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Applying for Disabled Students' Allowances

There are two different ways of applying for Disabled Students' Allowances. Which one you should use depends on whether you are:

• doing a full-time higher education course
• studying part-time or doing a postgraduate course

Most universities and colleges have a disability adviser. They can help with your application and give you advice about other sources of funding.

Full-time higher education students

You should fill in form DSA1. If you tick the relevant box on your main student finance application, you will be sent a copy of the DSA1 form automatically. You can also download one below.

Some local authorities may handle applications for Disabled Students' Allowances differently. For example, they may send a confirmation letter for you to sign instead of a form.

Alternative formats

The form and guidance booklet are available in large print, Braille and audio. To get copies in alternative formats, contact Student Finance England if you are applying for 2009/2010, or your local authority if you are applying for 2008/2009.

• Contact Student Finance England

• Contact your local authority (student finance applications) Opens new window

Postgraduates and part-time higher education students

If you are studying part time or doing a postgraduate course, you need to take the DSA1 form to your college or university, ask them to sign it and then send it to the address on the form.

If you are a part-time higher education student and your university or college has already completed form PTG1 for you, you don't need to get your DSA1 form signed as well. Just send it straight to the address on it once you have filled it in.

Open University students

You should apply directly to the Open University's Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA) office. If you tell the Open University that you have a disability when you apply, the office will send you the application form automatically.

• The Open University - Disabled Students' Allowances Opens new window

Application forms for 2009/2010

Use the DSA1 form to apply for Disabled Students' Allowances.

• Download application form for Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA1) 2009/2010 (PDF, 307K)

If you want to claim for expenses you have already paid out, fill in a 'Claim form for reimbursement of costs through Disabled Students' Allowances'.

• Download claim form for reimbursement of costs through Disabled Students' Allowances 2009/2010 (PDF, 68K)

Applying for 2008/2009?

Student finance applications close nine months after the start of the academic year.

But if you’re still able to apply for the 2008/2009 academic year, you’ll need to get a 2008/2009 version of form DSA1 from your local authority – or from the Student Loans Company, if they’re handling applications for your area.

• Contact your local authority (student finance applications) Opens new window

Where to send your application form

If you are a new student starting your course in the academic year 2009/2010, send your completed form to Student Finance England.

• Student Finance England

If you started your course in the academic year 2008/2009 or earlier, you usually need to send your completed form to your local authority. Contact your local authority to find out where to send your form.

• Contact your local authority (student finance applications) Opens new window

If your application is turned down

If your application is turned down, you can ask for an explanation.

If you disagree with the decision, you can ask Student Finance England or your local authority - whichever one assessed your application - to review your case. If the decision is reviewed and you still feel it is wrong, get in touch with them and ask how you can appeal against it.

• Contact Student Finance England

• Contact your local authority (student finance applications) Opens new window

Not from England?

• Student finance: not from England (general education and learning section)