Applying for a DSA

What is a DSA?

The Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs) are government grants for students in higher education who are obliged to incur additional study related costs because of a disability, mental health condition or specific learning difficulty.

The Disabled Students' Allowance Office (DSAO) acts as a local authority for students studying with the OU and as such is separate to the University itself.

Part-time undergraduate and postgraduate OU students are eligible for a DSA.

You can apply for a DSA at any time during your studies – even if you have studied with the OU before or if you are part way through a module.

DSAs can help pay for

• specialist equipment you need for studying - for example, voice-activated and synthetic speech output computer software, low vision aids, scanners, ergonomic equipment, a computer, warranties and insurance
• study support helper: this could be a dyslexia tutor, mental health mentor, sign language interpreter, mobility/note taking assistant, assistant for attendance at tutorials
• general allowance may be given for the additional costs you incur for printer cartridges, computer paper, coloured overlays
• travel costs may be awarded if you are unable to use public transport to attend tutorials; a 75% contribution to taxi costs may be approved.

What is a Disabled Students' Allowance? video quick guide

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Am I eligible to apply for a DSA?

If you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland: both you and your qualification must meet certain conditions, which are shown below. Check these before you apply.

If you live in Scotland: your national centre will send you details of how and when to apply and you should not apply via the DSA Office in Milton Keynes.

To be eligible for DSA you must

• be studying 30 credit points or more in the year you first apply for a DSA (60 in Scotland)
• be studying towards an OU qualification of a least 60 credits 
  • that will require at least one year of study
  • For students living in England who began studying towards their qualification before 1st September 2012 and all students living in Wales and Northern Ireland, you must complete your qualification in no more than twice the period it would take to complete a full-time equivalent.
  • For students living in England who started studying towards their qualification on or after 1st September 2012, you must complete your qualification in no more than four times the period it would take to complete a full-time equivalent.
• meet the UK/EEA residency requirements
• be able to provide evidence of your disability or specific learning difficulty (DSAs can’t be used to pay for obtaining medical evidence)
• not be behind with repayments of any loan you have had from the Student Loans Company
• not have a bursary or award from the National Health Service, the Department of Health, or the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Northern Ireland) for a module in this academic year
• not, at any one time, have DSAs for more than one qualification.

Who is eligible to apply for a DSA? video quick guide

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Am I eligible for a DSA if I am studying towards a postgraduate qualification?

To be eligible for a postgraduate DSA you must

• be studying towards an OU postgraduate qualification of at least 60 credits
• that will require at least one year of study
• For students living in England who began studying towards their qualification before 1st September 2012 and all students living in Wales and Northern Ireland, you must complete your qualification in no more than twice the period it would take to complete a full-time equivalent.
• For students living in England who started studying towards their qualification on or after 1st September 2012, you must complete your qualification in no more than four times the period it would take to complete a full-time equivalent.

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How do I apply for a DSA?

The DSA process can take up to three months from when you apply to delivery of equipment and services, so the earlier you apply the better.  However, you can apply at any time up until the end of your module.

If you live in Scotland, your national centre will send you details of how and when to apply. You should not apply via the DSA Office in Milton Keynes.

You will need to fill out a DSA application form (carefully reading the accompanying guidance notes) and then return it together with the appropriate document(s) to the address stated on the application form.

If you wish to have a hard copy of this form or require it in an alternative format then please contact the DSA office on Tel: 01908 654136 or email: .

If you need help or advice about completing the DSA application form then please contact the DSA Office for advice.

How do I apply for a DSA? video quick quide

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What happens after I apply for a DSA?

If you meet all the necessary criteria to qualify for a DSA you will be asked to attend an independent 'assessment centre' to consider what study related help you'll need. 

If you are unable to travel to an assessment centre, you may request a home assessment. Students normally find this is a positive experience that focuses on their individual study needs.

Following this meeting your Needs Assessor will write a report setting out all the help they think you need, and will send this to the Disabled Students' Allowance Office based at the OU in Milton Keynes.

An Awards Officer will look at the report and will consider what items and support can be funded through your DSA.

Once the Awards Officer has approved the report you will receive a DSA award letter.

How do I get my study needs assessed? video quick guide

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What is a DSA award letter?

Once the Awards Officer in the DSA Office has considered and made your award, you will be notified via letter of what has been approved for you.

This is not always the same as the recommendations made by the Needs Assessor. Sometimes the Awards Officer may not feel that all of the items are directly linked to your disability and some items may be declined. 

You should keep a copy of your award letter as you may need to show your study support helper what has been approved for you, e.g. how many hours of support have been awarded and the hourly rate. The helper will need to know this to ensure that they do not exceed the number of hours of support awarded and that they know how much they will be paid.

With your award letter you will receive any relevant claim forms and also a detailed information sheet about your DSA award and what you need to do. Getting the awarded equipment / training gives further information about how the order will proceed.

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