups to optimize AT use and manage reassessments.
Resources & Next Steps
Key Resources
Next Steps
Apply for DSA at gov.uk/student-finance
Contact Calling All Minds for DSA support
Connect with your university disability advisor
Stay proactive with application monitoring
Ready to Start Your DSA Journey?
Don't navigate the DSA process alone. Use this interactive guide and get expert support from our team to ensure you access all the support you're entitled to.