Disability and special needs

Non-repayable

Disabled Students’ Allowances covers;

• specialist equipment you need for studying like computer software

• a non-medical helper such as a note-taker or reader

• extra travel costs you have to pay because of your disability

• other costs like tapes or Braille paper

Full-time, part-time, and postgraduate students are entitled to this help.

Disabled Students’ Allowances will not be counted when working out your entitlement to benefits or tax credits.

For more information download this guide;

Bridging the Gap: a guide to the DSA for Higher Education Students

You apply for the Disabled Student Allowance when you complete your main student finance application. Tick the ‘Disabled Students’ Allowances’ box. You will then be posted another form to fill out along with instructions.

Find out more about Applying for student finance

Non-repayable

This is a benefit you can get if you need help getting around or looking after yourself because you are ill, disabled, or terminally ill.

Disability Living Allowance can be paid over and above Disabled Students’ Allowances or any other grant or loan.

Department for Work and Pensions

Direct Gov DLA Factsheet

Non-repayable

Incapacity Benefit is a benefit for people who are unable to work because of illness or disability.

If you already claim Incapacity Benefit you may be able to carry on receiving it as a student.

Your Incapacity Benefit will not be reduced if you receive the Disabled Students’ Allowances or any other grant or loan.

You can get more information about claiming this benefit while studying from Skill National Bureau for Disabled Students