At Dynamo Post16, we specialise in guiding you to secure a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) to ensure you get the support you need to thrive and unfold your aspirations through your studies. The following is a step-by-step guide to applying for a DSA:

1. What is a DSA?

Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is support from the government to cover the study-related costs you have because of a:

• Specific Learning difficulty, for example, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia
• Mental health condition, for example, anxiety or depression
• Long-term illness, for example, cancer, chronic heart disease, or HIV
• Physical Disability, for example, if you have to use crutches or a wheelchair
• Sensory Disability, for example, if you’re visually impaired, deaf or have a hearing impairment

Funding: The DSA can be standalone or in addition to any Student Finance received, and the amount depends on individual needs rather than household income. DSA does not need to be paid back.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsa/eligibility

2. Check Your Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for DSA, you must:

• be an undergraduate or postgraduate student (including Open University or distance learning)
• qualify for student finance from Student Finance England (SfE)
• be studying on a course that lasts at least a year

You can do a detailed check of your eligibility using the link below:
https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsa/eligibility

3. Gather Evidence: ‘proof of your eligibility’

Once you have confirmed that you are eligible to apply for DSA you will need to gather evidence to establish ‘proof of your eligibility’.

Proof of Eligibility for dyscalculia: For a Specific learning difficulty, such as dyscalculia, a copy of a ‘diagnostic assessment’ from a practitioner psychologist or suitably qualified specialist teacher is required. If you need to apply for a diagnostic assessment, you could get extra help to pay for a new diagnostic assessment. Your assessor can buy the comprehensive research and evidence-based Dynamo Post16 Dyscalculia Number Sense Profiler (DNSP) here.

Screening for Dyscalculia: Before you invest in getting a diagnostic assessment, you would want to check out if you are at risk of dyscalculia through the Dynamo Post16 Dyscalculia Self-perception Questionnaire (DSPQ) here.

4. Complete the DSA Application Form and Submit the Application and Evidence

Complete and submit the DSA-1 Form with the necessary proof of evidence. After submission, Student Finance England will inform you if you’ve been granted DSA. If eligible for DSA, you may need a study needs assessment to determine the support and equipment required.

After the assessment, you’ll receive a DSA entitlement letter outlining the support and equipment you qualify for. Follow the instructions in the letter before purchasing or arranging any support, as costs incurred beforehand won’t be reimbursed.

5. Do You Need to Reapply for DSA Each Year?

If you’re a full-time undergraduate receiving Student Finance, you usually don’t need to reapply for DSA annually. However, postgraduate or part-time students, or those only applying for DSA, may need to reapply each year.

Always check with your local Student Finance office if unsure. If your circumstances change—such as a new diagnosis, worsening condition, or changes in your study status—you may need to contact Student Finance for a reassessment and possible DSA adjustment.

I am Karima Esmail, Co-founder of Dynamo Maths, an award-winning, research and evidence-based inclusive programme proven to support students with dyscalculia and those not meeting age-related expectations.

I have 15 years of experience as a senior lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire. More recently, I undertook research at University College London, which inspired the creation of Puffin Maths for the deaf and hard of hearing, which now provides access to the National Curriculum using British Sign Language (BSL). Puffin Maths was ‘Highly Commended’ at BETT 2022.

I have also co-authored Dynamo Post 14 Number Sense Profiler and Dyscalculia Self Perception Indicators Questionnaire.